Update: August 2026

1 Using Our Websites:

By using our website, you are accepting all the terms of this disclaimer notice. If you do not agree with anything in this notice, you should not use this website.

1.1 Warranties and Liability:

While every effort is made to ensure that the content of the website is accurate, the website is provided “as is” and neither Sierra Essence or British Ski Center make any representation or warranty in relation to the accuracy or completeness of the information found on it. While the content of this site is provided in good faith, we do not warrant that the information will be kept up to date, be true and not misleading, or that this site will always (or ever) be available for use.

We do not warrant that the servers that make the website available will be error, virus or bug free and you accept that it is your responsibility to make adequate provision for protection against such threats. We recommend scanning any files before downloading.

Nothing on the website should be taken to constitute professional advice or a formal recommendation and we exclude all representations and warranties relating to the content and use of these sites.

In no event will Sierra Essence or British Ski Center be liable for any incidental, indirect, consequential or special damages of any kind, or any damages whatsoever, including, without limitation, those resulting from loss of profit, loss of contracts, goodwill, data, information, income, anticipated savings or business relationships, whether or not advised of the possibility of such damage, arising out of or in connection with the use of these websites or any linked websites.

Exceptions: Nothing in this disclaimer notice excludes or limits any warranty implied by law for death, fraud, personal injury through negligence, or anything else which it would not be lawful for us to exclude.

1.2 Licence To Use These Websites:

By using this website, you agree to the exclusions and limitations of liability stated above and accept them as reasonable. Do not use the website if you do not agree that they are reasonable.
If any of the points in this disclaimer notice are found to be unenforceable under applicable law, this will have no bearing on the enforceability of the rest of the disclaimer notice.

Material on the website, including text and images, is protected by copyright law and is copyright to Sierra Essence and British Ski Center unless credited otherwise. It may not be copied, reproduced, republished, downloaded, posted, broadcast or transmitted in any way except for your own personal, non-commercial use.

Prior written consent of the copyright holder must be obtained for any other use of material. Copyright of all images on this site remains with the artist or copyright Service Provider at all times.

No part of this site may be distributed or copied for any commercial purpose or financial gain.

All intellectual property rights in relation to these websites are reserved and owned by Sierra Essence & British Ski Center.

1.3 Links to Other websites and Products:

Links to other websites are provided for the convenience of users. We are unable to provide any warranty regarding the accuracy or completeness of the content of such sites, or the reliability, quality or effectiveness of any products provided through external websites. A link to an external site does not imply an endorsement of the views, information or products provided or held by such websites.

Sierra Essence Holiday Booking Terms & Conditions

In the following booking conditions, “we”, “TSE” and/or “us” means Turismo Sierra Essence, referring hence to our registered company name; “You” means all persons named for any booking enquiry (including anyone who is added or substituted at a later date); “Service Provider(s)” or “Service Provider” means the Service Providers and/or manager(s)/agent(s)/supplier(s) offering their various services that we may feature on our website or email communications. “Arrangements” refer to anything that is not an accommodation related reservation that may include any or more of the following: lift pass pre-bookings; activities & transportation as advertised on our websites or via any other communication offered by TSE.

1 General

Sierra Essence’s liability to you is strictly limited to the reservation process of all services and products we offer as advertised on our websites. Our Service Providers are directly liable for the quality of the services received after the point of reservation. For all arrangements, your contract beyond the point of reservation will be with the Service Provider or Service Provider.

All terms and conditions of the Service Provider / Service Provider will apply to your booking.

1.1 Quotes & Fees

1.1.1 Prices:

All quoted prices in any email communication to you are in Euros unless expressly stipulated otherwise. Many Service Providers use “dynamic pricing” meaning the rates can alter from one day to another. Where prices alter between us sending you a quote and you confirming your desire to make the reservation, we will advise you of any such alterations before taking payment.

1.1.2 Accuracy

Any information and prices shown on our website are purely indicative and subject to change at any moment by the respective Service Provider. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the website and prices at the time of uploading such information, we cannot guarantee their complete accuracy. You must therefore ensure to check all details of your chosen holiday (including the price quoted by us in your confirmation email) at the time of booking.

1.1.3 Service fees:

As an intermediary booking agent, our commissions on the services we provide are minimal for which we apply the following administration fees according to the circumstance & service provided:

Ski passes – 5.00€ per pass, non-refundable, charged at the time of confirmation.
Accommodation – 30€ for cancellations only.
Transportation – 5% of the booking cost for cancellations only.

2 Reservations & Payments

2.1  Making a booking:

You should email sierraessence@skisierranevada.co.uk with full details of your accommodation preference(s) and/or any other arrangements, or by using our online Enquiry Form. In return we will send you the respective availabilities and/or costs. No confirmation of any service will be requested without your prior emailed request. Depending on the tariff condition provided it may be necessary to make the full payment upon your request for confirmation for which payment details will be provided by email. In all other cases, payment will be required by a specified date indicated on the booking confirmation that we will email you.

2.2  Terms Of Payment:

According to the service reserved, terms of payment varies as follows:

2.2.1 Accommodation reservations:

For “Flexible” bookings with a free cancelation period, payment will be taken 7 days prior to the expiry of the free cancelation period.,

For reservations with a “Non-Refundable” tariff, full payment will be required immediately and prior to Sierra Essence confirming your reservation.

2.2.2 Ski passes & transportation reservations:

Full payment will be required at the time of booking.

No reservation will be guaranteed without receipt of payment.

2.3 Payment Options

2.3.1 Card & Bank Transfer Payments:

We provide you with a secure payment link to make payment yourself. We also provide bank details as an alternative method for bank transfer payments.

2.3.2 Bank charges:

Occasionally, fees are charged to us for payments made from “non-Euro” accounts to our “Euro” account. This is not always made clear at the time of making payment. If in doubt, we recommend paying by card using our secure payment link. Fees charged have been in the region of 20-40€ for which you will be responsible for covering by card payment.

2.3.3 Data Protection & General Booking Terms:

All payments made to TSE are under the understanding that the client (you) have read through and are in agreement with all terms pertaining to your reservation.

2.4  Refunds

2.4.1 Bank Refunds

Any refund will be made by the same means as the original payment by the client. For bank transfers, we will require your account IBAN number and SWIFT details. Refunds paid back to non-euro accounts will be converted at the exchange rate provided by your own bank. We send the amount in Euros and your bank applies their conversion rate

2.4.2 For credit card refunds

TSE will issue the corresponding EURO amount due for refund and plays no part in any exchange rate involvement applied by your card issuer that may arise in you being credited with a different final sterling amount. NOTE: Where the original payment made is 3 or more months prior to the date of refund, the credit issuer does not permit reimbursement to your card for which we will refund you to a bank account of your choice on provision of your IBAN and SWIFT details.

3 Alterations By The Client:

Any amendments you make to your booking following the dispatch of our confirmation email, such as, increasing or reducing numbers of people in your party, make a room change, name change etc., will be carried out in accordance to the individual Service Provider’s reservation policy including possible supplementary fees.

4 Cancellation by the client:

If you wish to cancel your booking the party leader must notify us by email to: sierraessence@skisierranevada.co.uk.

Cancellation of your reserved service will only be made effective from the time we receive your emailed request for cancellation from hence we will request confirmation of cancelation by the respective Service Provider. Until we have received written confirmation of cancelation by the respective Service Provider, your reservation will remain confirmed.

We also ask that you call us after sending your email cancellation request to ensure that we have received it and avoid potential inconveniences that may occur to you or us should the email not reach us for whatever motive.

As an intermediary agent, TSE holds no influence over individual Service Provider cancellation policies although we may make requests on your behalf. TSE honours the cancellation terms of the respective Service Provider/Supplier.

5 Cancellation by the Service Provider:

In the unlikely event that the property and/or arrangement(s) you have booked cease to be available as reserved, and the Service Provider is unable to offer you an acceptable alternative, the Service Provider will reimburse you in full.

In this very unlikely situation, we shall endeavour to re-schedule any holidays and/or arrangements with the Service Provider concerned. If this is not possible our responsibility is limited thereof to intermediary communications between you and the Service Provider concerned, to negotiate a reasonable resolution.

We will be happy to intermediate in further correspondence between you to the Service Provider and vice versa to assist where language barriers may occur. TSE has no further liability in the matter or for any costs incurred.

6 Web Information:

We make every reasonable effort to ensure that descriptions supplied by Service Providers are accurately represented on our website, email communications, and verbally by phone. Services change sporadically from one season to another and information provided may become outdated if we are not informed but our Service Providers.

Differences between photographs and text and actual property/arrangements may occur. If we have been informed of material changes after your booking has been confirmed we will advise you before departure.

It is not feasible to inspect all accommodation options listed on our website regularly given the sheer numbers. For this, we rely on the respective Service Provider to inform us on any significant modifications to their properties on offer and to keep us as updated as possible.

We strive to keep you as informed as possible in accordance to your preferences to offer you the best options suited to your needs given our existing knowledge at the time of booking.

7 Self-Catering Apartments:

Self-catering accommodation is generally booked on the basis of the maximum sleeping capacity of the apartment and its generic location in the resort (see “Zones” below)

For accommodation within the ski resort of Sierra Nevada, the location is split into three generic areas or “Zones”: Top Zone, Mid Zone & Central Zone.

Roughly speaking the zones are divided as follows although subtle variations occur between different managing agencies along the perceived “dividing lines” between the areas:

7.1 Accommodation Zones

• Top Zone: Everything located upwards from the “Telefonica” bend above the “Piornos” apartment block
• Mid Zone: Everything above the “Monte Gorbea” building up to the “Los Piornos” apartment blocks
• Central Zone: Everything located from the “Monte Gorbea” building down to the central squares.

7.2 Categories:

Apartments in Sierra Nevada are generically categorised into Studios (bedsit style apartments) and 1, 2, 3 & 4 bedroom apartments of varying layouts.

7.3 Expectations:

Due to the multitude of apartment designs and layouts, these categorisations are provided as a generic guideline in terms of what to expect. Through our years of experience in Sierra Nevada we urge you to read the following carefully on points that may come as a surprise to visitors coming to the resort for the first time:

7.4 Quality of Apartments:

It is in our opinion that Sierra Nevada rarely provides “luxury” self-catering accommodation. We always recommend hotel accommodation to anyone who is looking for something “of quality” for their choice of accommodation.

Having said that, the general standard of accommodation has improved greatly in recent years with lots of renovations and refurbishments offering a larger range of comfortable options.  In addition to this, our long term working relationship with our service providers allows us to select the best options available for you.

By standard, all apartments come equipped with: either a full bath or shower room (a bathtub is not guaranteed), kitchenette (often open-plan with the living area), cutlery & crockery for basic catering requirements, microwave, electric hob (maybe only twin hob), fridge-freezer, SmartTV.

7.5 Kettles are not commonly provided!

7.6 Bedrooms:

In many apartment blocks there are areas separate from the main living space but not entirely “closed off”, in which a bunk (or single) bed has been placed and hence categorised as a “1 bedroom” apartment. This includes hallway’s which could be upon entry to the accommodation or an area created originally for access to another bedroom and/or bathroom. These areas may or may not have a closed-off division from the main living area but may nevertheless be categorised as a “bedroom”.

7.7 Beds:

Sleeping arrangements vary greatly from one apartment to another and many consist of any combination of double beds, single beds, bunk beds, low-level beds, z-beds and sofa-beds. Requests may be made for specific sleeping requirements although we are given no guarantees by the Service Provider.

7.8 Bunk Beds:

Due to the large variety of furnishings used by individual proprietors in self-catering units, we are unable to guarantee safety rails on the upper bunk beds.

7.9 Space:

Where apartments are rented out to their full capacity, storage space may be limited. Many of the newer buildings often have significantly smaller apartments than the older blocks. As such, we may recommend a lower maximum capacity to our clients for certain units that we know about in order to provide a more comfortable outcome for you. The older blocks are generally more spacious but occasionally more deteriorated in their décor and furnishings.

7.10 Hot Water:

Apartments are generally equipped with electric water heaters. Hot water capacity may be limited to feed several consecutive showers for all occupants and you should expect to have to wait after 2-3 consecutive showers for the water to heat up sufficiently. The hot water capacity does not cater for all occupants taking baths!

7.11 Parking:

This is often available for apartment rentals and should be requested at the time of booking. Parking may be subject to additional charges.

7.12 Photographs:

of many properties shown on the website are provided purely as an idea of what may be expected and, unless otherwise specified, in no way reflect the exact apartment that you may finally be allocated. Differences occur with decoration, furnishings and general room distribution thereby making it impossible to show all options. No photos are available other than those shown on the website.

7.13 Disturbances:

During High Season periods it is not uncommon to experience disturbances from other apartment occupants within the accommodation building. If the apartment in question has been let by the same agency, the occupants may be advised to keep the noise down in the future. In all other cases neither the rental agency nor TSE accepts responsibility. Most accommodation blocks do not have a night guard service unless indicated on the website.

7.14 Rental Agreements For Self-Catering Apartments:

In order for our clients to better understand Sierra Nevada reservation policy in relation to self-catering apartments, the following standard agreements are made between the property proprietor and the managing agency (not TSE):

When a proprietor agrees to let their apartment via an agency, their contract agreement typically allows them a period of between 10-20 days (particularly during high season periods and this may vary between agencies) to make any private reservations of their own. During other periods of the season and within reason they may even be within their right to reserve their apartment for private use right up to the last minute. For this reason, managing agencies tend to reserve self-catering accommodation on the sole basis of the zone location and sleeping capacity as indicated in point 10 above as opposed to allocating specific apartments. By not allocating a specific apartment, the agencies are able to prevent Client disappointment which could arise through prior expectations of a particular apartment should they have to make last minute changes.

7.15 Specific Accommodation Requests:

TSE has a unique position through years of close working relationships with various managing agencies to selectively offer specific units as advertised on our website. In spite of this and in line with the previous statement, our confirmation of availability and final reservation is always provided on the Client’s full understanding that amendments may still be made by the Service Provider in the event of unforeseen circumstances, such as maintenance issues, acts of God, sale of the property, individual proprietor amendments, damage caused by previous tenants etc. which may result in last minute re-allocations having to be made.

7.16 Modifications:

Where modifications are deemed necessary, TSE will make all efforts to ensure you are informed as soon as we are made aware of the situation by the respective Service Provider. Standard booking policy states that the Service Provider will make all efforts to source alternative accommodation according to the type and zone location initially requested. Neither the Service Provider nor TSE will be held responsible for any such amendments that may be deemed necessary for reasons mentioned in the above paragraph.

Where suitable alternative accommodation is unavailable at the time or an adequate solution is not found to a problem, TSE will assist clients on an intermediary basis with the Service Provider for a suitable solution. All authorised solutions are left entirely to the Service Provider unless TSE is found to be at fault with any of our intermediations in the booking process. Please see points 24 & 25 for further details.

7.17 Apartment Key Collection & Departure:

By standard policy, key collection is made between 17.00 – 20.00hrs on the day of your arrival. Departures are requested to be made by 10am. Failure to vacate on time may result in a surcharge up to the value of 1 night’s rental according to current rates at the time of departure.

On arrival, you may be required to sign a contract with the respective agency, pass on details of a credit card and/or make cash payment as a deposit to be held and returned on your departure subject to satisfactory checks in the apartment(s) contracted. You are requested to ensure that all furniture is left in a similar state and position as found on arrival; all crockery and cutlery is washed and stored; rubbish is dropped into the containers found along nearby roadsides, all used linen and towels should be piled in a heap and left in the bathroom and the key is left according to instruction by the relevant agency office or reception staff.

7.18 Late Arrivals & Supplements (Sierra Nevada Apartments Only):

You are requested to advise us at least 24 hours in advance on your estimated time of arrival so as to advise the respective managing agency. Arrivals after 20.00hrs may be subject to supplementary fees payable directly to the respective managing agency. These payments are usually required to be paid upon arrival in cash directly to the person who meets you.

8 Hotel Reservations: Arrival & Departure:

8.1 Check-in/check-out policy:

This varies from one establishment to another. Typically check-in is made from 4pm (with some exceptions to this being from 2pm) and check-out by 12 noon. Failure to vacate on time may result in a surcharge being applied up to the value of 1 night’s accommodation according to current rates at the time of departure. This will be charged for directly by the respective establishment’s reception staff.

8.2 Beds:

The terms “Double” & “Twin” are usually inter-exchanged as the same category of room. They are generally furnished with two single beds set side by side. Double beds are rarely provided except in rooms allocated specifically as “Single” where even here it may not be a full sized double bed. Where third and fourth beds are required, these may vary in forms from sofa-bed, bunk beds and pull-out beds etc. Hotels do vary in their choice of sleeping arrangements.

8.3 Facilities:

These vary greatly from one hotel to another and are not necessarily all included in the prices provided unless clearly stated in the quotation sent to you.

8.4 Parking:

Some hotels have private parking facilities which can only be booked on arrival subject to availability at the time.

8.5 Your Responsibilities:

Unless otherwise stated, a security deposit is often required for most self-catering accommodation to cover the cost of any damages and/or breakages and (where applicable) the cost of excess cleaning and other services incurred, and which are payable by you during your stay. Depending on the Service Provider, your credit card details or a cash deposit may be requested upon check-in. Cash deposits generally start from around 50€ or more per occupant and will be payable on arrival to the Service Provider directly

If no damage and/or costs as stated above have been caused and/or incurred by you, or you have settled the cost of these directly with the Service Provider before your departure from the property, any security deposit paid will be returned in full in accordance to the Service Providers policy.

Only those persons named on the booking form may use and stay at the property(s) booked. If the maximum number allowed at the property is exceeded without the prior agreement of the Service Provider, the Service Provider reserves the right to terminate the booking of the party in question at their sole discretion and with no refund issued

You must maintain the property in a similar condition to the time of your arrival, leaving it in a similar state of cleanliness, general order and repair in which you found it

Should you encounter any defects in your chosen accommodation, it your responsibility to make this known immediately to the managing agency/receptionist for them to resolve as soon as possible. Our in-resort staff are also available (at Intersport Rio Sport) for support in these situations if you have any complications. Please do not wait until after your trip to make a complaint in regard to any defects etc. Allow us the opportunity to resolve things as they happen to ensure you have as enjoyable a time as possible!

Should you be responsible for any of the equipment or furnishings in the property becoming lost or damaged or the property itself being damaged, you will be required to make immediate settlement directly with the Service Provider

9 Lift Passes

TSE contracts a local operator for the acquisition of lift passes. We require a minimum of 3 working days’ notice to process bookings. The earlier you book your passes, the more discount you get. Your lift pass booking is only confirmed once we have received full payment and you are in receipt of our Lift pass payment confirmation email.

Due to the “dynamic pricing” of the lift passes, if, once you have confirmed with us, the price should have altered from the initial price quoted and by up to 10% over the amount quoted, we will continue to take payment at the revised rate and subsequently advise you to avoid further increments. If you are not in agreement to this we ask you to notify us by email and we will authorise a full refund provided you are not within 72-hours of your first ski day. If the price has increased beyond 10% over the amount quoted, we will contact you first to ask for   your authorisation.

9.1  Lift Pass Terms Of Use:

The lift pass company has a habit of changing the Terms of Use without notice and applying the changes to passes already booked. Once you have booked your passes with us, we will contact you with any updates to the Terms of Use. TSE cannot be held responsible for changes made by the lift pass company and applied retrospectively. The current Terms of Use (as of January 2024) are as follows:

9.2 Lift Pass Modification:

If you need to modify your ski dates or the number of people skiing, we must cancel the entire booking and re-make it. If the lift passes have increased in price at the time of modification (due to the lift pass company’s policy of increasing prices closer to the first ski date) each pass will be charged at the new rate. You will be charged in full for the new booking. As soon as the lift pass company refunds us for the original booking, we will reimburse you accordingly.

9.3 Lift Pass Cancellation:

It is not possible to cancel individual passes within a booking. The entire booking must be cancelled and rebooked for the required number of people and at the current rates. Refunds are not made immediately and any payments made are not transferable to a new booking. TSE must wait for the lift pass company (Cetursa S.A.) to authorise and transfer the funds to us before we are able to reimburse you.

9.3.1 Cancellation up to 3 days before:

A full refund is available for cancellation up to 3 days before your first ski day. For example, a lift pass booking that starts on a Friday can be cancelled up to midday on Tuesday and be refunded in full without penalty.

9.3.2 Cancellation between 3 days before and midday the day before your first ski day:

Passes are refundable minus two admin. charges:

• 10€ per pass per day charged by the lift pass company and,
• 10€ per pass per day charged by TSE.

For example, a booking that starts on a Friday can be cancelled up to midday (Spanish time) on the Thursday with a full refund minus the admin fees.

9.4 Applying for a refund

Refunds are only available if you miss an entire* day’s skiing due to a) bad weather resulting in the closure of the lifts or b) injury** or illness.**

To apply for a refund, you must email us (liftpassrefunds@skisierranevada.co.uk) with clearly-scanned copies of the lift passes to be refunded. It is vital that the long identification number on each pass is legible. We must receive your email within a week of your last day*. On the email you should detail the number of passes included, how many adults/children and the exact dates you are claiming for. We will email you back with a confirmation of receipt. For any doubts, please contact us on the numbers indicated on your booking confirmation emails.

We cannot request any reimbursement without emailed receipt of your scanned passes. Refunds are calculated by the lift pass company and the final total will include the deduction of any relevant admin fees as described in these terms & conditions. All discounted passes, i.e. “benjamin”, “senior plus” and “disabled” passes are non-refundable.

*If your last day skiing is after the 20th April, we require you to email us immediately in order to request the refund from the lift pass company before the end of the ski season.

Whether you cancel your booking outright or require a refund for days not skied during ayour trip, the refund is not immediate and entirely dependent on the administration process carried out by the lift pass company, Cetursa S.A. who must first review and then authorise the motive and amount for reimbursement. Once they have established this, they then transfer the funds to TSE. On receipt of these funds, we are able to reimburse you. Please expect refunds to take several weeks and in some cases months to be issued.

Refunds are only made for entire days missed. The use of any lift, even just once, means the lift pass company will not issue a refund. Please note that whilst the main ski lifts may be closed, the village access Parador chairlift may be operational. By using this lift in spite of there being no skiing, you relinquish your right to a refund.

When the lifts have been closed due to severe weather conditions but then reopen later in the day, no refund will be issued if you decide not to ski, unless the lift pass company specifically advertises to the contrary on its website.

Refunds for entire days missed due to injury or illness can only be applied for with a doctor’s letter and are not guaranteed. A doctor’s note can be obtained from the Medical Centre in the resort (located on the piste at the base of the Al-Andalus gondola) and should be handed to us together with the pass/es for which you require a refund.

Our service fee that TSE charges is non-refundable

TSE has no influence on the final amounts authorised for refund by the lift pass company, Cetursa S.A. Neither are we liable for any additional costs you may incur in the process.

10 Transportation:

TSE uses registered chauffeured transport services & bus companies for transfers to/from the Client’s accommodation.

You will be met by the driver who will have a sign with the Booking Name written on it. Ensure you have your transfer confirmation document with you in the event it is requested by the driver.

TSE holds no liability regarding any issues that may arise during the transfer but will assist in passing on any correspondence to the transportation company involved.

10.1 Cancellation Policy:

Full refunds will be authorised for any cancellations made up to 48 hours of your transfer date. Refunds for cancellations within this period are left to the discretion of the respective transport company. TSE will retain an administration fee of 5% of the booking cost.

11 Creche / Snow Garden (Sierra Nevada):

We do not provide a booking service for this, but we do offer contact information on our website on the child-care services available for you to make contact directly. Sierra Nevada has a Creche located in the Plaza de Andalucia at the base of the Al-Andalus gondola whilst, up in the central ski area of Borreguiles, there is the “Dreamland” snow garden facility. Both entities are independent businesses for which you will need to contact either or both individually depending on your requirements.

12 Ski / Snowboard Equipment Hire:

Through years of working closely with Intersport Rio Sport, we offer special discounts on their ski/snowboard equipment when making a booking with us. TSE accepts no responsibility for any issues that may arise in relation to your equipment and/or services received by the shop although our staff will happily aid in any intermediation that may be deemed necessary. You are entirely responsible for your equipment once you have rented it until the moment you return it at the end of your stay. Any damage to or loss of equipment may be charged for at the discretion of the shop management. TSE recommends taking out ski insurance that would cover any loss/theft of equipment. Rio Sport also offers their own insurance option to cover this unlikely, although potential, eventuality.

All payments for equipment hire will be paid directly via the shops website and/or shop staff.

Where “Children” are concerned, equipment is provided on the basis of the size of the ski or snowboard required and their corresponding boot bindings rather than the actual age of the child. Typically speaking a child ski goes up to 140cms and a child snowboard, 120cms. The bindings on the child ski or snowboard will also only serve up to a maximum foot size. If your child has a larger foot and hence needs a larger boot, then they may need an adult ski or snowboard to suit. Helmets are highly recommended to rent especially for children!

13 Air Transport:

We do not sell or make available for sale or process the sale of flights. Any contract you have in respect of flights will be with the flight provider concerned.

14 Personal Travel Insurance:

You are strongly recommended to take out personal travel insurance. We do not currently offer any form of travel insurance to you. It is your responsibility to ensure that the insurance you purchase is adequate and appropriate for your particular needs. Please read your policy details and take them on holiday with you. We cannot accept any responsibility in the event that you have failed to arrange travel insurance.

15 Complaints:

As an Intermediary agent for all service enquiry & reservations arranged, TSE does not accept responsibility for the final quality of products and services provided by our Service Providers. Please see clause 1 above.

If you have a complaint regarding a property and/or arrangements you have booked you must first inform the responsible Service Provider immediately – do not wait until you return home to do this! If you are unable to contact the Service Provider whilst at the property or during a particular arrangement with your complaint, please contact our in-resort representative during their working hours whereupon we will endeavour to assist you with any issues. If, after that, you feel that the problem has not been resolved, you should write to us telling us about your complaint within 7 days of returning from your holiday.

We will forward your written complaint to the Service Provider and pass on any response from the Service Provider to you. It is your responsibility to take the complaint up with the Service Provider directly unless we are at fault in any of our intermediations in the actual booking process.

If you have any complaints regarding any other services we provide (as opposed to any provided by the Service Provider), you must inform us straight away in writing and in any event within 7 days of the end of any arrangements booked through us.

16 Liability:

As an Intermediary agent arranging services and products by our collaborating Service Providers, we do not accept any liability for any act(s) or omission(s) of the Service Provider or anyone representing, or employed by, the Service Provider. Furthermore, we do not accept any liability for any shortcomings or defects with or in any property as all properties are within the sole control of their respective Service Providers.

We do not accept any liability if we are not so notified of any particular issue arising with your arrangements. Our maximum liability to you if we are found to be at fault in relation to any service we provide (as opposed to any service provided by a third party such as an Service Provider for whom we are not responsible) is limited to the commission we have earned or are due to earn in relation to the booking in question. We do not exclude or limit any liability for death or personal injury which arises as a result of our negligence or that of our employees whilst acting in the course of their employment and as such will be dealt with in accordance to procedures established via our Public Liability insurance cover.

17 Contact

Turismo Sierra Essence S.L.
CIF: B19650746
C/Pico del Goteron 7, 18160 Güejar Sierra, Spain
https://www.skisierranevada.co.uk
sierraessence@skisierranevada.co.uk

British Ski Center Booking Terms & Conditions

In the following booking conditions “we”, “BSC” and/or “us” means British Ski Center and “You” means all persons named on the booking form (including anyone who is added or substituted at a later date). Any monies paid to us for any booking imply your full agreement and understanding of the following:

1 Booking details:

You are responsible in ensuring that all details provided on our booking confirmation emails are correct. For any discrepancies or doubts you should email immediately: info@britishskicenter.co.uk. We accept no responsibility for any oversights or errors found later on your booking confirmation documentation that subsequently affects the tuition received.

2 Booking verification:

Your reservation will be held for a stipulated period of grace subject to receipt of payment (either a holding deposit or the full amount subject to the time of booking in relation to your first lesson. Failure to make payments by the stipulated dates on our email confirmations, will result in automatic cancellation of the booking.

3 Skiing / Snowboarding Abilities:

Where more than 1 person takes part in any class (private or group), it is the responsibility of all taking part to ensure that their respective levels of skiing/snowboarding are indicated during the booking process to ensure that everyone is of a similar standard. We provide a guide on our website to help you ascertain your levels to ensure relative uniformity between all members of the class.

Where differences in levels occur at the outset of the lesson, as a result of receiving incorrect information, the instructor may only teach on terrain suitable for the lower-level skiers/boarders.

This may consequently reduce the level of progression for others in the class of a higher level.

In the event of significant differences, a second instructor may be required (subject to availability) and at extra cost.

4 Children & Adults:

As a general rule we always teach children (especially young children) separately from adults due to difference in teaching techniques, learning & physical capacities and to minimise distractions.

Young children in particular become distracted by having parents or other adult family members with them in a class thereby limiting the amount of progression they make and reducing their overall enjoyment of the class. If young children are combined with older children or adults, this will also slow the whole process down for everyone else in the class due to the added attention they need. Where bookings are made irrespective of this advice, we accept no responsibility for issues that may arise as a result.

5 “Tiny Tots”:

For particularly young children (up to 4yrs) we generally recommend starting off on a one-to-one private tuition basis. Under no circumstances should they be combined in a lesson with another adult family member.

6 Our Instructors:

6.1 English speaking:

We strive to ensure that if our contracted instructors are not native English speaking, they do at least hold high levels of English speaking being accustomed to speaking English on a regular basis.

Since Brexit, acquiring native English (British in particular) instructors has become particularly difficult as a result of work permit limitations. However, we are fortunate enough to have been blessed with some fantastic European passport holders and dual-nationality instructors to complement our team.

6.2 Adhoc Instructors:

During particularly busy periods, (e.g. Christmas/New Year & February half term weeks), we often sub-contract instructors from other ski schools or freelance. Where this occurs, we ensure that only the best English speaking and professional instructors available are sourced based fundamentally on our personal acquaintance with them.

We make no further guarantees relating to their actual language fluency beyond the fact that they all have good experience teaching in English.

6.3 Requesting Instructors:

When you make a reservation, you will not be confirmed your actual instructor unless you specifically request someone by name. We can only provisionally confirm anyone who is contracted with BSC. For other instructors who are not contracted with BSC but who may have collaborated with us, we cannot make any such guarantee.

In any case, we reserve the right to change any instructor requested and without prior notice to resolve any demand requirements and/or the event of illness or other such situations resulting in the instructor not being able to take the class.

6.4 Uniforms:

Our uniforms consist of predominantly blue ski jackets and pants printed with the “British Ski Center” logo and “Instructor” as well as the same logo on our right lapel and our ski pants. Our Office contact number is +34 670 461330.

7 Private Tuition:

7.1 Definition:

A “one-on-one” class for up to 5 people (your own friend/family unit) with your own instructor. Each participant should be of similar abilities. By standard you will be taught on a “per 2-hour session” basis although bespoke packages can be arranged to vary on the number of hours you require. A private class means that only you and those you know will be in the class and no-one else.

7.2 Tuition Sessions:

By standard, our lessons run in sessions of 2-hours which is an adequate timeframe to make notable progression in any single class. For larger class sizes of 3 – 5 people, it is often perceived as more beneficial to take a 3-hour session or even two sessions of 2-hours with a break in between.  Our website provides more details on tuition options available.

8 Group Tuition:

8.1 Definition:

A class that requires a minimum number of people (usually 6 or 7) to run with one instructor. We do our best to make up the minimum numbers as and when group tuition is requested. People taking part in group tuition do not necessarily know the other group members. These commonly take place during the February half term weeks and occasionally at Easter.

8.2 Periods:

These tend to occur around the February half term periods when there is more guarantee of meeting minimum numbers due to the increased level of demand. We will happily attempt to formulate groups during other periods of the season although we cannot make any guarantee on meeting the minimum numbers.

8.3 February half term groups:

These consist of 5 days of tuition running strictly from Monday to Friday with 3 hours of tuition per day (typically between 11am-2pm). Minimum of 6 people required to run any group. Maximum group sizes are intended not to exceed 8 people in any one group. Under special circumstances and in the aim of keeping all groups as even as possible in terms of the level of skiing / snowboarding, we may deem it necessary to exceed this limit if other instructors are unavailable.

8.4 Groups during other periods:

We can offer bespoke group tuition packages on a flexible basis during other periods of the ski season, also consisting of 3 hours tuition per day and also subject to meeting minimum numbers. Maximum group sizes are intended not to exceed 8-10 people in any one group. Under special circumstances and in the aim of keeping all groups as even as possible in terms of the level of skiing / snowboarding, we may deem it necessary to exceed this limit.

8.5 Group Minimum Numbers:

If, as a result of cancellations, lack of interest or misleading information we receive from you or other clients relating to previous ski/snowboarding experience(s), the numbers are not met, we reserve the right to make such amendments as, for example, reducing the number of daily hours given in order to ensure that tuition is guaranteed to those who have booked whilst at the same time covering our costs.

8.6 Group levels:

All efforts are made to ensure that levels of skiing / snowboarding within any group are similar. As numbers increase within a group this is harder to guarantee. Our initial groupings are based entirely on information you provide us about your previous experience and that of any other person taking part under your booking. If this is misleading in any way it could disrupt the grouping procedure and hence everyone’s progression and enjoyment. For this reason, we provide a guide on our tuition options page on our website that we recommend you use in order to give us a more accurate idea. It is possible you feel you fall into more than one category for which we urge you to include each category.

Where spaces & instructors are available, we are able to move people between groups in further efforts to equalise the levels. At other times this is not possible due to either a lack of appropriate group or instructors available and we accept no liability for this.

In all cases you understand and accept that people progress at different speeds for many different reasons far beyond our control thereby potentially creating imbalances among a group. Our instructors are trained to work at maintaining as much balance possible within the group in attempts to avoid these situations.

9 Guiding:

A designated period for an instructor to “lead” people on a reconnaissance trip covering certain areas of the ski terrain according to the general abilities among the skier(s)/snowboarder(s) involved. The principal idea is to effectively give you a clearer insight into the layout of the ski terrain, it’s short-cuts to/from certain areas, where to avoid the crowds during peak periods, where to eat/snack, special viewpoints, hard/easy runs etc… For Guiding we recommend a minimum of a 3-hour session in order to take advantage of visiting the principal areas and/or access points.

10 Payments:

10.1 Booking Deposit & Balance payments:

50% of the total booking is required to confirm any tuition reservation. You will be emailed a payment link to do this.

Full payment will be taken where bookings are made within 7 days of your first lesson. See the following section regarding our cancelation policy.

Balance payments are to be made no later than 7 days prior to your first lesson. We will email you in advance of this.

Card Payments: We will send you a secure payment link to make payment.

Bank Transfers: This option is only available for bookings due to commence in 14 days or longer. Within this timeframe, we will send you a payment link to pay by card.

WE DO NOT ACCEPT ANY CHARGES OR SHARED FEES. Our account is Euro-denominated. When making an international payment transfer it is essential that no fees are charged to us. Some clients’ banks charge 20€ or 30€ without explicitly stating so when a transfer is made. If you are in any doubt, we recommend you consult first with your bank or you pay by debit/credit card as we will require an additional payment from you if a transfer fee has been deducted from the total due. Please put your ‘booking name’ as a reference on the payment and email us the transfer receipt.

Please call (+34) 670 461330 if you have any difficulty making payment deadlines.

11 Cancellation, modification & refunds:

11.1 General cancellation policy:

Once confirmed and paid, you are expected to take part in the lessons reserved or at least find a suitable replacement to fill your timeslot(s).

11.1.1 Cancellations made:

· Up to 72 hours (3 days) prior to the first lesson date (9am):

Your pre-payment is fully refundable or transferable to a future date within the same season.

· Between 48-25 hours prior to 9am of the first date for your lesson:

50% of the total booking cost will be withheld, unless we are able to fill in the respective timeslot(s) with other clients. This amount will be kept as credit for use towards a future booking either during the current season or the following one.

· Within 24 hours of the morning of the first lesson date (9am):

The full booking cost will be withheld unless we are able to fill in the respective timeslot(s) with other clients.

For the peak periods (Christmas/New Year / February half term), cancellations made:

· Up to 96 hours (4 days) of first lesson date (9am):

Your pre-payment is fully refundable or transferable to a future date within the same season.

· Within 72 hours prior to your first lesson date (9am):

Your payment will be withheld, unless we are able to fill in the respective timeslot(s) with other clients.

11.2  Modifications:

· Rescheduling without reducing the number of hours: NO CHARGE.

· Reduction of  hours by up to 50%: NO CHARGE.

Reduction of hours by over 50% (made within 72hrs of Day 1): 5€ PER HOUR CANCELLED (FROM 50%)

· Modifications are subject to instructor availability.

11.3 No Shows:

Irrespective of the reason, not showing for a lesson will result in the loss of all payments made.

12 Refunds:

Reimbursements will be made via the same method used for making the original payment* Where bank transfers are concerned this may be subject to charges applied in the process which are out of our control.

Where card payments are concerned and more than 3 months have passed since the original payment was made, we may be obliged to make payment to you by bank transfer or, if preferred, we can hold the funds on credit for a future booking either during the current season or during the following one.

Once confirmed and paid, you are obliged to take part in the classes or at least find a suitable replacement to fill your slot. The full amount will be withheld in either case.

12.1 Lift Closure/Poor Weather Conditions:

In the event of adverse weather conditions resulting in the closure of the ski lifts, British Ski Center will endeavour to re-allocate your classes at a later time or on subsequent day(s) according to existing availability of instructors at the time. This may mean a change of instructor for some of the periods.

Where ski school group lessons are concerned, refunds will only be issued where 3 or more hours’ tuition are lost. This will be calculated on a pro-rata basis of the total hours contracted.

Where the ski lifts are operational in spite of poor weather conditions, all classes will continue as scheduled. The decision by the client to abstain from classes due to poor weather does not entitle them to a refund of any kind although, subject to circumstances and where available, classes may be postponed/re-scheduled to an alternative day/time.

12.2 Accidents / Sickness:

In the event of an accident or sickness resulting in you having to cancel any of your classes, you are required to notify us immediately (and at least 2 hours before your next lesson) with a valid medical report. Refunds for cancellations made hence within 24 hours of your next private tuition will only be issued if we are able to fill in the time slot(s) cancelled. Refunds for Group tuition will only be issued subject to minimum numbers being retained for the remaining period of the group period.

12.3 Children:

Younger children often require a break during a class due to the effects of the local climate and high altitude. If they have not eaten or drunk anything for a while prior to their lesson, these effects can be magnified significantly. We provide no refunds for any breaks having to be taken as this simply caters to the welfare of your child thereby maximizing their progression and overall enjoyment of their lesson.

We recommend you put a snack in their pockets for the lesson and ensure they have had plenty of water beforehand.

Protective equipment is vital for anyone and especially young children: factor 50 sun screen, quality eyewear, warm clothing for cold weather; breathable outer clothing for the hotter periods etc.

13 Complaints:

In the event you are dissatisfied with any aspect of your tuition received, we urge you to let us know immediately, in person at either of our office bases in Borreguiles or at Intersport Rio Sport (located in the Plaza de Andalucia), so that we may look into the matter and offer a suitable resolution during your stay. Alternatively, you may contact our office number on: +34 670 461330 between 9am and 6pm or email info@britishskicenter.co.uk.

We accept no liability, except purely as a source of feedback, for complaints received more than 48 hours after the tuition has been taken.

Where situations have no solution and British Ski Center is clearly at fault, we will offer a full refund for any tuition lost.

14 Meeting point(s):

Our lessons start in the ski area of “Borreguiles”, at the top of the Al-Andalus gondola. On exiting the building , you will be faced with the snowy scene of “Borreguiles” and the nursery slopes. Our office is located around to the left of the building where you will find a number of ski school offices.  Ours is the 6^th door along from the corner of the building with our BSC logo above the door.

Please note that if you take the “Borreguiles” Gondola instead of the “Al-Andalus”, upon exit from the gondola itself, take the two escalators to exit the building onto the main terrace of the Borreguiles restaurant. Cross the terrace, heading right, towards the neighbouring building where you will be faced with the ski school offices aforementioned.

Important: Both Gondolas take around 7-10 minutes, (not including queue times!). Please allow plenty of time to get to our meeting point in advance of your classes. We make no guarantees to be able to recuperate time lost due to arriving late. Out of peak season, we recommend allowing 30 minutes for this. During peak season 60 minutes.

15 Contact:

We are based in the Intersport Rio Sport equipment hire shop located 30m from the Al-Andalus gondola entrance. Please be sure to ask for the British Ski Center so as to avoid confusion with the shop’s own Spanish ski school. During the ski season (November to end of April), our office contact number is: +34 670 461330. All of our contact numbers and email addresses are displayed on our website: www.britishskicenter.co.uk. In the event of an emergency or you require an out-of-season contact please dial: +34 646 178406.

Sierra Essence Ski & Mountain Center 2006 S.L.
CIF: B18803262
C/Pico del Goteron 7, 18160 Güejar Sierra, Spain
https://www.britishskicenter.co.uk
info@britishskicenter.co.uk