Snowbusters FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers about booking, travel, skiing and snowboarding, accommodation, and preparing for your trip.
General
18 questions
How can I sign up for particular event, dates?
You can sign up for specific events and dates through our online booking system. Simply browse our available trips, select your preferred dates, and complete the registration process. Early booking is recommended as popular trips fill up quickly.
Can I come on my own?
Absolutely! Many of our participants join trips solo and make lifelong friendships. Our groups are welcoming and inclusive, making it easy to connect with fellow snow enthusiasts who share your passion for the mountains.
Is it possible to book a particular trip for different dates and organize it exclusively for myself?
Yes, we offer private group bookings and can customize trips for specific dates. Contact us directly to discuss your requirements, group size, and preferred dates. Private trips may have different pricing and minimum group size requirements.
How do I get there?
Transportation arrangements vary by destination. We provide detailed travel information including recommended flights, meeting points, and local transportation options. Some trips include airport transfers, while others require you to arrange your own transport to the meeting point.
Is accommodation and local transport included in price?
Yes, accommodation and local transport during the trip are included in most of our packages. This includes daily transport to ski areas, lifts, and mountain huts. International flights and transport to the meeting point are typically not included unless specifically stated.
Will someone pick me up from the airport?
Airport pickup is included in some trips and available as an optional service for others. Check your specific trip details or contact us to arrange airport transfers. We'll provide you with all necessary contact information and meeting instructions.
Can I extend my trip?
Yes, many participants choose to extend their stay to explore the region further. We can help you arrange additional accommodation and activities. Extended stays are at your own expense and arrangement, but we're happy to provide recommendations.
What is the minimum skill requirement for this trip?
Skill requirements vary by trip type. We offer programs for all levels from beginners to advanced riders. Check the specific trip description for skill requirements. Our guides will assess your abilities and ensure you're in the appropriate group for your safety and enjoyment.
How many days are we skiing or snowboarding?
The number of skiing/snowboarding days varies by trip length and destination. Most trips include 4-6 active days on the slopes, with some rest days for recovery or alternative activities. Check your specific trip itinerary for exact details.
What are the accommodations like?
We use a variety of accommodations depending on the trip, including mountain huts, chalets, hotels, and guesthouses. All accommodations are carefully selected for comfort, location, and authentic mountain atmosphere. Shared rooms are standard, with private room options sometimes available.
Can solo travelers get their own room/tent?
Private rooms may be available for an additional supplement, subject to availability. We'll do our best to accommodate single room requests, but this isn't always possible in mountain huts or during peak seasons. Contact us when booking to discuss options.
Are there any age restrictions?
Most trips welcome participants aged 18 and above. Some family-friendly trips accept younger participants when accompanied by adults. Specific age requirements are listed in individual trip descriptions. Contact us for youth or family trip options.
Is food provided?
Most trips include breakfast and dinner, with lunch often available at mountain restaurants (at your own expense). We accommodate dietary restrictions and preferences when possible - please inform us during booking. Meal arrangements vary by destination and accommodation type.
How much extra money should people budget?
Budget €30-50 per day for lunches, drinks, souvenirs, and personal expenses. Additional costs may include equipment rental, lift passes (if not included), and optional activities. We provide a detailed expense breakdown with your trip information.
What gear do I need to bring?
Essential gear includes appropriate ski/snowboard clothing, helmet, goggles, and personal items. Equipment rental (skis, snowboards, boots) is available at most destinations. We provide a comprehensive packing list with your trip confirmation, including recommended gear and optional items.
Should I purchase travel insurance? If so, do you have a recommended provider?
We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance covering trip cancellation, medical expenses, and winter sports activities. Many standard policies exclude skiing/snowboarding, so ensure your policy specifically covers winter sports. We can recommend suitable providers upon request.
Is the trip guaranteed?
Trips are confirmed once minimum group sizes are met, typically 2-4 weeks before departure. In rare cases of insufficient bookings or extreme weather conditions, we may need to reschedule or cancel. We'll notify you immediately and offer alternative dates or full refunds.
Can I cancel the trip?
Yes, you can cancel your booking. Cancellation terms depend on how far in advance you cancel. Please refer to our terms and conditions for detailed cancellation policies and refund schedules. We highly recommend travel insurance to protect your investment.
Alps Ski Vacations
14 questions
Is Level 3 my level?Answer varies by trip
You ski parallel on red runs and want blacks, speed and variable snow under control. If reds are still a stretch, the Level 2 Edge Up camp is for you. Instructors, racers and very strong skiers can ask about Level 4 Apex.
Ski Technique Command Camp — Level 3 · Command – Advanced Camp
You ski parallel on red runs and want blacks, speed and variable snow under control. If reds are still a stretch, the Level 2 Edge Up camp is for you. If you are an instructor, racer or very strong skier, ask us about Level 4 Apex.
How many people are in the group?Answer varies by trip
Ski Technique Command Camp, Ski Technique Edge Up Camp
At least 3 and at most 7 skiers, all at the same level.
Ski Technique Command Camp — Level 3 · Command – Advanced Camp, Ski Technique Edge Up Camp — Level 2 · Edge Up – Intermediate Camp
At least 3 and at most {capacity} skiers, all at the same level.
Is this only hard training?Answer varies by trip
Ski Technique Command Camp, Ski Technique Edge Up Camp
No. It is intensive, but our coaches keep it relaxed and fun while pushing your technique.
Ski Technique Command Camp — Level 3 · Command – Advanced Camp, Ski Technique Edge Up Camp — Level 2 · Edge Up – Intermediate Camp, Snowbusters Ski Technique Performance Program
No. It is intensive and physically demanding, but skiing is still about fun. Our coaches keep it relaxed, interesting and enjoyable while pushing your technique.
Ski Technique Performance Program
No. It is intensive and physically demanding, but skiing is still about fun.
Do I need my own skis?Answer varies by trip
Ski Technique Command Camp, Ski Technique Edge Up Camp
No. You can rent locally and we are happy to recommend shops. Well-fitted boots make the biggest difference.
Ski Technique Command Camp — Level 3 · Command – Advanced Camp, Ski Technique Edge Up Camp — Level 2 · Edge Up – Intermediate Camp
No. You can rent equipment locally and we are happy to recommend shops. Well-fitted boots make the biggest difference.
Do I need avalanche equipment?Answer varies by trip
No. This is a technique camp in the ski resort, not a freeride course.
No. This camp stays on groomed pistes.
Ski Technique Performance Program
No. This is a technique program, not a freeride course. Level 4 may use side-piste, but no avalanche equipment is needed.
Snowbusters Ski Technique Performance Program
No. This is a technique program, not a freeride course. Level 4 may use side-piste for bumps and deep snow, but no avalanche equipment is needed.
Can you run it on other dates or for my group?
Yes. All levels of the Ski Technique Performance Program are available on request anywhere in the Alps.
Applies to: Ski Technique Command Camp, Ski Technique Edge Up Camp
Will there be enough snow in December?
Yes. The Kitzsteinhorn glacier above Kaprun has snow early in the season, and we move between Kaprun, Zell am See and Saalbach to ski where conditions are best.
Applies to: Ski Technique Command Camp, Ski Technique Edge Up Camp
Is Level 2 my level?Answer varies by trip
You are comfortable on blue runs and want real parallel turns and the step to red. If you are unsure on blues, ask us about Level 1. If you already ski parallel on reds, the Level 3 Command camp is for you.
Ski Technique Edge Up Camp — Level 2 · Edge Up – Intermediate Camp
You are comfortable on blue runs and want real parallel turns and the step to red. If you are still unsure on blues, ask us about Level 1. If you already ski parallel on reds, the Level 3 Command camp is for you.
Which level should I pick?Answer varies by trip
Ski Technique Performance Program
Go by what you can ski comfortably today. If you feel in between, tell us in your enquiry and we will recommend the right level.
Snowbusters Ski Technique Performance Program
Go by what you can ski comfortably today, not by what you hope to ski. If you feel in between, or your confidence sits higher or lower than your actual skills, tell us in your enquiry and we will recommend the right level.
Where does it run?Answer varies by trip
Ski Technique Performance Program
Anywhere in the Alps. Salzburger Land in Austria and the Jungfrau Region in Switzerland are our preferred areas.
Snowbusters Ski Technique Performance Program
Anywhere in the Alps. Salzburger Land in Austria and the Jungfrau Region in Switzerland are our preferred areas, but tell us where you want to ski and we will make it work.
How does the price work?Answer varies by trip
Ski Technique Performance Program
Coaching starts from €550 per day. The final price depends on days, group size and level, and we confirm it before anything is booked.
Snowbusters Ski Technique Performance Program
Coaching starts from €550 per day. The final price depends on the number of days, group size and level, and we confirm it with you before anything is booked.
Are there fixed dates?
Yes. Level 2 Edge Up and Level 3 Command run as fixed-date 5-day camps. All levels are available on request.
Applies to: Ski Technique Performance Program
Can snowboarders join?
This program is for skiers. Snowboarders can join our off-piste and freeride trips.
Applies to: Ski Technique Performance Program
I have never stood on skis. Can I join Level 1?
We recommend at least two days on skis before Level 1. If you cross-country ski or ice skate well, talk to us and we will consider it.
Applies to: Ski Technique Performance Program
Explore Backcountry
19 questions
What level do I need?Answer varies by trip
DEEP & STEEP: Freeride Touring Camp
Freeride level F2 to F3: you already ride off-piste and are comfortable in varied snow. Some familiarity with avalanche gear and touring equipment helps.
The Accursed Powder Traverse: HUT to HUT
Touring level T1 to T2 and freeride level F2 to F3. You need previous touring experience and the fitness for 800 to 1,200m of ascent a day with a pack, several days in a row.
How much uphill is there?
We use lifts plus short skinning. 3 to 5 hours of uphill is the absolute maximum on the biggest day, not every day. Conditions and the group decide.
Applies to: DEEP & STEEP: Freeride Touring Camp
Who guides?Answer varies by trip
DEEP & STEEP: Freeride Touring Camp, Intro to Ski Touring & Splitboarding
A UIAGM mountain guide or a local ski guide (Skiführer).
The Accursed Powder Traverse: HUT to HUT
A Snowbusters guide plus a local guide who knows the range.
Can snowboarders join?
Yes, on a splitboard.
Applies to: DEEP & STEEP: Freeride Touring Camp, Intro to Ski Touring & Splitboarding, The Accursed Powder Traverse: HUT to HUT
Can I rent touring gear?
Yes, or use the DOWN demo, if agreed in advance.
Applies to: DEEP & STEEP: Freeride Touring Camp
Is accommodation included?Answer varies by trip
DEEP & STEEP: Freeride Touring Camp
No. We can find basic shared accommodation for the group unless you arrange your own.
Intro to Ski Touring & Splitboarding
No. We can help arrange it for the group on request.
I'm booking alone. What if the date doesn't fill?
If a date doesn't fill, we move the date, offer another trip or turn it into private guiding.
Applies to: DEEP & STEEP: Freeride Touring Camp, Intro to Ski Touring & Splitboarding
Can you run it elsewhere or for my group?
Yes. Send us an enquiry with your dates, group size and level.
Applies to: DEEP & STEEP: Freeride Touring Camp, Intro to Ski Touring & Splitboarding
Do I need touring experience?
No. You need to be a confident resort skier or snowboarder on red and black pistes. We start from zero.
Applies to: Intro to Ski Touring & Splitboarding
Do I need my own gear?
No. Touring gear and avalanche equipment can be rented, or the DOWN demo used, if agreed in advance.
Applies to: Intro to Ski Touring & Splitboarding
What are the huts like?
Basic but genuine mountain huts and guesthouses. Each route page lists what is provided, such as bedding, food and showers.
Applies to: The Accursed Powder Traverse: HUT to HUT
Does the route always stay the same?
No. The route and the order of huts can change with the snow, the weather and the group.
Applies to: The Accursed Powder Traverse: HUT to HUT
Is it safe in remote terrain?
Your guides assess the snowpack every day and choose the line. Every group member must carry avalanche gear and be able to do a companion rescue.
Applies to: The Accursed Powder Traverse: HUT to HUT
Can you build a hut-to-hut trip elsewhere?
Yes. Send us an enquiry with your dates, group size and the range you have in mind.
Applies to: The Accursed Powder Traverse: HUT to HUT
How fit do I need to be?
Fit enough for five touring days in a row with 800 to 1,400m of ascent a day, and still able to ski well on the way down. If you tour regularly in the Alps at that level, you are ready.
Applies to: The Svaneti Skyline
How much touring experience do I need?
This is not a first touring trip. You should have toured before, be confident with kick turns and transitions, and ride variable off-piste snow in control. If you have never toured, start with our Intro to Ski Touring & Splitboarding.
Applies to: The Svaneti Skyline
Is the programme fixed?
No. The first ski day is at Tetnuldi. After that the guide plans day by day and picks the best tour for the weather, the snow and the group.
Applies to: The Svaneti Skyline
How do I get there?
Fly to Kutaisi (KUT). The shared transfer to Mestia is included and takes around five hours by road. Flights are not included.
Applies to: The Svaneti Skyline
Can splitboarders join?
Yes. Splitboarders are welcome, with the same fitness and experience requirements.
Applies to: The Svaneti Skyline
Technique Master-Class
19 questions
What level do I need?
You should be a Black rider: comfortable on black pistes, controlling your speed and linking turns. The course suits freeride levels F1 to F2.
Applies to: BEYOND THE GROOMERS: Off-Piste Technique
Can snowboarders join?Answer varies by trip
BEYOND THE GROOMERS: Off-Piste Technique
Yes. The course is for skiers and snowboarders.
Performance Prep: Downski Edition
Yes, for the full coaching and video programme. The demo gear is skis only for now.
Performance Prep: Downski Edition — Kaprun
Yes, for the full coaching and video programme. The demo gear is skis only for now; we are working on adding snowboard demos.
Do I need avalanche equipment?Answer varies by trip
BEYOND THE GROOMERS: Off-Piste Technique
No. This is a technique course. We stay out of avalanche terrain, do no touring and no avalanche training, so beacon, shovel and probe are not needed.
Performance Prep: Downski Edition
No. We ride lift-access terrain: groomers plus moguls and broken snow beside the piste. No off-piste or avalanche terrain. A helmet is mandatory.
How big is the group?Answer varies by trip
BEYOND THE GROOMERS: Off-Piste Technique
Up to 6 riders per coach, all at a similar level.
The group has a maximum of six riders, with coaching tailored to your level.
Where does it run?
In the Alps. We choose the resort by the conditions and what the group wants. Each scheduled date shows its area.
Applies to: BEYOND THE GROOMERS: Off-Piste Technique
Is accommodation included?
No. We can find basic shared accommodation for the group, such as an apartment or a bed and breakfast, unless you prefer to arrange your own.
Applies to: BEYOND THE GROOMERS: Off-Piste Technique
I'm booking alone. What if the date doesn't fill?
You can book solo. If a date doesn't fill, we move the date, offer another trip or turn it into private coaching.
Applies to: BEYOND THE GROOMERS: Off-Piste Technique
Can you run it on other dates or for my group?
Yes. Send us an enquiry with your dates, group size and level and we will put together an offer.
Applies to: BEYOND THE GROOMERS: Off-Piste Technique, Performance Prep: Downski Edition
What skiing or snowboarding level do I need?
You should be comfortable on black pistes, controlling your speed and linking turns. The course is aimed at freeride levels F1 to F2, from confident piste riders new to off-piste to riders looking for more control in powder and variable snow. No touring experience is required.
Applies to: BEYOND THE GROOMERS: Off-Piste Technique
How long is the course and what will I learn?
The course includes five coaching days. You work on powder technique, control in variable snow and terrain choices, with daily video analysis and feedback on your riding.
Applies to: BEYOND THE GROOMERS: Off-Piste Technique
Is accommodation included in the course price?
No. Accommodation, ski passes, equipment rental, travel, insurance, food and drinks are not included. Basic shared accommodation can be arranged for the group, or you can arrange your own.
Applies to: BEYOND THE GROOMERS: Off-Piste Technique
Is this a ski touring or avalanche training course?
This course focuses on off-piste skiing and snowboarding technique. Touring experience is not required, and avalanche training is not part of the course.
Applies to: BEYOND THE GROOMERS: Off-Piste Technique
Is Performance Prep right for my level?Answer varies by trip
Performance Prep: Downski Edition
If you ride red pistes comfortably and some black, yes. It is a performance camp, not a learn-to-ski course, and you need the legs for 4 to 6 hours of riding a day.
Performance Prep: Downski Edition — Kaprun
If you ride red pistes comfortably and some black, yes. It is a performance camp, not a learn-to-ski course, and you need the legs for 4 to 6 hours of riding a day. Not sure where you sit? Read our guide to rider levels or just ask us.
What is included?
On-snow coaching, video analysis, evening sessions, a personal technique report and season blueprint, and the DOWN SKIS demo. Accommodation, meals, ski pass, transport and insurance are not included.
Applies to: Performance Prep: Downski Edition
Does it help before a freeride or touring trip?
That is what it is for. Your coaches watch you ride and tell you which Snowbusters trip fits you and what to work on before you go.
Applies to: Performance Prep: Downski Edition
What if not enough people sign up?Answer varies by trip
Performance Prep: Downski Edition
A date runs with at least 3 participants. If it does not, we offer you another trip or course of the same or higher value, or a full refund.
Performance Prep: Downski Edition — Kaprun
The camp runs with a minimum of 3 participants. If we do not reach it, we offer you a different trip or course of the same or higher value, or a full refund.
I'm eyeing a freeride or touring trip this winter. Does this help?
That is exactly what it is for. Your coaches watch you ride for three days, then tell you straight which Snowbusters freeride or touring trip fits you and what to work on before you go. Cheaper than finding out in a couloir.
Applies to: Performance Prep: Downski Edition
Where exactly is the camp?
We plan to ride in Kaprun, Austria. If there is enough snow, the camp may move to Hinterglemm. The exact spot depends on the snow.
Applies to: Performance Prep: Downski Edition
What is included, and what is not?
Three days of on-snow coaching with two coaches, video analysis, evening sessions, a personal technique report and season blueprint, and the DOWN SKIS demo. Accommodation, meals, ski pass, transport and insurance are not included. We arrange accommodation for you unless we agree otherwise.
Applies to: Performance Prep: Downski Edition
Still wondering?
Ask the riders
Did not find your answer? Tell us about your skiing or snowboarding and we will get back to you.