Travel by coach

Ski Leader Guide

Ski Leader Guide

Travel by coach

Your course cost includes return coach travel from your school direct to your chosen resort. Groups with fewer than 20 full fare paying passengers may be asked to meet the coach at an agreed point (e.g. Dover/Folkestone), rather than at school, and at their own cost.

All coaches booked through PGL are of executive standard with air conditioning, onboard toilet and DVD. Most coaches we use have 49 seats but if you would like to increase beyond this, please call us to discuss the options. All coach itineraries are subject to stringent EU drivers’ hours regulations and adhere to strict Department of Transport rules.

If you have a preferred operator, you can request their services on the pre-travel questionnaire. We will always try to arrange this for you provided they satisfy our rigorous safety criteria and agree to our terms and conditions.

If you don’t fill all the seats on your coach, we may utilise them for another group or use some seats for PGL representatives to travel out to resort: we’ll let you know in advance if this is the case. If you’d prefer to keep your seats empty, contact your Tour Organiser for supplements.

Crossing the channel

 All cross-channel arrangements are based on car ferry services via Dover-Calais, Dover- Dunkirk or the Eurotunnel service.

Approximate crossing times

  • P&O: Dover-Calais (1 hour 30 minutes)
  • DFDS: Dover-Dunkirk (2 hours), Dover-Calais (1 hour 30 minutes)
  • Eurotunnel: Folkestone-Calais (35 minutes)

More reassurance

PGL has a 24 hour manned helpline to organise back up procedures and assist you en-route in the unlikely event of an emergency or breakdown, or you needing to contact us during your journey. The emergency telephone number is supplied with your final travel pack.

Coach suppliers

Our Transport Manager selects reputable British coach companies throughout the UK and vets their operational procedures and vehicles to ensure that our strict high standards are maintained. If you have a preferred operator we will try to organise their services for you providing they agree to our terms and conditions and comply with our high standards of safety and comfort.

Coach specificaton

All UK coaches must comply with our coach contract which stipulates post 2011 vehicles in compliance with strict UK Coaching Regulations including:

  • Lap Belts
  • DVD system
  • Drinks machine
  • Onboard toilet and washroom
  • Reclining seats
  • Stereo and PA systems
  • 24 hour breakdown assistance
  • Disclosure and Barring Service check of all drivers
  • Effective winter heating system
  • Snow chains (for use in resorts where these may be necessary)
  • Secondary braking system
  • All coaches comply with Regulation R66 (1994), ensuring your coach offers the latest additional safety features

Baggage

Please note that baggage space on a coach is limited. Luggage must be restricted to one soft holdall type bag (maximum dimensions 70cm x 35cm x 35cm) and one item of hand-luggage for food and essentials for the journey. Please DO NOT bring hard suitcases. Advice on what to take and a kit list is included in your Party Leader Booking guide, which you will receive when you make your provisional booking.

Outline coach itinerary

All PGL Ski coach tours are of 9 days’ duration. We will advise you of exact timings on your final itinerary 3-4 weeks before departure.

Day 1 Leave school in time for an early evening, short sea ferry crossing, usually from Dover-Calais. Travel overnight to your chosen resort.
Day 2 Breakfast stop en-route. Arrive at accommodation in time for evening meal (first inclusive meal), welcome meeting and ski fit.
Days 3-8 Six full days’ ski programme.
Day 8 Depart resort after skiing and evening meal. Travel overnight to Calais.
Day 9 Early morning ferry to UK and onward journey to school.