About Skitravel

  • No. Since the early 1980’s most high schools no longer sponsor ski and snowboard trips for students.
  • Ski Travel was established in 1981 to fill the need for safe, chaperoned alternatives to discontinued school sponsored ski clubs and ski trips.
  • Ski Travel is a private, family owned company specializing in student travel.
  • Today, Ski Travel takes students from 100 high schools annually to World Class resorts in Quebec, Canada during the winter months to ski and snowboard.
  • Since 1981 we have taken nearly 130,000 students from high schools in the suburbs of Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia (Public and Private high Schools) on our trips.

Absolutely.

  • Ski Travel is a family-run business, operated by Dan Callahan, Family and Staff since 1981.
  • Students from over 100 public and private high schools travel with Ski Travel every winter.
  • Nearly 130,000 students have been skiing/snowboarding with Ski Travel to Canada since he founded the company when he was in high school (1981).
  • Multi generations have now attended. Dan is now taking the children of some of his first students on ski trips.
  • Most of Dan’s 14 children have learned to ski or snowboard on the Canada.
  • His goal is to offer a wholesome winter travel and a sports experience for kids like his own. This skiing / snowboarding experience will be with the students for a lifetime and will
  • Call Dan, send him an e-mail, or stop by the office. See Contact Us at the bottom of the page.

 

About the Trip

The students depart from the Virginia, Maryland, DC or Baltimore Metro after being checked onto the bus by the staff. A few hours later there is a dinner stop. Chaperones establish rapport with students. Bus continues on allowing students to chat, snack, watch videos, nap and plan their weekend. Buses stop (usually in NY State) to change bus drivers.  The buses are well-equipped for long trips and students travel in comfort with reclining seats, seat trays and foot rests.

Students arrive at the Canadian border in the early am. They present documents for entry and continue usually arrive at the resort 6:30-7:30 am.

For More Info and Trip Itinerary CLICK HERE

 

This is a question every parent must answer based on his or her child, that child’s friends, and previous choices. With SKI TRAVEL they are not traveling alone, but they are taking a step along the way to the responsibility they will face in the months and years to come when they start college. They are not alone, but they are without parental supervision, just as they might be on a weekend evening at home.

We view chaperoning as a partnership between parents and SKI TRAVEL.  Send us good responsible kids and we will work to give them the best ski trip ever, keeping them safe and busy all weekend. Sometimes parents are more worried about other kids, and that is a real concern. We address problems with strict policies and a rule of expelling habitual offenders from the trips. SEE OUR TRIP POLICY AGREEMENT PARENT AND STUDENT SIGNATURE REQUIRED

With regard to the bus transportation, parents can trust that their child is being driven by professionals. (no teen driver worries like a weekend back at home)   Students must comply with mandatory check-ins at regular intervals by experienced adult chaperones.  They are staying in a comfortable and wholesome environment focused on learning a life-sport. In many ways, they are safer than they would be on a trip to the local mall with a group of friends provided they make good choices.

Youths of this age tend to stick with peers of their same age and enjoy the chance to feel like they are independent.  They can choose their daily activities, meals and hours. (As long as they comply with the check-ins) Old Québec is a historic small village surrounded by a wall from the 1600’s. Our hotel is located within the walls as well as the activities.

Old Québec is a walking village allowing young people to explore shops, dine with friends and enjoy the outdoor winter activities famous in Québec.  The village is small enough that chaperones, SKI TRAVEL staff, and our students are regularly interacting, passing in shops, on the sidewalks and in restaurants. It is a good chance for young people to learn to make good decisions for themselves in a sheltered environment away from many of the concerns we have in the D.C. area.

For the last 25+ years SKI TRAVEL has not enforced a formal curfew following room check attendance at 10:30 or 11:00 p.m. Students are not permitted into any room but their own and must abide by noise restriction after this time. This is enforced by security personnel located on each floor. After the last check-in many students often don’t bother to go out again (due to fatigue from skiing, outdoor temperature, travel etc.)  However, for students who do go out, the village is small) and there’s not much for students to do after the late hours. Most retire to their rooms to hang out with their roommates or to catch some sleep so they won’t miss the morning attendance (check-in) taken by the chaperones.

For over 20 years our buses have been provide by Gunther Charters.  Buses and drivers are well conditioned to handle US and Canadian winter driving conditions.

  • The buses are Interstate Commerce Commission regulated and the majority of the trip is on major Interstate Highways in the U.S. and Canada.

On a typical weekend at home, students are often out with friends, with no adult chaperone, being driven by inexperienced teen drivers.  Students on SKI TRAVEL trips are being driven by trained professionals and chaperoned by adults. The buses in the fleet we use are typically no more than three years old and their drivers have years of experience in all kinds of driving conditions.

About 2 days before the trip you can click on the confirmation link on your email confirmation detailing the location and time of departure.

Typically our trips depart shortly after school, 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. from a local shopping center near your school*

*If your school has a smaller number of students, your pick-up may be further away.

Most buses are provided by our main motor coach provider, Gunther Charters 

Please note, some trips will feature buses from additional, contracted, ICC regulated motor coach providers.

  • European-style luxury touring buses equipped with restrooms and advanced features so travelers may watch videos, listen to music or comfortably recline on the way to Canada. Their entire fleet is regularly upgraded and typically less than three years old.
  • Bus drivers do change usually in Syracuse, NY. Fresh well rested drivers take over for the drive to the resort.

Yes, there are closer ski resorts mainly in Vermont.

But, no other place in North America can compare to Old Québec City and the surrounding ski resorts Mont St Anne and Stoneham.

Grande Allée

Designated a World Treasure by UNESCO, Old Québec is the only walled city north of Mexico

Old Québec immerses you in an unforgettable journey through time. Walkable historic neighborhoods filled with shops and restaurants offering amazing winter scenes. Almost like living in a fairytale dream!

Prescott Gate

Mont St Anne Ski Resort is just 30 minutes from the hotel traveling along the St. Lawrence River and viewing the famous Montmorency Falls (higher than Niagara Falls).

 

Mont St Anne is a world class ski area featuring 71 Trails, a gondola and incredible snow! The average natural snowfall is nearly 200 inches!

On this trip we will ski/snowboard Mont St. Anne 2 Days and Stoneham 1 Day.

Stoneham is like a City Ski Resort, located just 20 minutes from Old Québec. Features a lively environment with three mountains, 42 Trails and some incredible snowboard / Free style skiing parks!

The combination on the Winter Wonderland of Old Québec City and the local ski resorts is no comparison to any ski resort in the world!

For more info on Québec City see the links in the menu above. Under Québec City Trip and Photos/Videos

 

 

What’s Included in the price?

  • Slopeside Lodging at a Four Star Hotel in Quebec City, Québec Canada
  • Roundtrip Eurocoach Bus Transportation
  • 3-Day Lift Ticket (2 Days Mont St. Anne and 1 Day Stoneham)
  • Two Full Breakfasts at the ski resort
  • Incredible in Quebec City! One of the oldest cities in North America.

Rental Skis or Snowboards are optional $139 for  days

After skiing/ snowboarding at Mont St. Anne you will board your bus and depart for the hotel.(About 30 mins) Upon arrival our experienced Ski Travel adult chaperones, the Ski Travel professional staff and the Hotel staff will be on hand to assist in the check-in check in and assist in any way necessary.

Check-in steps are as follows:

Ski / Snowboard Equipment

  • All skis, snowboards, poles, boots, ski/snowboard bags will remain in the bus securely overnight.
  • Students are permitted one large bag / suitcase under the bus.
  • This bag must be properly tagged with the students full name, address, phone number and school.
  • The bag will be delivered by the hotel bellmen to your floor.

Room Keys

After the orientation speech student’s will be called by room. Room key envelopes will be distributed as the they exit the bus.

Students are free to take their room key / carry on bag  and proceed to their room.

 

 

  • Room assignments are done about 10 days prior to the trip date.
  • Rooms at the hotel rooms designed to sleep a maximum of four people.
  • All rooms must be filled to four students (unless you have paid for a lower occupancy upgrade)
  • When students register for the trip they are asked to provide names of roommates.
  • All rooms are assigned on the same sex basis.
  • To the extent possible, we assign rooms on the basis of student preferences.
  • SKI TRAVEL will work with the student representative for the group to ensure the most desirable accommodations for everyone.
  • If your roommate preference changes after you register, you will be able to update your new preference on your Final Confirmation

Two Breakfasts are included (Day 2 and Day 3 morning) Lunches and Dinners are not included and it is recommended that students bring their ATM, credit card or about $130 cash (above and beyond their $20 US CASH room deposit and $15 US CASH Hotel Security Fee)

  • Your ATM and / or Credit Card is the best, safest and most reliable way to purchase food or other items in Canada.
  • Please advise your bank that you will be traveling to Canada during your trip dates.
  • Be advised AMEX gift cards do not work in Canada. Most VISA or Mastercard gift cards also do not work.

For more information on meals see the What to Eat? section CLICK HERE

Yes, they do, and it’s done in an organized and professional manner. Once a good rapport is established on the bus and then on the trip, there is a familiarity and working relationship established between chaperones and students.

  • On arrival the Trip Staff and Director give the students an on bus orientation speech and go over the Policy Agreement that the Parent and Student signed (Rules and consequences)
  • The students are presented a laminated card with their trip schedule including Mandatory check-in times (Early morning to prepare for skiing, afternoon to make sure students are off the mountain safely and final check-in in the late evening between 10:30-11)  This is for the personal safety of the students and give the staff an opportunity to insure students are having a great trip.
  • All other times the staff is in the hotel building, restaurants and mountain along with the students.

Not per say. During the orientation speech / arrival at the resort the Ski Travel staff provides the students with all resort / Ski Travel policies, rules (and consequences) for a safe trip. This is a reminder and supplement to the Policy Agreement Students and Parents have signed for the trip.  Students are given a laminated card with their schedule and mandatory check-in times. In the late evening each night students are not permitted into any other room but their own after evening check-in, usually between 10:30 and 11:00 p.m. There is also a noise restriction after that time, enforced by security personnel on all floors. Students are permitted in the lobby and in the village for food.

Please visit our POLICY AGREEMENT (Rules of trip). A parent and student signature is required for student to attend. It is our hope that the parent will carefully review this agreement with the student.

Ski Travel Student Reps

  • Since 1981 Ski Travel has had the pleasure to work with thousands of student leaders, athletes, honor students, skiers, snowboarders and a lot of  just all around great kids! These students make up our Student Representatives. Many of these reps have gone on to accomplish amazing things in life!
  • Reps are high school students from local area private and public high schools. These students have usually attended our trips or had a parent, brother or sister attend previously.
  • Student Reps inform friends about the upcoming trip offerings for the season earning discounts.
  • Some of our most successful representatives earn free or discounted trips.
  • They also earn valuable experience in sales, promotion, leadership as well as interpersonal communication.
  • Most list there Rep accomplishments on their college application.
  • For more information contact SKI TRAVEL to become a student rep.

 

Travel Documents Required

Note: A Passport is NOT required forU.S. and Canadian citizen children age 19 and under traveling to Canada by bus. (Land Travel Only, NOT Air)

Native-born U.S. and Canadian citizen children age 19 and under should have identification papers in the form of:

  • [1]  both an original birth certificate and government-issued photo identification (Public school ID is OK or DMV ID)

OR

  • [2] a Valid Passport.

For students born in the VA-MD-DC area who need to obtain a certified copy of their birth certificate, please contact the Vital Records department by telephone or through their website.

Click Here To see link for the U.S Customs and Border Patrol information on the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative.”U.S. and Canadian citizen children under the age of 16 (or under 19, if traveling with a school, religious group, or other youth groups) need only present a birth certificate or other proof of citizenship and photo ID. The birth certificate can be original, photocopy, or certified copy.” Note: 

Virginia:
1-800-662-6200
www.vdh.state.va.us/vitalrec
(Note: VA Birth Certificates are now available at the DMV)

Maryland:
1-800-832-3277
www.vitalrec.com/md.html

DC:
(202) 442-9009
doh.dc.gov/service/birth-certificates

Naturalized American citizens should carry documents such as a naturalization certificate to prove U.S. citizenship along with the government issued picture identification.  Alien permanent residents of the United States must carry their Alien Registration Card.

All other NON-U.S. Students

If you are unsure of your status or document requirements, please contact the Canadian embassy and the US Department of State for further information.

 

Money and Exchange Rate

We recommend students bring their ATM card or a credit card. (For explanation of exchange See Canadian Money CLICK HERE)

There are two breakfasts included. Sunday and Monday Morning.  Lunch and dinner meals are not included and it is recommended that students bring their ATM, credit card or about $140 U.S. cash (above and beyond their $20 US CASH Refundable room deposit and $20 US CASH Non-Refundable Hotel Security Fee)

Canadian Money

  • The ATM and / or Credit Card is the safest and most reliable way to receive Canadian Money to purchase food or other items in Canada.  Be advised AMEX, Most VISA or Mastercard gift cards do not work in Canada
  • Please advise your ATM bank or Credit Card company that you will be traveling to Canada during your trip dates.
  •  The area of Old Québec near the hotel features dining in all price ranges. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO on Where to Eat?
  • Students can use U.S. money at any merchant in Canada and receive Canadian currency as change but service charges will be part of the exchange rate.  Alternatively, students can get money at an ATM. Generally, for the modest amounts students spend on these trips it’s not worth it to exchange it at a bank in the U.S. because of fixed service fees. The Canadian dollar is usually worth more than a U.S. Dollar. Exchange rates vary daily and the actual exchange rate at the time you are visiting Canada could be higher or lower.

 

Since meals are not included and it is recommended that students bring their ATM, credit card or about $140 U.S. cash (above and beyond their $20 US CASH room deposit and $10 US CASH Tremblant Resort Security Fee)

  • Canadian Money
  • The ATM and / or Credit Card is the safest and most reliable way to receive Canadian Money to purchase food or other items in Canada.  Be advised AMEX gift cards do not work in Canada.
  • Most VISA or MC gift cards also do not work.
  • Please advise your ATM bank or Credit Card company that you will be traveling to Canada during your trip dates.
  • Students can use U.S. money at any merchant in Canada and receive Canadian currency as change but service charges will be part of the exchange rate.  Alternatively, students can get money at a ATM in the resort village.    Generally, for the modest amounts students spend on these trips it’s not worth it to exchange it at a bank in the U.S. because of fixed service fees.   The Canadian dollar is worth more than a U.S. Dollar (currently Sept 2019).
  • Exchange rates vary daily and the actual exchange rate at the time you are visiting Canada could be higher or lower.

 

What to bring

Pack layers and prepare for the very cold weather.

Pack your suitcase for easy access to change into ski/snowboard gear on arrival in the early AM.

LUGGAGE LIMIT: VERY IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BAGGAGE LIMIT (See Below)

  • WHAT TO BRING

    First, remember we’ll ski as soon as we arrive in Canada, so pack your outdoor apparel on top in your bag for easy access. Students will need proof of identity and citizenship, at least $140 cash and /or a combination of ATM CARD or credit card, labeled prescription medicines, eyewear and warm skiing apparel. Bring the following items with you the day of the trip:

    • Passport is not required for U.S. Citizens see HERE for required documents Documents to prove you are a U.S. Citizen (passport or both an original birth certificate with a raised seal and a government issued picture ID)
    • $20 bill (cash) Refundable Room Security Deposit + $20 (cash) Non-Refundable Hotel Security Fee (Collected on Bus. And a minimum of $140 US for meals plus additional cash for other purchase
    • Any medicines you may need while away from home
    • Appropriate apparel for the weather including a warm coat, sweater and good shoes for walking around the village
    • Appropriate clothing for skiing or snowboarding, including goggles and gloves.  Bring a bathing suit if you plan to use the pool
    • Ice Skates for free ice skating in Old Québec. (Skate rental also available for a small fee)
    • Pillow, blanket, bottled water, DVD movies for bus and some food to make your bus ride to Canada more comfortable and
    • Most Important! Pack or dress for easy access to your ski clothing as you will be changing to ski or snowboard apparel as soon as we arrive in Canada.  Check-in is not until 5:00 p.m.

BAGGAGE LIMIT

Space for storage is limited on the bus.  LUGGAGE LIMIT WILL BE STRICTLY ENFORCED

Please adhere to this strict luggage limit per person:

  • (1) large bag or suitcase
  • (1)  small carry-on bag for inside the bus
  • Ski equipment or snowboard. Ski or snowboard bags must contain ONLY skis, snowboards and boots. (no additional personal items or clothes)

IMPORTANT NOTE: PLEASE MAKE SURE ALL BAGS HAVE A TAG WITH YOUR BUS# NAME / SCHOOL / CELL PHONE NUMBER

  • Only (1) suitcase or bag + a carry on will be permitted in the hotel per student.
  • All skis and snowboard bags must remain on the bus

Plan your packing to allow easy access to ski apparel on arrival when students will change clothes and start skiing or snowboarding.

Baggage Limit

Space for storage is limited on the bus.  LUGGAGE LIMIT WILL BE STRICTLY ENFORCED

Please adhere to this strict luggage limit per person:

  • (1) large bag or suitcase
  • (1)  small carry-on bag for inside the bus
  • Ski equipment or snowboard. Ski or snowboard bags must contain ONLY skis, snowboards and boots. (no additional personal items or clothes)

IMPORTANT NOTE: PLEASE MAKE SURE ALL BAGS HAVE A TAG WITH YOUR NAME / SCHOOL / PHONE NUMBER

  • Only (1) suitcase or bag + a carry on will be permitted in the hotel per student.
  • All skis and snowboard bags must remain on the bus

SKI TRAVEL recommends renting ski and snowboard equipment (ON your reservation form)

  • Rental includes: Skis, boots, poles, and helmet
  • OR Snowboard, bindings, boots, and helmet.
  • You can order rental equipment on your original reservation or add as an option later for pick-up at the resort directly through Ski Travel.
  • CLICK HERE TO ADD Ski OR Snowboard Rental

Very Important Note regarding renting equipment at home (Please Read):

  • At the resort, you will have the chance to fix/exchange any equipment due to fitting /size or mechanical problems.
  • If you rent back home, you will have to pay for repairs on your (home) rented equipment. Or if your boot size is not working out.

 

 

Other information

Weather Conditions

Temperatures in the winter in the Québec City area will be up to 20 degrees colder than in our area.

Temperature Averages:

  • December range from low 12 degrees to high 26
  • January range from low 2 degrees to high 20 degrees
  • February range from low 6 degrees to high 24
  • Snow conditions are common on our trips. (great for skiing and riding)

For the latest weather for Québec City, Québec, Canada CLICK HERE

TELEPHONING THE HOTELS

We will advise students of their hotel.

Parents can phone their son or daughter at the Hotel any time after check-in on arrival day. On arrival day, please call after 6:00 p.m. so that all the students will have had sufficient time to get to their room after check-in.  Remember that not all cell phones will work in Canada so please keep the following information if you are relying on contacting your child on his or her cell phone. The contact information for resort guests is as follows:

(See Confirmation page for your school’s hotel)

Château Frontenac
1 Rue des Carrières
Ville de Québec
Québec QC
G1R 4P5 Canada
Main Phone 1-418-692-3861

Château Laurier
1220 Place George V O
Québec QC
G1R 5B8 Canada
Main Phone 1-418-522-8108

Yes.  SKI TRAVEL has a 24-hour local emergency answering service that can help with communication during a family emergency.

Contact: Ski Travel office 703-425-5400

  • When greeting begins
  • Press 9 for Emergency
  • 24-hr Emergency Answering Service

Or you can call the Hotel Chateau Frontenac main number and ask for Ski Travel Group during the trip.

1-418-692-3861

Using your Cell Phone in Canada

Yes. Most cell phones work in Quebec City. Many cell phone plans now include Canada. (All of North America) PLEASE check with your individual carrier.

Two important points:

  • TURN DATA ROAMING OFF ON YOUR SMARTPHONE (DATA ROAMING IS EXTREMELY EXPENSIVE)
  • Go online to your carrier’s website (ATT, Verizon, T Mobile etc).
  • Your carrier will offer a very reasonable optional plan for international (Canada) calling and texting.
  • We highly recommend adding a plan if you expect to use your phone while in Canada. These days the plans are very reasonable.

Sample Cell Phone Plan Information 

Update December 2022: Many cell phone plans now include Canada. (All of North America) PLEASE check with your individual carrier.

  • Contact your provider for more specific information during the week leading up to the trip
  • Verizon: $5 per day per phone when traveling to Canada (we will be there for 3 days)
  • AT&T: For some AT&T plans, international plans are already included, for others, it can be $10 a day for full phone usage while in Canada. See more details at their website: https://www.att.com/offers/international-plans/canada.html
  • Sprint: For Sprint customers it can be $2 a day for a Canadian plan or $10 per week.
  • T-Mobile: T-Mobile has many different plans based on your current coverage, follow the link below for information on what would be best for you. https://www.t-mobile.com/optional-services/roaming.html
  • Snow on a ski trip is a good thing!  We’ve never cancelled a trip since 1981. (we have departed early or delayed departure)
  • We travel the U.S. / Canada on Interstate Highways until the last five miles before the resort.
  • (Upstate U.S. and Canadians know how to manage snowy roads)
  • Safety is our top priority and decisions are made in conjunction with local safety authorities and ICC regulated tour bus operator.

After 8:00pm the day of departure from the resort updated info concerning departure/ arrival info will be available at the confirmation link.

CLICK HERE or on the home page skitravel.info/quebec

Policy on Weather Delays

SKI TRAVEL has never cancelled a trip since 1981. We think it’s a good thing when it snows on a ski trip!

However, occasionally there is a major snowstorm in our metro area, either just before or during our trip to Canada. This causes concern among parents and guardians of our students who are unsure of the situation. SKI TRAVEL endeavors to keep both our students and their parents informed of any severe weather-related situation. As soon as feasible, we will provide updated information on our website after 8 p.m. on the night prior to our return.

Remember, we travel I-95 and I-87, major interstate highways for the entire trip until the last miles of the trip when we get off to head to the resort. The roads to the resort are always well-cleared and maintained by experts in winter weather. Our professional charter drivers, too, are experienced in and trained for winter weather conditions.

SKI TRAVEL works with our bus company and the appropriate state agencies (highway patrol, departments of transportation) to ascertain the suitability of conditions to continue our trip. If a major highway route is closed and no alternative roads are available to allow us to progress, we will stop at the nearest rest stop and determine what our next step will be. In the event conditions necessitate that we delay our trip to the next day and we are too far from home, we will make arrangements to have our students lodged at a facility convenient to our location. Students may be expected to pay for any lodging costs necessitated by such action.

Since 1981, we have never had a weather-related condition necessitating an unscheduled lodging while en route to or from Canada.

CANCELLATION POLICY FROM YOUR ORIGINAL SIGNED RESERVATION CONTRACT

Cancellations must be made in writing. The date we receive is the date of cancellation:

Email Cancellations To: info@skitravel.com
Mail: Ski Travel| P.O. Box 1610 | Springfield, VA 22121

  • Cancellations received 60 or more days in advance of the trip will result in a refund of all payments except the initial deposit.
  • Cancellations received 30 to 59 days before the trip will result in a refund less the deposit and second payment.
  • Cancellations received less than 30 days before trip departure there are no refunds. However you may sell your space to another student:

Selling your space:
Up to 14 days ahead of departure anyone may sell his or her space to another student provided SKI TRAVEL is notified and the replacement student submits a new reservation form at least 14 days in advance of departure. Subject to change. Selling a space is not the responsibility of Ski Travel

Religious Services (Catholic Mass)

Basilica of St. Anne de Beaupre

  • Join the ski travel staff for Sunday Mass.
  • A bus shuttle will depart from the Mont St Anne ski resort at 11:00 AM on Sunday for Roman Catholic Mass celebrated at the Basilica on Sundays at 11:30 AM.
  • The shrine is located just a few minutes from the resort. It is the most visited pilgrimage site in North America and is really worth the visit.
  • See the Basilica website for more information. CLICK HERE

TRIP CANCELLATION / MEDICAL INSURANCE COVERAGE
from only $29*

WE STRONGLY SUGGEST THAT YOU PURCHASE THE TRIP CANCELLATION / MEDICAL INSURANCE from only $29*

*$29 based on Sample Quote on “Essential Plan” student age 16 as of 11/22/2022

You will be presented with a variety of plan options. The lowest cost plan is the Essential Plan above.

Click HERE for details.

NEW_366x280_ski

SPECIAL OFFER FOR SNOW ESCAPE CUSTOMERS!