varsity trip early bird

VARSITY TRIP RETURNS THIS DECEMBER! 07/12/24 - 14/12/24

VARSITY TRIP

• How much are transfers? Transfers from the airport to resort cost £45 each way.
• Where can I get a transfer from? We would recommend flying into Geneva as most of our transfers will be running from there. However, some services will also be running from Turin, Grenoble, and Lyon to give you some extra options.
• Can I take a transfer even if I'm not flying? If you are not flying but still want to take a transfer then you can still book onto a transfer!
• When will transfers be? Please note that a transfer won't run if there aren't enough people to fill the coach. If this is the case, then you will be accommodated on a later transfer from the same airport. For this reason, we recommend flying into and out of Geneva as this has the most options. Outbound Transfers - 7th December 2024 Geneva Airport (GVA) to Tignes: 09:40 departure, suitable for flights landing by 08:40. Arriving in resort around 14:00 (we recommend this transfer for anyone who plans to self book ski-hire) 10:50 departure, suitable for flights landing by 09:50. Arriving in resort around 15:10 (we recommend this transfer for anyone who plans to self book ski-hire) 11:50 departure, suitable for flights landing by 10:50. Arriving in resort around 16:10 (we recommend this transfer for anyone who plans to self book ski-hire) 12:40 departure, suitable for flights landing by 11:40. Arriving in resort around 17:00 (we recommend this transfer for anyone who plans to self book ski-hire) 13:55 departure, suitable for flights landing by 12:55. Arriving in resort around 18:15 (we recommend this transfer for anyone who plans to self book ski-hire) 15:10 departure, suitable for flights landing by 14:10. Arriving in resort around 19:30 16:25 departure, suitable for flights landing by 15:25. Arriving in resort around 20:45 17:10 departure, suitable for flights landing by 16:10. Arriving in resort around 21:30 18:05 departure, suitable for flights landing by 17:05. Arriving in resort around 22:25 18:45 departure, suitable for flights landing by 17:45. Arriving in resort around 23:05 19:50 departure, suitable for flights landing by 18:50. Arriving in resort around 00:10 (Sunday 8th December 2024) 20:35 departure, suitable for flights landing by 19:35. Arriving in resort around 00:55 (Sunday 8th December 2024) 21:20 departure, suitable for flights landing by 20:20. Arriving in resort around 01:40 (Sunday 8th December 2024) 23:40 departure, suitable for flights landing by 22:40. Arriving in resort around 04:00 (Sunday 8th December 2024) Lyon airport (LYS) to Tignes: 10:50 departure, suitable for flights landing by 09:50. Arriving in resort around 15:10 (we recommend this transfer for anyone who plans to book ski-hire 16:40 departure, suitable for flights landing by 15:40. Arriving in resort around 21:00 Grenoble airport (GNB) to Tignes: 09:55 departure, suitable for flights landing by 08:55. Arriving in resort around 14:15 (we recommend this transfer for anyone who plans to book ski-hire) Turing airport (TRN) to Tignes: 12:05 departure, suitable for flights landing by 11:05. Arriving in resort around 17:20 (we recommend this transfer for anyone who plans to book ski-hire) (this transfer option will cost an additional £10) 17:55 departure, suitable for flights landing by 16:55. Arriving in resort around 23:10 (this transfer option will cost an additional £10) Inbound Transfers - 14th December 2024 Tignes to Geneva Airport (GVA): 07:25 arrival, suitable for flights taking off from 09:25. Departing from resort around 03:20 09:05 arrival, suitable for flights taking off from 11:05. Departing from resort around 05:00 10:20 arrival, suitable for flights taking off from 12:20. Departing from resort around 06:15 10:50 arrival, suitable for flights taking off from 12:50. Departing from resort around 06:45 11:40 arrival, suitable for flights taking off from 13:40. Departing from resort around 07:35 13:25 arrival, suitable for flights taking off from 15:25. Departing from resort around 09:20 15:10 arrival, suitable for flights taking off from 17:10. Departing from resort around 11:05 16:25 arrival, suitable for flights taking off from 18:25. Departing from resort around 12:20 17:40 arrival, suitable for flights taking off from 19:40. Departing from resort around 13:35 Tignes to Lyon airport (LYS): 07:25 arrival, suitable for flights taking off from 09:25. Departing from resort around 03:20 08:35 arrival, suitable for flights taking off from 10:35. Departing from resort around 04:30 14:20 arrival, suitable for flights taking off from 16:20. Departing from resort around 10:15 Tignes to Grenoble airport (GNB): 07:20 arrival, suitable for flights taking off from 09:20. Departing from resort around 03:15 Tignes to Turin airport (TRN): 08:00 arrival, suitable for flights taking off from 10:00. Departing from resort around 03:00 (this transfer option will cost an additional £10) 15:20 arrival, suitable for flights taking off from 17:20. Departing from resort around 10:20 (this transfer option will cost an additional £10)
• What is Early Bird? Early Bird is a chance for people to book onto the trip early! It will require a deposit of £150 and allow those that need more time to organise their travel to do so before booking day.
• How much is Early Bird? Early Bird will be a £150 deposit.
• When do I pay the rest? General booking day is Thursday 24th October 2024 and the payment deadline is Thursday 31st October 2024. The rest of the payment will be required on booking day in the same fashion as the general release. Early bird ticket holders will have exclusive access for the 1st hour in order to select their extras for the trip.
• What is the benefit of Early Bird? Early Bird is perfect for those keen to come on Varsity Trip 2023! It will allow you to organise transport in advance knowing that you have a guaranteed your place on the trip and will mean you also benefit from cheaper deals on transport. This is ideal for International students that will need time to organise a Visa to allow them to come on the trip. In addition, Early Bird grants you 1 hour early access to the booking page in order to choose your event tickets and accommodation upgrades!
• Where does the coach collect us from? You will be able to select your departure point as either Oxford, Cambridge or London.
• Can I change coaches to be on one with my friends? To try and change onto a different coach you will need to email [email protected] or message within the app. We cannot guarantee that you will be able to change coach, but NUCO will try and accommodate requests if possible.
• How much luggage can we bring on the coach? You can bring one soft shell suitcase for the hold and one small travel bag (e.g. backpack) for the overhead storage on the coach. Hold bags shouldn't exceed 18kg and must not exceed the dimensions: 76cm × 45cm × 45cm or approximately 110 litres in volume
• Can I bring my skis on the coach? Yes! This can be done on the booking form or if you decide to bring skis afterwards then you need to inform NUCO as soon as possible after booking day so that they can allocate you to a bus with enough storage space, which can be done by emailing them on [email protected] or messaging on the app.
• How long is the coach journey? The coach journey is approximately 20 hours long, including several stops along the way.
• Where does the coach drop us off in the resort? The coach will drop you off within a short distance of the accommodation block you have been allocated. There may be several stops within the resort and the NUCO rep on board can advise you when to get off.
• Where does the return coach drop us off? The coach can drop you off in Dover, London, Oxford, or Cambridge.
• Can I get a bus out but get my own transport back? Coach travel (£209) is return only.
• Can I change the location where I wish to depart from by coach and be dropped off at? We cannot guarantee that you will be able to change location, however, if you contact NUCO by emailing [email protected] or messaging within the app with all the relevant information they will try and accommodate requested changes.
• Is coach travel included in the base price this year? Coach travel is not included in the base price of £369. Coach travel (return) is an additional £209.
• Do NUCO book flights for me? This year, flights are not being booked by NUCO due to individual bookings being cheaper than large group bookings.
• What do I do on booking day if I want to fly out? • On booking day you will need to select that you are flying and not taking coach travel. This will result in a reduction in cost to your base price. • If you want to use NUCO transfers to get from the airport to resort this option can then be selected. There will be a number of transfers throughout the day so booking a flight around this should be no problem.
• How do I get from the airport to resort? NUCO will be running transfers. Please see the FAQ section on tranfers.
• Can I change my transfer time after booking day? Once you've booked ​on to a transfer we recommend booking your flights as soon as possible to get the best prices and mean you can make your transfer. However if you need to change transfer you will be able to until the full payment deadline.
• Which airport should I fly in to? If arranging your own transfer to resort then you can fly into any airport you want. However NUCO transfers will be running from Geneva, Lyon and Grenoble airport so those taking NUCO transfers should fly into these airports.
• Can I use the transfers to Geneva even if I'm not flying? Yes you can book on to the transfers to the Geneva without a flight from Geneva if this is a better destination for.
• Is the accommodation ski-in ski-out? The extent of which accommodation is ski-in ski-out is dependent on snow coverage; however, we endeavour to get as much ski-in ski-out accommodation as possible. If your accommodation is not ski-in ski-out it is unlikely you will have to walk more than a few minutes.
• How do I find out which accommodation block I’m staying in? This information will be available once the room allocation process has been completed and will be shown on your e-ticket which is sent out to you approximately 2 weeks prior to departure
• Can I switch rooms with my friends? Usually no, but if you email NUCO on [email protected] with the room you have been currently allocated, the room you would like to be on and your reason for wanting to change they might be able to arrange it for you. It may be helpful to cc’ in the person with whom you are hoping to switch, to make the process quicker.
• If all my friends have bought upgraded accommodation, but I didn’t, can I stay with them? If you didn’t manage to get the upgraded to thee level you wanted you will be able to join a waiting list for that tier. Your friends can sell their accommodation level before the payment deadline, through the booking form, to join you in a lower level (if available).
• Will there be a waiting list for upgraded accommodation? Yes, there will be an option for this on the booking form.
• How many people are there in a room? Room sizes vary from 4 to 16 people per room.
• How does room allocation work? Room allocation is a multi-stage process. For a detailed explanation visit the Accommodation Page.
• Are there kitchens in the accommodation? All rooms will have basic kitchen appliances (e.g. microwave, hob, fridge), but it varies between accommodation blocks.
• Do all accommodation blocks have ski lockers? All rooms will be assigned a ski locker. Please utilise these, and do not take your skis and boots into your rooms.
• Where is the accommodation in resort? Accommodation is spread across the resort and you will find out which accommodation block you are in once room allocation is complete.
• Do I have to share a bed? Occasionally there may be a double bed to share in your room group.
• Does the accommodation have WiFi? We cannot guarantee that all accommodation blocks will have functioning wifi; however, we try to ensure that they all have some form of wifi.
• How does COVID-19 regulations affect accommodation? Any accommodation will only be provided in accordance with local rules and regulations but note that: • Unless specified at the time of booking you will be accommodated in apartments at full occupancy. • When fully occupied, the nature and size of the apartments mean it may not be possible to maintain social distancing between the occupants within the apartment. • The accommodation will be cleaned in accordance with prevailing local practices which may be different from the UK and more or less intensive. • You must behave in accordance with any COVID-19 mitigation policy we notify you of even if this impacts on your enjoyment of the holiday.
• What does NUCO do? NUCO is a travel company that works with the Varsity Trip committee on trip logistics. They help in a variety of ways from organising coaches and accommodation to manning events such that they run smoothly.
• What are NUCO reps? And what interaction will I have with them? NUCO reps work in resort to ensure all participants are having a safe week. Every other day, a NUCO rep will come to your room, to check-in with how things are going, and give you information on trip information and upcoming events.
• How do I get in touch with NUCO? You can email NUCO on [email protected] or message them within the app.
• How long will I have to make my booking? 30 MINS
• How does the booking queue work? When you visit the website on booking day you will be assigned a random place in the queue; however, we recommend being on your laptop at 9am when the booking platform opens.
• Can I make changes to what I selected on the booking form? You can log into your NUCO account and edit booking options up until the payment deadline. Alternatively, if you want to make any changes after having paid the deposit then contact you can also contact NUCO on [email protected] or message them within the app and they will try and accommodate the change you would like.
• Do I pay for the whole trip on booking day? On booking day you will be required to pay a £150 deposit in order to confirm your place. The full payment deadline will be 1 week after booking day.
• What does the base price cover? Included in the base price is your lift pass, coach, accommodation and a ticket for the Opening Night Party (ONP), costing £558. If you choose not to take coach travel then you pay a reduced price of £349
• Do I need insurance? What does the insurance cover? You will not be able to participate on the trip unless you have travel insurance. This can be bought through the booking platform, which we strongly recommend. If you would like to book your own insurance then make sure to check what it covers carefully and update your booking form accordingly. You will be required to input your policy number.
• Can my non-Oxford/Cambridge friends book onto the trip? Yes, non-Oxbridge individuals can book onto the trip and they follow the same process as Oxbridge students. The only difference is that they select ‘guest’ instead of Oxford or Cambridge on the booking form.
• Where will I find my e-ticket? Your e-ticket will be emailed to the email address registered against your NUCO account. In addition, all your tickets will be available within the NUCO app.
• If I require a Visa for Varsity Trip where can I find the relevant detail required e.g. accommodation address and transport receipt? To get the relevant information you need to contact NUCO on [email protected] or message them within the app as soon as possible after booking day. They will be able to provide you with a letter with all the relevant information for your visa application.
• If tickets sell out, can I still buy a ticket? Yes you can! If the trip sells out, there will be a waiting list you can join There is no also fee for name change processed more than 42 days prior to departure, and £50 fee for any name changes within 42 days of departure.
• I can no longer go on the trip, can I get a refund? If cancelling your ticket before final payment deadline you will receive a full refund EXCEPT for your initial deposit . After that, if you are unable to find a replacement but need to cancel, cancellation charges will apply.
• How much is the trip? The total cost of the trip varies from person to person. Base price this year is £349 without coach travel or £558 with coach travel. On top of this will be rentals and events to added on if these are required which will influence the end cost.
• How do I determine what size I need? Similar to previous years, we will be scanning everyone’s feet. We will email out the times and dates once confirmed.
• Can I rent a snowboard? Along with ski hire, there will be an option to rent a snowboard on the booking form.
• When and where do we collect our ski hire? You will be allocated a ski shop from which to collect your gear and also a collection time. The collection time will either be on Saturday afternoon/evening or Sunday morning depending on what time you arrive in the resort.
• What’s the difference between standards of skis? The higher the standard of ski hire, the more technical the equipment will be.
• Do I need a helmet? Yes, you can rent one via the booking form.
• Can I bring my own boots? You can bring your own boots; however, you will need to fit them in your luggage as you cannot bring an additional hold bag.
• Do I need ski insurance? What happens if I damage my skis? We recommend getting ski insurance and this will be offered to you when collecting your skis. If you damage your skis you will need to return them to the ski-hire shop and see what they say. Ask a NUCO rep or a french speaker to go with you so that you can communicate effectively.
• Can I exchange my ski boots if they don’t fit? If your ski boots are uncomfortable and do not fit then take them back to the ski-shop you got them from and they will exchange them for you.
• Does ski hire include poles? Yes, ski hire includes poles.
• Do I need lessons? If you are a beginner or do not feel comfortable getting on a chair lift and skiing down a gentle blue run then we would recommend that you get lessons. However, lessons aren’t only for beginners and any level of skier could benefit from them.
• Will me and my friends be in the same class? If you have chosen lessons from the same level then it is possible, but if it turns out that you are not then we may be able to arrange for you to switch groups. Contact NUCO on [email protected] or message them within the app for more information.
• When are the lessons? Lessons are 2 hours long and take place in both the morning and afternoon.
• When trials take place? Trials take place on the Monday of the trip. If you ask your NUCO room rep they will be able to provide more information.
• Can I join the race training? If you haven’t booked on the racers’ package then you haven’t paid for the race level of training and so cannot join the training.
• Can I race? The Varsity Trip was founded around ski racing and so there is an opportunity for everyone to race should they wish. To race for your university sign up for the trials on Sunday, which take place on Monday. If you want a more relaxed chance to race then you can enter a team from your college for Cuppers. Each team must have four people and have a mix of genders.
• When are the races? The Blues’ Race will take place on Tuesday and cuppers on Wednesday.
• What format do the races take? The Blues’ Races take the form of both Giant Slalom (in the morning) and Slalom (in the afternoon), and Cuppers is a knock-out style parallel Slalom.
• How do I collect my meal deals? You should receive vouchers in your welcome pack, which you then take to certain restaurants.
• Are there any Varsity Trip discounts for restaurants in resort? Yes, there will be a series of discounts available in resort. More information will be provided in the welcome packs.
• What can you eat whilst you’re out on the slopes? This is dependent on your preference as you could either visit a restaurant on the slopes or take a packed lunch with you.
• How much should I budget for meals for the week? This varies a lot depending on how much you bring from home and how frequently you eat out. If you are cooking for yourself most days, having bought ingredients in the out of town supermarket or from home, it can be done quite cheaply.
• Does the coach stop at a supermarket before we get to the resort? Coaches will try to stop at the supermarket around one hour before reaching resort, however, this will not always be possible due to supermarket opening/ closing times.

A word from the committee

"Varsity Trip is the oldest and largest student-led ski-trip in the world, held between Oxford and Cambridge. Every year we take over three thousand students for a week in the alps to never forget and with this year being our centenary we’re looking to make it bigger and better than ever”

“Our aim is to bring innovative events, huge acts and generalised fun to the mountains for Oxbridge students to unwind after a busy term. We also strive to make the trip as accessible and sustainable as possible, meaning more people can enjoy the snow and that the snow will last longer. Here’s to another 100 years of Varsity Trip."

What is student snowsports?

It’s hard to describe perfectly. But it’s easy to experience. It’s open, inclusive, it doesn’t matter where you come from or what you do. It always makes you feel welcome.

Shared stories that are impossible to define to those who have not been part of it. It’s days filled with unmistakeable energy. It’s nights you can’t remember but won’t forget.

It makes you feel part of something that is real and happening. It cements you in a tribe forever of like minded people. The identity is immediately recognisable.

It’s joy seeking. It’s a channel for fulfulling your passion. It’s the last orders and first lifts. It’s that 29-hour bus journey with an excitement you can’t put into words. It’s chairlift conversations leading to friendships for life.