Offpiste Skiers & Snowboarders International (OSSI) is a snowsports community operated by the limited company Swiss Vanquest AG, based in Switzerland. OSSI organizes its own group trips and collaborates with third-party tour operators (contractors) to offer off-piste adventure experiences to the community.
1. Booking, Payment, and Cancellation Terms
1.1 OSSI Operated Group Trips:
- Deposit: A 50% deposit is required upon confirmation to secure reservations.
- Final Payment: The remaining 50% is due 60 days before the trip commencement date.
- Refund Policy:
- Up to 90 Days Before Commencement: 50% of the full trip costs will be refunded if already paid in, less transaction fees. If a participant provides a replacement, the paid-in trip costs will be fully refunded, less transaction fees.
- Within 90 Days of Commencement: No refunds will be provided unless a participant finds a replacement, in which case the full trip costs will be fully refunded, less transaction fees.
- Cancellation by OSSI: If OSSI cancels the trip due to reasons such as insufficient participants, guide unavailability, or operational changes, the full trip costs will be refunded, minus any transaction fees. However, in cases of cancellation due to force majeure events, OSSI reserves the right to deduct any costs incurred up to that point from the deposits.
1.2 Third-Party Operator Trips:
- The payment terms of the third-party operator will apply.
2. Changes and Cancellations
2.1 By Participants:
- Transfer of Place: Participants may transfer their place to another individual if they are unable to travel, provided OSSI is notified at least two weeks before departure and all related costs are covered by the participant.
- Booking Changes: Any changes to bookings are subject to practicality and may incur additional costs.
2.2 By OSSI:
- Itinerary Changes: OSSI may make necessary changes to itineraries due to unforeseen circumstances such as adverse weather or other force majeure events. If significant changes are required, participants will be offered alternative arrangements or a refund.
3. Acknowledgment of Snowsports Dangers and Health
3.1 Snowsports Dangers: Participants acknowledge the inherent risks of snowsports, including avalanches and sudden weather changes. OSSI and Swiss Vanquest AG are not responsible for incidents arising from these risks or other force majeure events beyond our control. By participating in our trips, participants agree to accept these risks and waive any claims against OSSI, Swiss Vanquest AG, and their contractors for injury, loss, or damage resulting from such events.
3.2 Health and Safety: Participants must acknowledge the physical exertion required for the activities and confirm they are medically fit to participate. They must also agree to wear necessary safety equipment provided during the activities. Failure to comply may result in exclusion from the trip or any associated activities. Any costs incurred as a result are the sole responsibility of the participant, and OSSI’s cancellation terms apply to any refunds.
4. Insurance Requirements
Participants are required to have insurance covering personal accidents, medical expenses, and any search and rescue operations, including emergency evacuation by air ambulance. The insurance must also cover unguided backcountry trips. It is the sole responsibility of the participants to ensure that adequate insurance coverage is in place before the trip. OSSI reserves the right to refuse participation in the trip or any associated activities if it is discovered that participants do not have adequate insurance coverage. Any costs incurred as a result are the sole responsibility of the participant, and OSSI’s cancellation terms apply to any refunds. OSSI and its contractors cannot be held liable for covering costs or providing refunds for any events not covered by the required insurance.
5. Required Medical Information
Participants must provide any requested medical information and complete a medical information form if deemed necessary by any of the operators.
6. Mobile Communication
All participants must have functioning data and phone roaming capabilities to ensure communication in case of an emergency. OSSI, Swiss Vanquest AG, and their contractors cannot be held liable for any incidents, injuries, or damages resulting from a lack of communication means.
7. Force Majeure
OSSI is not liable for any failure or delay in performing its obligations due to events beyond its reasonable control, including natural disasters, war, civil unrest, and other unforeseeable circumstances.
8. Limitation of Liability
- OSSI is liable for personal and property damage only in accordance with the Swiss Package Travel Act PRG 14-16 and PRG 12 paragraphs 2 and 13.
- For damages not resulting from non-fulfillment or improper fulfillment of the contract, OSSI and its contractors’ liability is limited to twice the package tour price.
- Claims must first be made to the respective contractor(s); OSSI only bears secondary liability for damages not covered by the participant’s insurance or the contractor(s).
- Claims not covered by the participant’s insurance or contractor(s) must be submitted in writing to OSSI’s physical mailing address:
Swiss Vanquest AG
Offpiste Skiers & Snowboarders International
Feldpark 29
6300 Zug, Switzerland
Updated: May 30th, 2024
