Is it possible to cancel the ski holiday free of charge if it is clear before arrival that there is not enough snow for winter sports?
According to the ADAC, the answer is usually clear.
After January that was far too mild, many ski holidaymakers were disappointed.
In most ski areas, some slopes were open - also due to the use of artificial snow.
But for many it was the dream ski holiday they had hoped for, but unfortunately it often wasn’t because there was no real snow in many places.
And one or the other may have regretted that he may have shelled out a lot of money for the skiing holiday.
Some wonder how to avoid such disappointments in the future.
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In January, some lifts were temporarily closed due to a lack of snow.
(icon picture)
© MiS/Imago
Package tour: skiing holiday could fall through – when is there a lack of travel?
ADAC lawyers have looked into the question of what rights holidaymakers have if they are slowed down by too little snow – possibly even before they start their journey.
Example package tour: "A winter holiday can also be a package tour if, for example, travel, accommodation and ski pass are booked as a package," says
ADAC.de
in explanation.
"Travellers can reduce the travel price if there is a lack of travel." But when does such a lack of travel exist?
“The weather and snow conditions are usually part of the general risk of life
of travelers,” the automobile club informs in the article.
Something else applies if the organizer has made promises about winter sports in the catalog or on the website - such as promises such as "snow guarantee" or "snow security".
"Such full-bodied descriptions of the vacation spot can be a contractual assurance," says the legal assessment of the lawyers
on
ADAC.de.
"If the description does not apply, a reduction in the travel price is conceivable.
Namely for the travel days when you couldn’t ski or do winter sports due to lack of snow.”
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Ski holiday booked, but little snow in sight - "Cancellation often only against cancellation fee"
Can you cancel your ski holiday free of charge if it is clear before you arrive that there is not enough snow for winter sports?
The ADAC lawyers agree that this is not usually possible.
"Resignation is often only possible against cancellation fees," the article continues.
The experts call one exception: A free withdrawal from the travel contract is only possible "if the agreed travel services have a significant defect that cannot be remedied".
Only if the tour operator has guaranteed snow in the ski area in the contract, for example, can the trip be canceled free of charge.
Deductible or paying more because of age: mistakes in trip cancellation insurance
Deductible or paying more because of age: mistakes in trip cancellation insurance
Lack of snow in the ski area?
Individual travelers rely on goodwill from the hotel
Some ski vacationers prefer an individual trip.
"Anyone who books their accommodation themselves and arrives individually by car or train is dependent on the goodwill of the hotelier or landlord in the event of a lack of snow," explains the ADAC on the legal situation.
Because the booked room or holiday apartment could also be occupied if there was a lack of snow.
"The hotelier or landlord thus fulfills their contract, so free cancellation is usually not possible." However, the ADAC advises on its website to contact the hotel or landlord: "Talk to your contractual partner and try to find an individual solution for your booking,” it says.
List of rubrics: © MiS/Imago
