2. TRAVEL INSTRUCTIONS AND BAGGAGE REQUIREMENTS
1. REGISTRATION
REGISTRATION THROUGH ARRIVAL, A 7 STEP PROCESS!
Step 1 – Registration & payment of deposit
Step 2 – SASS confirmation email & completion of SASS forms
Step 3 – Book your travel to Argentina
Step 4 – Payment of balance
Step 5 – Travel insurance
Step 6 – SASS email with final trip itinerary
Step 7 – Pack your bags and fly to Argentina!
REGISTRATION
Registration may be completed ONLINE
*Payment info below
*Participants must pay a deposit upon registration
CONFIRMATION EMAIL
Upon registration participants will receive an email confirming registration and payment. The confirmation email will contain further instructions regarding SASS Forms, travel instructions, final payment instructions and insurance info.
*If you do not receive a confirmation email call 1 800 SASS or email SASS at info@sasnow.com
FORMS
There are 4 forms which must be completed to attend SASS (3 for
Sign and send form to:
SASS
PO BOX 267
Guilford, CT 06437
1. SASS Waiver .PDF
3. SASS Proof of Insurance Form .PDF
*More info on under age travel and parental permission form below in TRIP INFO section
**More info on insurance and travel insurance below in TRIP INFO section
2. Booking your Airfare to Argentina – Travel Instructions
1. It takes two flights to arrive at SASS: (1) flight from origin to Buenos Aires and (2) flight from Buenos Aires to Bariloche. SASS participants are responsible for booking the international travel portion to Buenos Aires Ministro Pistarini International Airport (airport code EZE). SASS books the Buenos Aires to Bariloche flight.
Baggage Policies:
Checked Baggage – LAN allows all passengers to check 2 bags up to 50lbs each for free with their ticket. Any bags over this weight limit are subject to a surcharge. The client is responsible for this surcharge. LAN will not allow any bags over 100lbs on a flight regardless of the fees paid on the bag.
Carry-On Baggage - LAN allows all passengers to bring 1 carry-on bag and 1 personal item for free with their ticket. The carry-on bag must be unter 17lbs and meet the 55 x 35 x 25 centimeter standard carry on size. The personal item must be small enough to fit under the seat. Examples: Purse, Laptop, Diaper Bag, Jacket.
*SASS is responsible for booking Argentine portion of flight. Flight info will be provided in the Itinerary which will be sent 2 weeks prior to start of session. Please note that under certain circumstances extra fees may apply – see payment section below for details.
2. Arrival in Buenos Aires (EZE airport) on arrival day and departure from Buenos Aires (EZE airport) on departure day is mandatory.
Arrival day is the first day of each session; participants must arrive before 12pm.
Departure day is the last day of each session; participants must depart later than 6pm.
*Flights from North America and Europe to Buenos Aires are overnight flights, so to arrive on Arrival Day participants must depart from their origin the night before arrival day.
**Participants will incur an extra charge for arrival or departure outside the stated arrival and departure times
***For a complete list of extra charges see the payment section below.
3. When booking your flight we recommend that you check various websites online to find the cheapest flights.
BELOW IS A GUIDE THAT WILL HELP BOOK FLIGHTS ON THE CORRECT DATE:
SESSION 1
July 19 - Depart from US/Canada/Europe for an overnight flight into Buenos Aires.
August 3 - Return to US/Canada/Europe departing Bariloche in the afternoon on the last day of camp.
SESSION 2
August 2 - Depart from US/Canada/Europe for an overnight flight into Buenos Aires.
August 17 - Return to US/Canada/Europe departing Bariloche in the afternoon on the last day of camp.
SESSION 3
August 16 - Depart from US/Canada/Europe for an overnight flight into Buenos Aires.
August 31 - Return to US/Canada/Europe departing Bariloche in the afternoon on the last day of camp.
SESSION 4
September 3 – Depart from US/Canada/Europe for an overnight flight into Buenos Aires.
September 12 - Return to US/Canada/Europe departing Bariloche in the afternoon on the last day of camp.
* Extra charge for transportation for any airlines arriving outside of the arrival times listed above. That frequently includes Mexicana, Copa, Taca and Air Canada. Please check your arrival times before purchasing the tickets.
** SASS books domestic flight in Argentina however if flight is delayed or missed participants may be charged extra rebooking, flight change, accompanying minor to check-in or international flight fee.
***SASS does not assume responsibility for any international flight changes, delays or cancellations.
****For a complete list of extra charges see the payment section below.
3. TRIP INFORMATION & SASS POLICIES
UPON ARRIVAL IN BUENOS AIRES
All Participants are met at the international airport (EZE) by SASS Staff members before they embark on a city tour in Buenos Aires. In the afternoon of arrival day participants are transferred to Jorge Newbery Airport where SASS Staff facilitate check in for the domestic flight to Bariloche.
*SASS will book flights from Jorge Newbery Airport (AEP) to San Carlos de Bariloche Airport (BRC) but SASS does not assume responsibility for extra charges related to these flights.
**All domestic flight info will be provides in the participant itinerary.
ITINERARY
About 2 weeks prior to their session participants will receive an itinerary that provides details about transportation and lodging. This document will outline each step of the trip; details such as name and phone number of SASS staff member who will meet participants at the airport, national flight information in Argentina, hotel information and all necessary contact info for SASS staff and management.
*In order to accommodate and or ensure the safety of participants SASS reserves the right to make unannounced changes to the stated itinerary, granted, that SASS will duly notify participants and or participant’s parents of such changes. The reason for such a change includes (but is not limited to) any flight cancellation or delay, missed flights, arrival or departure not on schedule, injury, illness or expulsion from SASS. The financial obligation of the participant, in the case such changes to the itinerary are made, are discussed below in the payment section.
INSURANCE
SASS requires all participants to have medical insurance and travel insurance that covers them in Argentina. Please review your health insurance policy to insure that it offers international travel insurance to cover accident, medical expenses, evacuation and repatriation.
Many health insurance policies do not offer such coverage so we strongly recommend that you acquire a short term travel insurance plan. Such a plan is relatively inexpensive (about $100) compared to medical expenses which may be incurred in the case of an accident. In addition, travel insurance covers lost baggage, missed and/or delayed flights, theft and family emergency.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
SASS STRONGLY SUGGESTS TRAVEL INSURANCE
Travel Insured International "Worldwide Trip Protector" with sports coverage add on is a good choice for your trip. Cost depends on age & length of trip. For a personalized quote with Travel Insured International please email us at info@sasnow.com
or Follow the Link Below to go directly to Travel Insured
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UNDER 18 TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
Participants must be at least 14 years of age or be accompanied by a parent or guardian to attend SASS. Participants under the age of 18 must arrive with written consent by a parent or guardian (Parental Permission Form). In some cases a notarized copy of this form may requested upon departure from the USA or arrival in Buenos Aires.
*Extra supervision charges will apply both in Bariloche and Buenos Aires for participants under 18 traveling on non session dates (out side the stated arrival and departure dates). Argentine Entry Requirements
Nationals of the USA, Canada, and most Western European countries, Australia and New Zealand do not need visas to visit Argentina. Upon arrival you will be granted a 90-day tourist visa with your passport.
FLYING ALONE
Minors (under 18 years of age) traveling without parents theoretically need a notarized document certifying that both parents agree to the child’s travel. SASS also recommends that participants find a flight with the fewest amount of stopovers as possible.
SAFETY
Argentina is a wonderful country to spend time. In today’s Argentina political and economic instability have been eliminated creating an atmosphere much akin to Washington D.C. or Los Angles. Buenos Aires is a cosmopolitan city; nonetheless there are areas to go and places to avoid. Obviously our time is spent largely in the mountains and not in the cities.
DRUGS AND ALCOHOL
Drugs, alcohol and tobacco are not permitted under any circumstances. SASS will strictly enforce its zero tolerance policy and the result for failing to meet SASS standards will be immediate expulsion. The legal age to purchase and consume tobacco and alcohol in Argentina is 18 years of age.
Therefore SASS permits consumption of alcohol and tobacco for participants over 18 as a privilege and reserves the right to expulse any participant which may be considered rude, inconsiderate, disruptive or disrespectful.
SUPERVISION
During transit in Buenos Aires, travel within Bariloche, field trips and free time participants will be accompanied by a SASS staff member. During the day on the mountain participants are accompanied by their coach and or guide. Participants are strongly encouraged to communicate their thoughts, feelings and problems with staff on a regular basis. SASS is a family that uses mutual respect, trust and communication to succeed.
* For participants under 18, SASS provides 24 hour supervision and a structured environment.
HELMETS
For those under 18, helmets are required for all riding.
AVALANCHE GEAR
Avalanche gear consists of a backpack, beacon, probe and shovel. Participants will not be allowed off trail with out avalanche gear.
4. PAYMENT
DEPOSIT
In order to secure registration, participants must pay a deposit and complete the SASS Online Registration.
· Under 18 deposit: $1000
· Over 18 deposit: $500
BALANCE
Payment of balance is due 30 days prior to the arrival date of trip Sign-ups within 30 days of the arrival date of trip must pay in full upon registration
DEMO CENTER
While at South America Snow Sessions, you will have the opportunity to rent new gear from our sponsors for a nominal charge. If you choose to rent gear through the demo center, you authorize SASS to charge any credit card on file at the published rate for these rentals. This includes replacement cost if equipment is lost or damaged beyond repair.
PAYMENT OPTIONS
SASS accepts credit cards (MasterCard, Visa and
· Credit card payments can be made over the phone or by logging into the SASS Online Registration.
· To make a payment via Transfer or Deposit to the SASS Bank Account contact SASS via email for instructions: info@sasnowsessions.com
· To make a payment via Check or Money Order, make the check/MO out to South America Snow Sessions and send to:
SASS
PO BOX 267
Guilford, CT 06437
CANCELLATION
If you book a session and are not able to attend our cancellation policies are final so please read them carefully.
· Deposits are non refundable
· If balances are not paid in full at 30 days before arrival there will be a $50 fee for every week that it is not paid.
Cancellations made within 60 – 31 days of arrival are charged 10% of total amount of booking.
· Cancellations made 30 days before arrival will result in forfeiture of the total amount of the booking.
POSSIBLE EXTRA CHARGES
In the case of itinerary changes (missed, canceled or delayed flights or any other occurrence that could cause deviance from the stated itinerary) SASS will do everything in its power to accommodate participants and insure their safety. As SASS assumes responsibility of the safety of each participant during their stay in Argentina the company also reserves the right to change participant’s itinerary (change of flight plans, hotel bookings or emergency travel). Participants will be responsible for any additional charges in the case of any itinerary changes. SASS will promptly notify participants or participant’s parents in the event of any itinerary change. Below some examples of extra charges are listed – this list is not necessarily complete and SASS may charge clients for other incidents.
In addition the government of Argentina is currently discussing an entry tax of $134us for each foreigner to enter the country. This is a similar charge the United States charges Argentinians when they enter the USA. It is not clear when or if this change in policy will take effect.
*SASS in not responsible for extra baggage changes in Argentina
**Although SASS will book Argentine portion of flights – SASS does not assume responsibility of missed, delayed or canceled within Argentina flights and clients may be charged for re-ticketing, flight change fee or even an entire fare.
Extra Charge Examples
Arrival or departure outside specified dates and times – airport pick up $150
Supervision of minor (Bariloche & Buenos Aires) $100
Lost baggage pick up Bariloche $50
Domestic flight change $50
Extra night in Bariloche $100
Extra night in Buenos Aires case by case
Hospital visit & translation case by case
Doctor visit to hotel case by case
Medical Helicopter Evacuation case by case
Hotel damage case by case
Demo gear loss or damage case by case
