What is included in the price?

Coach Transport, Accommodation, Lift Pass, Insurance, Cuppers Races, Varsity Races, Opening Night Party, Socials, Live Night, Après-Ski Entertainment, Mountain Workshops, Ski Guiding, a T-Shirt, and much, much more...

What is Varsity Trip?

The Varsity Trip is an annual trip that was established to host the Oxford vs Cambridge Blues ski races in 1922, and was jointly run by Oxford Ski & Snowboard Club (OUSSC) and Cambridge Ski & Snowboard Club (CUSSC). For the last 89 years, participants have been visiting different European skiing resorts and participating in the Varsity Trip competitions. Recently the trip has grown enormously in size and scope and it now caters for 3000 skiers and boarders of all abilities, and includes an unparalleled, world-class schedule of events and entertainment.

Why is the Varsity Trip better than a college or family skiing trip?

• It’s the best value skiing trip you’ll ever come across!
• It's the biggest student snowsports event on the planet
• You'll meet people from outside your college and from the 'other' university
• Last year Calvin Harris, Bloc Party and DJ Yoda headlined our events – let’s face it, you want to see who we’ve got in store for this year.
• With our VT wristband, you'll get exclusive discounts in shops, bars, and clubs throughout the resort.
• There are loads of free events. including the Opening Night Party, Live Night and a daily VarCity Aprés ski to name a few...
• Everyone gets a free T-shirt and goodie bag with sponsors' treats, and there are hundreds of prizes on offer throughout the week.
• Exclusive VT nights out where we take over the biggest venues in the Alps (not to mention the town)
• Tailored transport options - take the luxury coaches from Oxford, Cambridge and London, fly, or make your own way to Val Thorens and receive a discount.
• Pre-organised ski and board hire (or try both!), as well as lessons for all abilities
• Fun competitions – something for everyone from our beginners’ slalom, to free-to-enter college cuppers and the oldest university ski races in the world, the Varsity Races.
• Backed by high-profile sponsors and affiliates

Where are we going this year?

We are going to the highest ski resort in the Alps – Val Thorens in France.

Do I have to be an Oxbridge student?

Not at all. Alumni are welcome on the trip and students may invite non-Oxbridge friends to come so long as the external participant indicates who they have been invited by on the booking form.

Does it matter if I am a boarder not a skier?

Not at all! There are many boarders on the trip; you can hire your equipment through us just the same as skis and there are plenty of suitable pistes and snowparks as well as freestyle competitions.

But I’ve never even put a pair of skis on before!

Don’t worry! – around a third of Varsity Trip participants each year are complete beginners! Varsity Trip is the perfect place to try skiing out as it’s both cheap and packed with people of a similar skill level. We have a specially-designed beginners’ pack with everything you need to get going including lessons and equipment, and we have arranged some great deals on ski clothing hire so you don't need to splash out on expensive kit before you give it a try. Lessons will be in a small class (maximum of 10 people) with a professional instructor and people of an equal level, so you will have a great chance to meet people and make friends as you learn together, and laugh at each other's expense. By the end of the week you will be bopping about no problem and entering yourself in the races to show off those parallel turns.

But I'm frightened – isn’t skiing dangerous and scary?!

Speeding down the slopes attached to a couple of planks of wood isn't everyone's idea of a good time (crazy as it sounds, people have assured us that this is so), but lucky for them the 'speeding' part is in fact optional. The first thing you will learn is the snowplough, which enables you to regulate your speed very easily, and you will know how to stop before you've even picked up enough speed to make it worthwhile. Snow is soft, pistes can be very shallow and there's always a bar at the bottom.

What is the First Lift Package?

If you can’t wait to hit the mountains then make sure you book onto our First Lift package. This allows you to fly out on the Thursday night and have all day race training on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday, ready for time trials on Monday. Of course, if you’re are not a racer and just want to do some extra skiing or boarding, you are more than welcome to come along; the training part is purely optional! If you are buying the first lift package you must get signed permission from the senior tutor of your college to leave on the Thursday evening. If you fail to do this you will not be permitted to attend the trip and will lose your payment. See the First Lift page for more details.

What are the Blues Races and can I take part?

There will be trials for the University teams on the Monday. They are open to anyone and no prior involvement is required. The fastest trial times will go through and compete. It’s as simple as that. If you’re keen to race we suggest you get in touch with OUSSC if you’re from Oxford (www.oussc.co.uk) or CUSSC if you’re from Cambridge (www.cussc.org.uk).

What are the Cuppers Races and can I take part?

This is up to your college ski team. Ask your college rep who to get in touch with in your college and there is a decent chance you’ll make the team.

Will there be a snow park and freestyle competitions?

Yes! There will be a snow park open each day and competitions taking place throughout the trip. Check the official guide on arrival to get the full timing schedule.

What if none of my friends want to go?

This is a worry for quite a few people, especially freshers, so you're not the only one! For a start you probably do know loads of people who are going, the kind that you chat to in hall but don't know quite well enough to be sure of their forthcoming holiday plans. With weeks of term left before you go you'll probably meet even more before then, especially if you come along to our pre-trip socials or talk to your college rep. Every year lots of people come on the trip alone and we put these kindred souls together so they automatically have people to go out with on the first night. If you go alone, we will guarantee you will meet people on transport out, in the bar, in your room, in the bar, at our events, on ski lifts, at VarCity etc. With so many students in such a small place, you will meet loads of new people. And if that doesn't work, come and talk to the Committee, we're lovely really!

What are the dates of the trip?

The main week is from the 3rd to the 10th December (with coaches leaving late on the 2nd December). However, if you want to do some race training or get some extra skiing or boarding in, then the Racers' Package is from the 1st to the 10th December.

When and where can I book?

Booking opens at 8am on 10th October here at varsitytrip.com.

Do I get a discount off the price of my holiday if I take my own transport for both ways or just one way?

Yes - there is a £35 reduction for people taking their own transport both ways. There is no one-way discount.

What level lessons should I book?

Lessons will be assigned depending on your skill level, which will be described on the booking form like this:

• Beginner - No previous experience
• Class 1 - 1-2 weeks on snow
• Class 2 - 3 - 5 weeks on snow
• Class 3 - 6 + weeks on snow

Can I choose who I share a room with?

Yes, this is very straightforward and no problem whatsoever. Room allocation will become available after booking closes, so you can allocate yourself to a room with your friends. We’ll be making big changes to the system this year to make sure that it is easier than ever!

If I am a non-EU citizen, do I need a French visa?

You may do, but this is not a problem. Book the trip in the normal way, and then contact the French Embassy in London to see if you need a visa. If you need a letter confirming you are coming on the trip, we can provide that for you, just email enquiries@varsitytrip.com. Do this quickly though, as you don't want to miss out because of paperwork! We are unable to refund anybody who cannot come on the trip because their visa didn’t arrive in time.

Is there a limit on the number of people on the trip?

Yes; we are limited by the size of our accommodation blocks. Since places are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, book early in order to avoid disappointment - Varsity Trip TwentyTen sold out in less than thirty hours and we expect to be just as quick this year.

Might I get bored if I don't want to ski all day?

You'll find it hard to! There are those who will always eat their Weetabix at 8am, ski all day and drop in the evening, and there are also those who just want a leisurely time with their friends. The committee have also organised entertainment every evening and during the day there is a pool and sports centre, cinema, bowling, as well as a range of Alpine workshops to ensure you never get bored

What time will the coaches be returning to the UK on Saturday 10th?

Coaches will depart Val Thorens between 1800hrs – 2200hrs on Friday 9th December and will return to the UK, they will be passing through Dover on the morning of Saturday 10th December between 0800 and 1200hrs, traffic dependant. Oxford and Cambridge are both around 3 hours from Dover in good traffic. If you have any questions about transport please get in touch with us and we’ll do our very best to help you out.

Where can I get dropped off in London on the way back?

All coaches going back to Cambridge will stop at London Chafford Hundred Rail Station, this is on the M25 east and links by overland train directly into London Liverpool Street (the journey time is approximately 30 mins). Chafford Hundred is very close to Lakeside Shopping center for those being collected.

All coaches going back to Oxford will stop at Hatton Cross Tube Station, this is on the Piccadilly Line and the journey time to Kings Cross is approximately 55 mins. Hatton Cross is very close to Heathrow Airport for those being collected.

Transport?

The basic transport is by executive coach. These depart from Oxford, Cambridge and London on the evening of the 2nd December and travel overnight to the resort. All coaches include a toilet and DVD player. Oxford students, please note that you must ask permission from your personal tutor to leave on the Friday evening as term does not technically end until the Saturday. This is an important courtesy to the University, as well as a stipulation in most College Regulations.

Coaches will depart Cambridge from 1530-1830hrs from Queens Road Coach Stop. Coaches will depart Oxford from 1900-0030hrs from the Coach Stop, Broad Street. Coaches will depart London at 2000hrs from Victoria coach station.

Passengers are required to travel on the same coach for both the outbound and inbound journeys. If spaces become available on alternative coaches we will accept requests for coach switches in resort.

Alternatively you can fly. Flights leave on the morning of Saturday 3rd December, and a coach will deliver you to resort that afternoon. Return flights are £139 or you can coach out and fly back. See flights for more details.

Accommodation?

Standard accommodation is in self-catering apartments of 4-10 people located in the centre of town and next to the pistes. This year all of the accommodation is close together and the majority of it is in just two buildings so the place will be buzzing with Varsity Trip atmosphere. Alternatively you can upgrade to Tikal's nicer self-catering apartments which are just across the street where you will find yourself in larger, less crowded, apartments of only 4 people for just £19. If that’s still not enough space you can upgrade to our luxurious Montana residence or Les Balcons with an indoor pool and spa each for just £39. See the accommodation section for more details. And if you really want to splash out, you can choose our deluxe package which includes flights, top quality accommodation, entrance to all non-meal events, gold package ski/snowboard hire, superior insurance, and of course one of our exclusive Varsity Trip hoodies, all in one easy package. Check it out!

Lift Pass?

The lift pass included covers the whole of the Val Thorens ski area – plenty to keep the average skiier entertained for a week. However if you want to expand your horizons, for just £31 you can upgrade to a ‘3 Valleys’ pass which will allow access – snow permitting – to one of the most extensive ski areas in the world. In resort, you will only be able to upgrade for a daily rate of €15,50 so it's well worth buying in advance. If the 3 Valleys links are closed for the entire week then your upgrade will be refunded

Insurance?

Basic insurance is included for all participants however this does not cover anyone under the influence of alcohol. Anyone wishing to enter Cuppers or the Blues races must upgrade to superior insurance.

Evening Events?

The Opening and Final Night Parties on Varsity Trip last year put Glastonbury in perspective as thousands of students piled into our exclusively restructured venue and enjoyed a cheap bar and spectacular special effects whilst partying to the awesomeness of Calvin Harris, Kele from Bloc Party and DJ Yoda. Just wait to see what we’ve got in store for you this time... On other evenings you can choose to take part in one or many of our exciting events lined up throughout the week. From the Mountain Meal to the highest Comedy Night in Europe you are sure to be entertained-a-plenty. If that’s not enough, each night the bars and clubs of Val Thorens will be open for action including the famous ‘Malaysia’, the largest club in the Alps!

Après Ski?

So you’ve skied hard all day – or just to lunch and back – and the lifts are shutting... what next? This year there is awesome après ski entertainment lined up for each day at this year’s fantastic VarCity, located at the Chalet du Thorens with blaring beats, tasty treats and discounted drinks to warm your chilly feet! All participants can congregate and catch up on the week’s events whilst chilling out surrounded by specular Alpine scenery.

Food and drink?

Buses will stop at the big supermarket in the valley on the way up to resort so you can stock up on cheap food for the week to cook in your self-catering apartments. There are also smaller supermarkets in resort to stock up on daily essentials. Each day at VarCity there burgers, snacks and drinks will be available at extraordinarily cheap prices. We have also arranged deals at a range of mountain restaurants which will be open all day and in the evenings. For drinks on town we have been able to negotiate excellent prices in all the bars and clubs - just flash your Varsity card or wristband.

Ski, Snowboard and Snowsuit hire?

For skis and boards, if you don't own your own gear, our ski hire package starts from £59 and our board package from £79 for the week, depending on how high quality skis or board you want. If you’ve already got some of your own equipment you can simply hire what you need; you can choose this when you book on the online form as with all your other options, and your equipment will be all sorted for you and ready to collect when you arrive in resort. Bronze will be absolutely fine if you're a beginner or fairly new to skiing.

For a snowsuit, this year we have teamed up with Crevasse Clothing who will be renting really good quality suits for great prices. They will be holding fitting days in Oxford and Cambridge later this term. You can reserve stuff on the website and if you have booked we will e-mail you to let you know once the fitting dates are scheduled.

I still have loads of questions you haven't answered, who can I ask?

If the answers to your questions aren't somewhere on this website, there are lots of ways you can find out more about the Trip, for example, you can talk to your College Rep, email the Committee at enquiries@varsitytrip.com or come and see us at Fresher's Fair or any of the pre-trip bar visits and socials.