Q: Do I need to know how to ski before I join the club?
A: Absolutely not; the IAEA Ski Club is an excellent place to learn to ski. We offer novice (absolute beginner) lessons on 4 of the first 5 trips. After that, you need to be able to ski blue (easy) runs and ride a chair lift.
Q: What is included in the trip price?
A: Hotel, dinner Saturday (and Friday for the 3-day trips), breakfasts, bus travel, 2 (or 3 for 3-day trips) half-day ski lessons.
Q: How do I sign up for a trip?
A: First, you must become a club member for the current season by registering online. Then you go to the signup on the date listed, at the entrance to M Building between 7:30-8:30. With the trip fee in cash, please.
Q: Do I need to get in the registration line very early?
A: Good question. Over the last 10 years, if you arrived before 8 am, you would have at least a 90% chance of getting on the trip. Some years, no trips sell out before 8:30 am. During some good snow seasons, trips sell out more quickly.
Q: What if I can’t make it to sign up?
A: Starting at 7:45 on registration days you can call in to 01-2600-27999. Please note, however, that members who attend sign up in person will have priority in securing their spot on the trip.
Q: Can I become a member of the ski club at trip registration?
A: No. You must join the club first through online registration.
Q: Can I bring a guest?
A: Priority at sign-up is given to members present. After all members present have signed-up for a trip, if there are still free spaces on the trip, members may sign up one guest per membership. If there are still free spaces after that, extra guests may be added. Guests pay a €15 surcharge and are required to share a room with the member inviting them.
Q: Can I sign-up another member?
A: Only in justified exceptional cases (duty travel or other valid reasons), and when approved by the committee at least one day in advance.
Q: Can I rent skis/snowboards/boots when I arrive at the ski resort for 2- and 3-day trips?
A: No. You must bring all skiing/snowboarding equipment with you on the bus. (Equipment can be rented in St. Anton for the weeklong trip.) . The reason for this is that the club often skis at multiple areas over the weekend and that the lessons begin first thing in the morning.
Q: Is there a place at the VIC where I can store my ski/snowboard equipment?
A: Yes. The ski club has an equipment storage room in the VIC that is located near where the bus departs from. This storage room is opened regularly before the bus departs from the VIC and after it returns. The storage room can also be accessed at other times upon request.
Q: What should I bring on the bus beside the obvious, i.e., ski/snowboard equipment, clothing?
A: When the bus leaves the VIC, you should bring cash to pay for a lift pass, approximately 45 euros/day. You may also wish to bring snacks and water and/or wine. (beer and sports drinks sold on the bus)
Q: What time does the bus leave the VIC?
A: The bus leaves promptly at 17:00. Please be on the bus at least 15 minutes before departure.
Q: How do the lessons work?
A: We usually have classes in 6 different levels. The instructors will assign you to a ½day class depending on experience and ability.
Q: Is there off-piste skiing?
A: Almost always. Avalanche equipment is highly recommended. Sometimes an instructor-led group will require at a minimum, a beacon/beeper.
Q: Can I have a single room?
A: On some trips, there are a few singles available at an extra charge. On very full trips, it can be difficult. It’s first-come, first-served on registration day.
Q: I don’t ski, but I snowboard. Are there others?
A: Yes, lots.
Q: What time do we get back to Vienna on Sunday?
A: Usually between 7:30 and 8:30; later for destinations that are farther away, such as Nassfeld and Zell am See.
Q: Can I use the ski club mailing list to sell my old equipment?
A: Nope.