We have gathered here the answers to the questions we are asked most often about our winter camps, so that you know in advance what to expect and how to prepare.
What happens if there is no snow?
In the Straja resort, the main slopes are equipped with snowmaking systems, which are switched on whenever temperatures allow. This means that, in most cases, ski and snowboard lessons can go ahead in good, safe conditions.
However, if the weather does not even allow artificial snow to be made and the camp cannot go ahead, it will be cancelled, and the deposit paid can be carried over to another session, agreed with the parents.
Can I pay for the camp with a holiday voucher card (card de vacanță)?
Yes. Payment by holiday voucher card can be made on arrival. If you would also like to pay the deposit with your holiday voucher card, please get in touch with us and the payment can be made remotely as well.
What if a child has allergies or intolerances, or follows a special menu?
Please let us know before the camp starts about any allergy, food intolerance or special diet – vegetarian, vegan, etc.
Depending on the situation, we will adapt the meals and prepare suitable alternatives where necessary.
My child has a nap at lunchtime. What happens if they don't wake up in time for the afternoon lesson?
In our camps for preschoolers, we also take the little ones' rest routine into account. We discuss this with the parents, and if several children are used to napping at lunchtime, the afternoon lesson can start at 16:00 instead of 15:00.
The schedule is adapted so that time on the slopes stays enjoyable for the children rather than tiring.
Is it worth buying ski equipment for a 5-year-old?
If skiing is already a family habit, if you go to the mountains often, or if the equipment can later be used by a younger brother or sister, buying it may make sense.
However, if your child only skis occasionally, a few times a season, we would rather recommend hiring the equipment, especially at this age, when children grow quickly.
Equipment for the children is included in the camp: skis, ski boots, poles and a helmet. Outside the camp programme, equipment can be hired from the ski hire shops in the resort.
What should I choose for a preschool child: a camp or private lessons with a ski instructor?
It very much depends on the child.
At the camp, lessons take place in groups. For many preschoolers, this is an advantage: the children encourage one another, learn from each other, and the element of play and the little ‘competition’ between them can motivate them.
With private lessons, the instructor's attention is devoted to a single child, and the pace and exercises can be tailored entirely to that child's needs.
Both options can work very well. The choice depends on the child's personality, how independent they are and how they feel most comfortable learning.
Can children cope with around 5 hours of skiing a day?
Yes. The roughly 5 hours of skiing are not continuous but split into two sessions: one in the morning, starting at 09:30, and one in the afternoon, starting at 15:00 or 16:00, depending on the schedule.
For children, especially the youngest ones, the teaching is adapted to their age. Ski exercises and techniques are introduced through play, explanations are given in a way they understand, and breaks are taken whenever needed.
The aim is not simply to spend as many hours as possible on the slopes, but for the little ones to learn, make progress and enjoy skiing.
Does my child need to know how to ski already?
No. The camps can suit both children who are putting on skis for the very first time and those who already have some experience. At the start of the programme, the children are assessed and placed according to their level, so that the exercises and the pace of learning suit each group as well as possible.
How are the children divided into groups?
The children are divided into groups based first and foremost on their skiing level and, where possible, on their age. The aim is for members of the same group to work at a similar pace and to be able to progress together in the best possible conditions.
How is the booking confirmed?
Your booking is confirmed once you have completed the registration steps provided for your chosen session and paid the corresponding deposit. For the exact deposit amount, payment deadline and applicable terms, please see the information for the camp session you are registering for, or contact the Tabere Straja team.
From what age can a child attend the ski camp?
Children can take part in our ski camps from the age of 3. For the little ones, the programme and teaching methods are adapted to their age, and lessons are built around play, simple exercises and breaks whenever needed.
Can siblings or friends be in the same group?
We try to take such wishes into account, but skiing level remains the main criterion for forming the groups. If two children are at a similar level, we will try, as far as possible, to keep them together.
If their levels are very different, it is better for their progress and safety to be in different groups.
Can parents ski with their children during the lessons?
During lesson times, we recommend that the little ones stay with their group and their instructor. That way, they concentrate more easily and follow the programme set for their group's level.
Outside lesson times, the family can of course spend time together on the slopes.
If a parent doesn't ski, can they still come to the camp?
Of course. The camp can be a mountain holiday for the whole family, even if only the child takes part in the ski programme.
We have accommodation and meal options for adults, and the camp also includes a bonus ski lesson on the first day, organised according to level.
What happens if a child gets cold or tired on the slopes?
The programme is not designed as performance training. The instructors keep an eye on the group's pace, and when the children need a break, they have one.
Especially in the groups of young children, the goal is for them to associate skiing with a pleasant experience and to want to come back to the slopes.
What happens if the weather is very bad?
The children's safety comes first. The programme on the slopes may be adapted to the weather and to the conditions in the resort. If an activity cannot take place safely as planned, the programme will be reorganised.
Can we arrive a day early or stay an extra night?
Subject to availability at the accommodation, you can request extra nights before or after the camp dates. These are not part of the standard package and are confirmed separately, depending on availability and the applicable rate.
When is the best time to register?
As early as possible once you have chosen the right session. Places are limited, and availability varies from one session to another.
Still have a question? Contact the Tabere Straja team and we will give you all the details you need.