Last Updated: April 23, 2025

1. Agreement Overview and Definitions

Welcome to Nord Skies. These Terms and Conditions (“Terms”) govern the relationship between Nord Skies (referred to as “Nord Skies”, the “Company”, “we”, or “us”) and you, the customer (referred to as “you”, the “Traveler” or “Participant”), for any travel services, tours, retreats, or programs you book with us. Nord Skies is a U.S.-based international travel company offering cultural tours, wellness retreats, service-learning programs, and golf trips, and these Terms apply to all such offerings for both U.S. and international customers.

By booking a trip, enrolling in a program, or using our website (nordskies.com) to make a reservation, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms. This agreement is a binding contract once a booking is accepted by us. Please read these Terms carefully before booking; if you do not agree with any part, you must not make a booking or use our services.

For purposes of this document, “Trip” or “Program” means any travel package, tour, retreat, or service-learning program offered by Nord Skies. “Booking” means the reservation of a Trip once confirmed by Nord Skies. Any other rules, policies, or guidelines referenced (such as our Cancellation & Refund Policy or Privacy Policy) are incorporated into these Terms by reference. In the event of any conflict between these Terms and any other pre-trip materials, these Terms shall prevail.

2. Eligibility

Our trips and programs are available to individuals who meet our eligibility requirements:

• Adults (18+): In general, you must be at least 18 years old to book and participate in a Nord Skies trip on your own. By making a booking, you represent that you are an adult of legal age.
• Minors on School/University Trips: Minors (under 18) may participate in certain educational or service-learning trips (for example, high school or university group programs) only if they are accompanied by authorized faculty or staff from their school/university. In such cases, a teacher, professor, or school-appointed chaperone must accompany the group, and each minor’s parent or legal guardian must provide written consent and acknowledgment of these Terms. The educational institution may be asked to sign an agreement with Nord Skies, and the faculty leaders will assume responsibility for supervising the minors during the trip.
• Minors on Family Tours: Minors may also join family-oriented tours or private trips provided they are accompanied by their parent, legal guardian, or an adult caretaker explicitly authorized by the minor’s legal guardian. The guardian traveling is fully responsible for the minor’s conduct, safety, and compliance with these Terms. A parental consent form may be required for minors traveling without both parents (for example, if a child is traveling with one parent or a relative, a notarized letter of permission from the non-traveling parent/guardian is recommended).
• Guardian’s Acceptance: For any minor participant, a parent or legal guardian must review and accept these Terms on the minor’s behalf. The guardian will be the primary point of contact and will assume all financial and legal responsibility for the minor. By allowing a minor to participate, the adult guardian agrees to these Terms and ensures the minor adheres to all rules herein.
• Fitness and Any Other Requirements: All travelers (adults and minors) must be physically and mentally fit to participate in the chosen trip. Some trips may have specific requirements (for example, a minimum age for certain activities, or fitness prerequisites for strenuous activities). We reserve the right to decline a booking if a participant does not meet these requirements or if accepting the person would jeopardize the safety or enjoyment of the group.

Nord Skies reserves the right to refuse service or remove from a trip any person (adult or minor) who does not meet the above criteria or whose participation could present a risk to themselves or others. Any such decision will be at our sole discretion, and if removal is due to false representations of eligibility, standard cancellation policies may apply.

3. Booking Process and Contract Formation

To book a Nord Skies trip, please follow our booking process. The steps below outline how a binding contract is formed between you and Nord Skies:

• Booking Request: You may request a booking through our website or by contacting us directly (via phone or email). At the time of booking, you must provide accurate personal information (including full names exactly as they appear on passports for all travelers, date of birth for any minors, etc.) and select your desired trip and dates. Nord Skies shall not be held responsible for any information provided by you, that is inaccurate.
• Deposit and Details: Upon your booking request, we will provide details of the required deposit (see Payment Terms below for deposit amounts) and any necessary forms (such as a booking form or liability waiver). Submitting the deposit and required information is necessary to initiate the reservation.
• Confirmation from Nord Skies: Your booking is not confirmed until Nord Skies issues a Booking Confirmation in writing (typically via email). We will send a confirmation email or invoice once we have received your deposit and verified availability. At that point, a contract is formed between you and Nord Skies under these Terms and Conditions. Please review your confirmation and invoice carefully and contact us immediately if any details are incorrect.
• Binding Agreement: By submitting a booking and deposit, you expressly agree to these Terms for yourself and for any other travelers you are booking for. If you book on behalf of a group or others, you are representing that you have the authority to act for those persons, and you agree to ensure that all members of your party have read and agree to these Terms. All participants (and guardians for minors) are considered bound by this agreement once the booking is confirmed.
• Late Bookings: If you request a booking within a short period before the trip’s start (for example, within 60 days of departure, or a timeframe otherwise specified for that trip), full payment may be required immediately with your booking request (instead of a deposit). Additionally, availability of such late bookings is not guaranteed until confirmed. We may need to confirm arrangements (flights, accommodations, etc.) on short notice; if any components are unavailable, we will notify you and offer alternatives or a refund of any payment made for that unconfirmed portion.
• Special Requests: If you have any special requests (e.g., dietary needs, rooming preferences, wheelchair accessibility, etc.), please inform us at the time of booking. We will note requests and attempt to accommodate them, but cannot guarantee that every request can be fulfilled. Special requests do not form part of the contractual agreement unless we have confirmed them explicitly in writing.
• Pre-Departure Information: After your booking is confirmed and as your departure date approaches, we will provide relevant pre-departure information, such as itinerary details, packing lists, contact information for local guides, and any forms needed (e.g., medical forms, waivers). It is your responsibility to review all provided information and complete any required tasks (such as obtaining visas or vaccinations, see Section 7 below).

By completing the booking process and receiving our confirmation, you enter a binding contract with Nord Skies. This contract, which includes these Terms and any additional terms in the Booking Confirmation, is the entire agreement between you and Nord Skies regarding your trip (see Section 14 for governing law and entire agreement clause).

4. Payment Terms

Timely payment is essential to secure your booking and ensure travel arrangements can be made. The following payment terms apply:

• Deposit: At the time of booking, a non-refundable deposit is required to secure your place. The standard deposit amount is specified by Nord Skies for each trip (for example, a fixed amount like $500 per person, or a percentage such as 20% of the trip price, depending on the program). The exact deposit requirement will be communicated to you before you pay and will also be noted on your invoice or booking confirmation. This deposit is part of the total trip price and will be credited toward your final payment.
• Payment of Balance: The remaining balance of the trip cost (total price minus any deposit paid) is due by a specified due date prior to departure. Unless otherwise stated in writing, final payment is due 60 days before the trip’s departure date. For certain trips, the deadline may be 90 days prior or another timeframe – refer to your invoice or confirmation for the exact due date. It is your responsibility to make the final payment on time. We will send a reminder or invoice in advance of the due date. If full payment is not received by the deadline, we reserve the right to treat your booking as canceled by you (subject to applicable cancellation fees – see Section 5 on Cancellation).
• Accepted Payment Methods: We accept multiple payment methods for your convenience:
  • Credit/Debit Cards: Major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover) or debit cards can be used for payments. Card payments are processed securely through our payment partners (Stripe or PayPal).
  • PayPal: You may pay using your PayPal account. (When selecting PayPal, you will be redirected to PayPal’s secure website to complete the transaction.)
  • Bank Transfer or Check: In some cases, we can accept direct bank wire transfers or mailed checks for trip payments (generally for early bookings or group bookings). These methods are available by special arrangement – please contact us for instructions if you prefer to pay via bank transfer or check. Note that bookings are not confirmed until such payments clear our account.
  • Other Methods: We do not accept cash payments. If you wish to use an alternative payment platform or method, inquire with us and we will advise if possible.

• Currency: All trip prices and payments are in United States Dollars (USD). If you are an international customer paying with a non-U.S. bank card or account, your payment provider may charge currency conversion fees or use an exchange rate at their discretion. Nord Skies is not responsible for any differences caused by currency exchange or bank fees; we receive the amount in USD. Similarly, any refunds will be processed in USD (see Section 15 on payment processing and refunds).
• Payment Plans: Nord Skies may offer installment plans or phased payment options for certain trips (for example, an initial deposit, a second installment, and a final installment). If a payment plan is agreed upon, all scheduled installments must be paid by their respective due dates. Missing an installment due date will be treated as a missed payment and could result in cancellation of the booking per our policy.
• Late Bookings: As noted above, if you book a trip close to the departure date (e.g., inside the 60-day final payment window), full payment is typically due at the time of booking. In such cases, the deposit and final payment occur together. If we cannot confirm your booking or specific trip components due to the late timing, any payment you made for unavailable services will be refunded or not charged. We recommend contacting us for availability before making last-minute travel arrangements.
• Non-Payment and Cancellation: If we do not receive your final payment by the due date, and you have not made alternative arrangements with us, we will attempt to contact you (and any travel agent or group organizer involved) as a grace courtesy. However, if payment is still not received promptly, Nord Skies reserves the right to cancel your booking for non-payment. In such case, you forfeit the deposit and may be subject to additional cancellation fees as per our Cancellation Policy (because we may have committed costs to third parties on your behalf). We will not be liable for any costs you incur due to such cancellation (for example, if you already purchased airline tickets separately).
• Booking Changes Affecting Price: Occasionally, you may decide to add optional upgrades or extensions to your trip after the initial booking (such as extra activities, single-room supplements, trip extensions, etc.). Any such additions must be paid for in full by the deadline we specify (often at the time of adding the service, or along with the final balance). Conversely, if you remove an optional component that was initially booked, any eligible refund or credit will be determined per our Cancellation & Refund Policy or as agreed in writing.
• Price Guarantee: Once your trip is paid in full, the price is locked in and will not change regardless of any subsequent price increases or currency fluctuations. However, prior to full payment, Nord Skies reserves the right to adjust the price in the event of significant cost increases beyond our control (for example, new taxes, fuel surcharges, or exchange rate shifts affecting supplier costs). If such an adjustment is necessary, we will inform you as soon as possible. If the price increase is more than a small percentage (typically above 5% of the trip cost) and you are unwilling to accept the increase, you may cancel with a full refund of any payments made, provided you notify us within 7 days of the price increase notice.

All payments should be made by the deadlines agreed, and you should retain proof of payment (e.g., payment confirmation email or receipt). Nord Skies uses secure, PCI-compliant payment processing (see Section 15 for details on Stripe/PayPal processing and security). We will issue receipts or invoices for all payments received. If you have any questions about your payment schedule or methods, please contact us well in advance of deadlines.

5. Cancellation & Refund Policy

We understand that sometimes you may need to cancel your trip or certain participants may not be able to travel. Our Cancellation & Refund Policy is designed to be fair while covering the costs we incur when you cancel. Below is a brief summary of our cancellation terms; please refer to the full Nord Skies Cancellation & Refund Policy (available on our website or on request) for comprehensive details, including any exceptions for specific trips or promotions.

• Cancellation by You (Traveler): If you decide to cancel your booking, you must notify Nord Skies in writing (e.g., via email). The cancellation is effective on the date we receive your written notification. Cancellation fees will apply as follows (timing is generally measured from the trip departure date):
  • Far in Advance: For cancellations made well in advance of departure (for example, more than 90 days before the trip start), typically you will forfeit your deposit but receive a refund of any additional payments made. This allows us to cover administrative costs and any early commitments.
  • Moderate Advance (e.g., 60–90 days prior): Cancellations made in this window will incur higher penalties. For instance, you might lose a certain percentage of the trip cost (such as 50%) in addition to the deposit. The closer to departure, the larger the cancellation fee, because it becomes harder for us to fill your spot or recover costs.
  • Late Cancellation (e.g., less than 60 days prior): Cancellations made close to the departure (inside the final payment window) will generally result in heavy loss of funds. For example, if you cancel within 30 days of departure, our policy may state that no refund will be issued (100% of the trip cost is charged as a cancellation fee) due to pre-paid supplier commitments.
  • (These time frames and percentages are illustrative; please check our detailed policy for the exact schedule that applies to your trip.) Nord Skies will confirm your applicable refund (if any) and cancellation charges at the time of your cancellation request. Any eligible refund will be processed back to the original payment method (see Section 15 on refund processing).

• Partial Cancellations (Individual in Group): If you booked for multiple people and one or some of the travelers cancel, the cancellation fees will apply to those individuals. In addition, the price for the remaining participants may be adjusted if the original pricing was based on a certain group size or room occupancy (for example, if one person in a twin-share room cancels, the remaining person might need to pay a single supplement for their own room). We will communicate any re-pricing to the remaining travelers.
• No-Shows: If you fail to show up for the trip or arrive so late that you miss the departure, it will be treated as a cancellation on the day of departure (which typically is non- refundable). No refunds will be given for unused services if you join the trip late or leave early on your own accord.
• Travel Insurance for Cancellations: We strongly recommend that you have travel insurance that covers trip cancellation. Many cancellations occur due to unforeseen circumstances like personal illness, family emergencies, or other situations out of your control. Travel insurance may reimburse you for non-refundable trip costs in certain covered scenarios (see Section 9 on Insurance) and also confer with your insurance provider.
• Refund Processing: When a refund is due, we will process it as soon as possible. Refunds will generally be issued to the same payment method you used to pay. For example, if you paid by credit card, the refund will be credited back to that card; if you paid by PayPal, the refund goes back to your PayPal account or original funding source. Please note that it can take some time (often 5–10 business days, depending on your bank or card issuer) for the refunded amount to appear in your account. Any transaction fees we incurred (for instance, bank wire fees) may be deducted from the refund, but we do not charge any administrative fee for processing refunds beyond the stated cancellation penalties.
• Non-Refundable Items: Certain fees and costs may be non-refundable in all circumstances, regardless of timing. These may include your deposit, visa fees, travel insurance premiums, and any other items that we explicitly identify as non-refundable. Additionally, if you have already started traveling on your own before joining our trip, any expenses you incurred (like flights, hotels booked independently, local transfers etc.) are your sole responsibility and not refundable by Nord Skies.
• Changing to Another Trip (instead of canceling): If you wish to avoid cancellation fees, you might have the option (if far enough in advance) to transfer to a different Nord Skies trip or departure date. This is subject to availability and our agreement. In many cases, this will still incur an administrative change fee, but possibly less than a full cancellation. See Section 6 below for policies on changes.
• Cancellation by Nord Skies: In the rare event that we must cancel your trip (due to reasons other than force majeure, which is covered in Section 10), we will offer you a full refund of all monies paid to us for the trip. Alternatively, you may accept a travel credit or alternative trip if offered. This is further detailed in Section 6 – Changes by Company.

For full details on our cancellation fees, deadlines, and any exceptions (such as specific refund rules for certain special programs or promotions), please refer to the Nord Skies Cancellation & Refund Policy document, which is available on our website or upon request. That policy is incorporated herein by reference. By booking with Nord Skies, you acknowledge that you have read or had the opportunity to read our Cancellation & Refund Policy.

Note: Nord Skies is not responsible for any third-party costs you may incur due to your cancellation. This includes costs such as airline tickets (if you bought flights on your own), visa expenses, equipment purchases, or other arrangements not made through Nord Skies. Such costs should be covered by your travel insurance or borne by you. Always wait for our confirmation before incurring significant trip-related expenses, and consider flexible or refundable options when possible.

6. Changes by Customer or Company

Sometimes plans change. The following provisions explain how changes are handled, whether initiated by you (the customer) or by Nord Skies.

6.1. Changes or Transfers by You (Customer): If after booking, you wish to make a change, we will do our best to accommodate, but we cannot guarantee that all change requests can be fulfilled. All change requests must be submitted in writing.

• Trip Date or Package Changes: Should you wish to change to a different trip or departure date, contact us as soon as possible. Changes made well in advance (e.g., outside the final payment deadline, such as more than 60 days before departure) may be possible, subject to availability and any price differences. We will apply your existing payments to the new trip/date, minus a change fee (to cover administrative costs) if applicable. If the new trip is more expensive, you will need to pay the difference; if it is cheaper, we may apply the difference to change fees or issue a partial refund/credit according to our policies. Changes requested on short notice (e.g., within 60 days of departure) may effectively be treated as a cancellation and rebooking: the normal cancellation fees may apply to your original booking, and a new booking will be made. We will inform you of the options and any charges before you confirm a change.
• Participant Substitution (Transfer of Booking): If you cannot travel and wish to transfer your booking to another person (a friend or family member), you may request this substitution in writing. In general, substitutions are allowed up to a certain cutoff date (for example, at least 30 days before departure) and may be subject to a transfer fee. The new participant must satisfy all eligibility criteria (see Section 2), agree to these Terms, and complete any required forms. Both you (the original customer) and the substitute may need to sign a transfer form or new booking form. Note that some arrangements (like flights or certain permits) may not be transferable or may incur additional costs (for example, airline tickets often require fees for name changes or may require a completely new ticket). You will be responsible for any such additional costs. Until the transfer is fully accepted and processed by Nord Skies (and relevant suppliers), you remain liable for the full trip cost.
• Other Modifications: If you wish to make minor modifications, such as extending your stay before or after the group trip, changing your room type (e.g., requesting a single room), or adding an extra service, please let us know. We will attempt to accommodate these requests, and will inform you of any additional costs or feasibility. Changes like upgrading accommodations or adding extra days will be charged accordingly. Removing components (like opting out of an included activity) will not usually entitle you to a refund for that component, especially if it’s part of a package, but you can choose not to participate. There is no refund for unused inclusions that you choose to skip.
• Administrative Fees: For any changes initiated by you after booking (including transfers or date changes), Nord Skies reserves the right to charge an administrative fee to cover our processing effort. We will notify you of the amount (for example, $100 per person per change, or similar) at the time of request, and you can decide whether to proceed with the change. This fee is separate from any increase in trip cost or third-party fees (such as airline change fees) resulting from the change.
• Limitations: Please note that certain trips or services are non-changeable once booked. For instance, if your trip involves a permit or ticket issued in your name (like a permit to hike a restricted trail or an internal flight booked), once your name is submitted or ticket issued, changes may not be allowed or could be extremely costly. We will advise you at booking if any part of your trip is strictly non-transferable or non-changeable. In such cases, any attempt to change will be treated as a cancellation of that component.
• Documentation: All approved changes will be confirmed by Nord Skies in writing (via email). If you do not receive written confirmation of your requested change, do not assume it has been processed. It is your responsibility to follow up if you have not seen confirmation of a requested change.

6.2. Changes or Cancellations by Us (Company): Nord Skies plans trips many months in advance, and while we strive to operate each trip exactly as advertised, unforeseen circumstances may require us to make adjustments. We distinguish between minor itinerary changes and major changes, as well as circumstances where we must cancel a trip entirely.

• Minor Changes: Nord Skies reserves the right to make minor changes to your itinerary or services at any time. A minor change is one that does not significantly alter the overall character or value of the trip. Examples of minor changes include (but are not limited to): changing the order of activities on a given day, substituting one hotel for a comparable or higher standard hotel, adjusting departure times or transportation methods for efficiency, or rerouting a trek due to a temporary trail closure. In such cases, we will endeavor to inform you (for example, in your final itinerary or via the tour leader during the trip) but we typically will not provide any refund or compensation for minor changes. These adjustments are part of the nature of travel, and we appreciate your understanding and flexibility.
• Major Changes: A major change is one that materially alters an important aspect of the trip. Examples might include a change of the start or end city, a change that substitutes a majority of the destinations or activities, a date change for the trip departure, or a reduction in the trip duration. If Nord Skies must make a major change, we will notify you as soon as reasonably possible. You will then typically have the choice to:
  • Accept the change and proceed with the modified itinerary,
  • Accept an alternative trip of equal or greater value if we are able to offer one (for example, a different trip or a later departure date), or
  • Cancel the booking and receive a full refund of all monies you paid to Nord Skies for the trip.

When notifying you of a major change, we will provide details of any alternative arrangements or trips, and the deadline for your decision. If you do not respond by the given deadline, we may assume you have accepted the change by default (though we will try to reach you). If the major change is due to reasons beyond our control (see Force Majeure in Section 10), the options and compensation may be limited by that section’s terms.

• Trip Cancellation by Nord Skies: We reserve the right to cancel a trip entirely in certain circumstances. Some reasons that might lead to cancellation include:
  • Insufficient Enrollment: Many of our trips require a minimum number of participants to operate (for example, a tour might require at least 6 travelers to make it viable). If the minimum number is not reached by a cut-off date, we may cancel the trip. We will make every effort to avoid this — including possibly operating with smaller numbers or combining groups — but if cancellation is necessary, we typically try to inform you at least 30–60 days before departure. In such case, you will receive a full refund of payments made to Nord Skies.
  • Safety or Security Concerns: If we determine that operating the trip would pose undue risk to our travelers or staff – for example, due to political instability, health outbreaks, natural disasters at the destination, or other safety concerns – we may cancel or postpone the trip. We will endeavor to offer you an alternative or rescheduled trip in these scenarios, or a refund as appropriate. (If the cause is a force majeure event beyond our control, the Force Majeure terms in Section 10 will apply regarding refunds or credits.)
  • Other Circumstances: There may be other rare instances (e.g., a key supplier like a cruise ship or retreat center becomes unavailable unexpectedly without a similar replacement) where we have to cancel.

If Nord Skies cancels the trip for any reason within our control (i.e., not due to force majeure), you will receive a prompt full refund of all funds paid to us. This refund will constitute full settlement. If we offer an alternative and you accept it, any price difference will be handled (we will refund if the alternative is cheaper, or you pay extra if it’s more expensive, with your agreement).

• No Further Liability: In the event of cancellation or major change by Nord Skies, we will not be responsible for additional expenses you may have incurred outside of our services. For example, we are not liable for your personal airfare, visa fees, gear purchases, or other arrangements booked independently. These are costs that should be covered by travel insurance if possible. We strongly advise purchasing flexible or refundable airfare, or waiting to purchase non-refundable transport until we confirm the trip is guaranteed to run. Nord Skies’ financial liability is limited to the amount you paid us for the trip.
• Itinerary Adjustments During Trip: Sometimes events occur during a trip that necessitate changes on the fly (for instance, road closures, sudden weather events, strikes, etc.). The trip leader or Nord Skies staff may modify the itinerary during the trip in the interest of safety, comfort, or overall trip quality. This could include skipping or substituting activities or altering the route. In such situations, we will do our best to provide an equivalent experience, but no refunds will be issued for changes made to ensure group well-being or due to circumstances beyond our control during travel. If a significant portion of the trip cannot be provided as promised, we will consider appropriate compensation or credit for a future trip, but this is case-dependent (and again may be limited if force majeure is involved).

• Notice: For any changes or cancellation by us, we will notify the lead passenger (the person who made the booking) using the contact information provided (email and/or phone). Please ensure we have your updated contact details and that you are responsive to communications in the lead-up to your trip.

Nord Skies will always endeavor to deliver the trip as advertised. We value your experience and will not cancel or significantly alter a trip unless absolutely necessary. Your understanding of the need for flexibility in travel is greatly appreciated. Section 10 (Force Majeure) provides additional information on changes or cancellations due to extraordinary events beyond either party’s control.

7. Passports, Visas, and Health Requirements

Traveling internationally comes with important requirements that each traveler must fulfill. It is your responsibility to ensure you meet all passport, visa, and health formalities for the trip. Please review the following carefully:

• Valid Passport: Every traveler must have a valid passport for international travel. Most countries require that your passport be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of the end of your trip (return date) and have sufficient blank pages for entry/exit stamps or visas. It is your responsibility to check your passport’s expiration date and pages, and renew your passport if necessary before the trip. Nord Skies is not liable for any denial of entry or delays at immigration due to passport issues. We recommend taking a photo or copy of your passport and carrying it separately, and providing us with a copy in advance for our records (if requested).
• Visas and Entry Documents: You are responsible for obtaining all necessary visas, permits, and travel documents required for entry into the countries you will visit or transit during the trip. This may include tourist visas, work permits (if our program is a service-learning project that requires it), or electronic travel authorizations, depending on your nationality and the destination’s requirements. Nord Skies may provide general guidance on visa requirements and application procedures, and in some cases we can facilitate group visas or invitations, but the final responsibility rests with you to secure the correct documents. We recommend beginning any visa application process well in advance, as some visas can take weeks or months to process. If a visa is denied or not obtained in time, you will be subject to our cancellation policy (we cannot be responsible for a government agency’s decision or delays). Always travel with the same passport you used to obtain your visa (if applicable) and bring printed copies of any visa or travel authorization confirmations.
• Minor Travel Documents: If you are traveling with a minor child (under 18), be aware that some countries and airlines require additional documentation to prevent child abduction or trafficking. This may include a notarized parental consent letter from the non-traveling parent(s) or proof of relationship (like a birth certificate). For example, a minor traveling without one or both parents may need a letter of permission; a minor with a different last name than the parent may need proof of parenthood or guardianship. It is the guardian’s responsibility to research and obtain any such documents. Failure to have proper consent documents could result in the minor being denied boarding or entry.
• Health & Vaccination Requirements: Many countries have health entry requirements or recommendations. You must ensure that you meet any mandatory health requirements for all destinations on your itinerary. This can include:
  • Vaccinations: Certain countries require proof of vaccination for diseases like Yellow Fever if you are arriving from an affected region. Additionally, in the era of COVID-19, countries may require proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a recent negative test for entry. It is your duty to get any required vaccinations well in advance and carry official proof (such as a Yellow Card or digital COVID certificate) if needed.
  • Health Screenings: Some destinations might require health questionnaires or on- site screenings (temperature checks, etc.). Compliance is mandatory.
  • Medical Tests: For example, a COVID-19 PCR or antigen test might be required within a certain timeframe before arrival, or a malaria-free certificate in rare cases. You must arrange and pay for any required tests. Nord Skies will inform you of known requirements, but regulations can change rapidly; you should double-check closer to departure and we will assist with updates if we can.

• Recommended Health Precautions: Beyond mandatory requirements, it is highly recommended that you consult a health professional or travel medicine clinic about recommended vaccinations and health precautions for your destinations. Common recommended immunizations or medications might include (depending on region) Typhoid, Hepatitis A/B, Tetanus, Malaria prophylaxis, etc. It is best to discuss your itinerary with a doctor at least 6-8 weeks before travel. You should also pack an adequate supply of any personal medications you require, along with copies of prescriptions (especially for any controlled substances or injectables, to show customs if needed).
• Fitness and Medical Considerations: You are responsible for assessing whether the trip is suitable for you from a health and fitness perspective. Our itineraries may involve activities like walking long distances, hiking uneven terrain, altitude exposure, swimming, or long travel days. If you have any pre-existing medical conditions or mobility limitations, please consult with your physician about your travel plans. It is crucial that you inform Nord Skies of any chronic conditions, disabilities, or recent illnesses/injuries before booking (or as soon as possible if a condition develops after booking). We will maintain confidentiality of your medical information, but we need to know so that we can advise you properly and be prepared in case of an emergency. In some cases, we may require a signed letter from your doctor confirming you are fit to travel or to participate in certain rigorous activities (especially for high-altitude trips, adventure sports, etc.).
• Special Dietary or Allergy Needs: If you have severe food allergies, dietary restrictions (vegetarian, gluten-free, etc.), or other health-related requirements (like needing CPAP machine at night, etc.), you must inform us ahead of time. We will attempt to accommodate or advise you on local feasibility. For severe allergies (e.g., peanuts, shellfish), you should carry appropriate medication (such as an EpiPen) and perhaps translate allergy info into the local language. Nord Skies is not liable for adverse reactions if we were not informed or if despite our best efforts, a contaminant or allergen is encountered – but we will do our best to facilitate safe meals if we know your needs.
• Failure to Comply: If you fail to obtain the necessary passports, visas, or health documents, or if you are denied entry or participation in parts of the trip due to non- compliance with health and document requirements, you will be responsible for all related losses and costs. There will be no refunds for portions of the trip missed due to your negligence in this area. For example, if you cannot board a flight or enter a country because your passport isn’t valid for long enough, or you didn’t get a required COVID test, you will miss that portion of the trip and it will be treated as a no-show or cancellation.
• Up-to-Date Information: Requirements can change. We will attempt to inform travelers of known changes relevant to our trip (especially for group arrangements), but you should also stay informed. Official government websites (e.g., the U.S. Department of State or equivalent for your nationality, and the destination country’s immigration/health sites) are good sources for current entry requirements. Signing up for alerts or consulting a visa service can be helpful.

In summary, you are responsible for ensuring that you have all necessary travel documents and meet all health requirements for the trip. Nord Skies is happy to provide guidance and support, but we cannot do it all for you. Please plan ahead – lack of proper preparation in this regard can ruin a trip. If you have any questions about what documents or health steps are needed, feel free to ask us and we will help to the best of our ability.

8. Traveler Responsibilities and Code of Conduct

When you participate in a Nord Skies trip, you are part of a group and a guest in the places we visit. We expect all travelers to behave responsibly, respectfully, and safely. By joining our tours, you agree to the following code of conduct and responsibilities:

• Obey Local Laws and Regulations: You must adhere to all laws of the countries and locales you visit. This includes laws related to customs, visa regulations, wildlife protection, environmental regulations, etc. What may be legal in your home country could be illegal elsewhere, and vice versa. It is your duty to familiarize yourself with any particularly relevant local laws (for example, laws regarding photography of certain sites, or import restrictions on certain goods). If you are caught violating local laws, Nord Skies cannot intervene to protect you from law enforcement; you will be subject to local penalties.
• No Illegal Drugs or Misuse of Alcohol: The possession or use of illegal drugs or controlled substances is strictly prohibited on all Nord Skies trips. If you are found in possession of illegal drugs, we may remove you from the tour immediately, and you will be responsible for any legal consequences. Likewise, alcohol consumption must be responsible and lawful. Underage drinking (for those under the legal alcohol drinking age of the country or state you are in) is not permitted on our tours. For adult travelers, moderate alcohol use is allowed during free time or where appropriate, but it should never compromise your safety, the safety of others, or the enjoyment of the trip. Excessive drunkenness, belligerence, or any intoxication that affects the group will be addressed seriously, and could result in your removal from activities or the trip.

• Respectful Behavior: Nord Skies promotes a respectful and inclusive environment. You are expected to show respect and courtesy to your fellow travelers, our staff (guides, drivers, instructors), and everyone we encounter (locals, service staff, community members, etc.). Discriminatory, harassing, or abusive behavior is not tolerated. This includes but is not limited to: offensive language or jokes targeting someone’s race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or any other personal characteristic; unwanted sexual advances or inappropriate touching; verbal threats or yelling; or any form of violence. We have a zero-tolerance policy for sexual harassment or assault. If you feel uncomfortable or witness any misconduct, please report it immediately to the tour leader or Nord Skies management. We will take appropriate action.
• Follow Instructions of Guides/Leaders: For your safety and the smooth operation of the trip, you agree to follow all reasonable instructions and decisions of Nord Skies trip leaders, guides, instructors, or other officials. This includes adhering to schedules (meeting times, departure times), observing safety rules (wearing seatbelts in vehicles, using required safety gear for activities, etc.), and respecting decisions made for the group’s welfare. Our guides have extensive experience and may sometimes make quick decisions due to changing circumstances (like weather or local advice). Even if you sometimes disagree or don’t fully understand the reasoning, we ask that you trust their judgment in the moment. You can always discuss concerns with them calmly at an appropriate time.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Many Nord Skies trips involve engaging with different cultures. It is important to be respectful of local customs, traditions, dress codes, religious practices, and social norms. For example, in some places you may need to dress modestly to enter a sacred site, remove shoes before entering homes or temples, or refrain from public displays of affection. Our guides will usually brief you on important cultural etiquette – please heed their guidance. Showing respect (even in small ways like learning a few words of the local language or asking permission before taking someone’s photo) goes a long way in creating positive interactions. Conversely, insensitive or boorish behavior can offend locals and reflect poorly on our group.
• Environmental Responsibility: We encourage responsible travel practices. Please minimize your environmental impact: do not litter, follow recycling rules if available, respect wildlife by observing from a distance and not feeding or disturbing animals, and stick to designated trails to avoid damaging ecosystems. If we provide specific environmental guidelines (for instance, using reef-safe sunscreen or limiting water usage in a dry region), please follow them. Leave places as you found them or better – “Take only photos, leave only footprints.”
• No Endangerment: You should not do anything that puts yourself, other participants, or anyone else in danger. This includes recklessness during activities (for example, ignoring safety rules, wandering off alone in unsafe areas, or engaging in risky behavior not sanctioned by the tour). If you plan any independent excursions or free-time activities away from the group, you must inform the tour leader and ensure it’s safe and doesn’t conflict with the tour schedule. We cannot be responsible for you when you are doing activities on your own, but we still care about your safety, so seeking advice is wise.
• Punctuality and Attendance: Being on time is critical in group travel. You are responsible for showing up at the appointed times for all departures, meet-ups, tours, and activities. If you are late, the group may have to leave without you to maintain the schedule. In such cases, you might have to catch up at your own expense (for example, hire a taxi to the next location). We will provide you with a schedule and it’s a good practice to have a watch or phone and set reminders. If you have a tendency to run late, please make an extra effort or let the guide know to assist you. Chronic lateness that affects the group’s experience could be considered a violation of this code of conduct.
• Personal Property & Cleanliness: You are responsible for your own belongings during the trip. Be mindful of your valuables in public places and on transport (to prevent theft or loss). Also, maintain basic cleanliness and hygiene out of respect for others – for instance, try to keep shared areas (like buses or common rooms) tidy, and follow any instructions for sanitary practices (especially important on service-learning or volunteer projects and during health-sensitive times). If camping or in nature, adhere to Leave No Trace principles.
• Compliance with Trip Rules: Certain trips may have specific rules – for example, a service-learning program might forbid any alcohol consumption entirely due to school rules, or a wildlife safari might have a strict “quiet” rule at certain times to avoid scaring animals. If our trip has any additional rules or expectations, we will inform you, and you are required to comply. For student groups, there might be curfews or check-ins required by the faculty chaperones – students must adhere to those as well.
• Consequences of Misconduct: If you violate any of the above responsibilities or engage in behavior that is illegal, severely disruptive, or dangerous, Nord Skies reserves the right to take appropriate action. This can include issuing a warning to you, removing you from a specific activity, or in serious cases expelling you from the remainder of the trip. If you are removed or expelled due to your misconduct:
  • You will not be entitled to any refund for unused services.
  • You will be responsible for all costs associated with leaving the trip and returning home. For example, if you are asked to leave, you might have to purchase a new flight or transport ticket at your own expense. Our staff may assist in arranging transport for you, but you must cover the cost.
  • You also agree to indemnify (reimburse) Nord Skies for any costs, losses or damages incurred by us, our suppliers, or any third party, as a result of your misconduct. This could include property damage, fines, legal fees, or compensation we have to pay due to your actions. For instance, if a hotel charges us for damage you caused to a room, or if we incur legal liability due to something you did, you must cover those expenses.
  • Depending on the severity of the incident, we reserve the right to decline to accept you on any future trips as well.

Nord Skies aims to provide a safe, enjoyable, and enriching experience for everyone. By following this code of conduct, you help ensure that the trip is memorable for the right reasons. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding that these guidelines are in place to protect you, your fellow travelers, and the communities we visit. If any issues arise during the trip, we encourage open communication – often a respectful conversation can resolve misunderstandings or conflicts. Our guides are trained to handle group dynamics, but they need your support in creating a positive travel environment.

9. Insurance Requirements and Risk Acknowledgment

Travel involves certain risks, and it’s crucial that you are adequately prepared. Travel Insurance is one of the best ways to prepare for unexpected situations. Additionally, recognizing the inherent risks of travel will help you make informed decisions. This section covers mandatory insurance requirements and your acknowledgment of risk.

Travel Insurance Requirement: For the protection of all our participants, Nord Skies requires that each traveler has valid travel insurance coverage for the duration of the trip. At a minimum, your insurance policy should cover medical treatment and emergency evacuation/repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also cover trip cancellation/interruption and other travel- related incidents. Different types of travel insurance should be considered, including coverage for trip cancellation, travel health/medical expenses, and medical evacuation (Travel Insurance | Travelers’ Health – CDC). Specifically, please ensure your policy includes:

• Emergency Medical Expenses: Coverage for any medical or dental treatment you may need while traveling, including hospital stays, doctor fees, and medications. The coverage limit should be sufficient for the region (for example, medical costs in some countries can be very high).
• Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation: Coverage for emergency transportation, if you need to be transported to a medical facility or airlifted in case of serious illness/injury, and/or flown back to your home country for treatment. This is critical if traveling in remote areas or places with limited medical facilities.
• Trip Cancellation and Interruption: Coverage that can reimburse your non-refundable trip costs if you have to cancel before departure or cut the trip short due to covered reasons (such as a serious illness, family emergency, etc.). This can protect the investment you made in this trip (note that our cancellation policy will apply regardless, but your insurance can reimburse you in many cases where we cannot).
• Baggage and Personal Belongings: Coverage for loss, theft, or damage to your luggage and personal items during travel (this is often included in comprehensive travel insurance). If you have high-value items, ensure coverage limits are adequate or insure them separately.
• Other Coverages: Consider coverage for travel delays (expenses due to flight cancellations or weather delays), personal liability (in case you accidentally injure someone or damage property during your travels), and COVID-19 related disruptions (many insurers now offer coverage if you contract COVID-19 and cannot travel or must quarantine).

We will request proof of travel insurance coverage prior to or at the beginning of the trip. This can be a copy of your insurance certificate or a digital confirmation showing your name, policy number, and emergency contact number for the insurer. If you arrive without proof of insurance, you may be required to purchase a policy on the spot (if available) or, as a last resort, you may be denied participation in the trip (with applicable cancellation penalties) for the safety of all involved.

If you believe you have equivalent coverage through another means (for example, a credit card benefit or a domestic health insurance that covers overseas emergencies), you must provide documentation and contact info that verifies the coverage and its limits. Keep in mind that most domestic health plans (including Medicare for U.S. citizens) do not cover medical costs abroad, and foreign hospitals typically require payment upfront, so do not assume you’re covered without verification. The U.S. government, for example, will not pay medical bills for citizens overseas, highlighting the importance of private travel insurance which covers you while traveling overseas.

Risk Acknowledgment: By participating in a Nord Skies trip, you acknowledge and accept that travel, especially to international and remote destinations, carries inherent risks and uncertainties. These can include, but are not limited to:

• Natural and Environmental Hazards: Such as earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, extreme weather, avalanches, altitude sickness, heatstroke, encounters with wild animals, etc. The natural environment can be unpredictable.
• Transportation Risks: All forms of transport have some risk – this includes motor vehicle accidents, aircraft incidents, boat or ferry risks, and even walking in areas with traffic. Roads or vehicles in some countries might not be up to the safety standards you are used to. Also, some trips involve trekking, biking, or other modes of travel that come with potential accidents.
• Health and Disease: Exposure to illnesses (from minor gastrointestinal issues to more serious diseases). Access to medical facilities might be limited in the areas we travel. There’s also a risk of foodborne illness or allergic reactions. Infectious diseases like malaria, dengue, or others may be present in some regions. You might also face fatigue or physical strain from trip activities.
• Political and Social Instability: Some destinations can experience strikes, protests, civil unrest, or in rare cases, conflict or terrorism threats. While we monitor and avoid known trouble areas, situations can change. Government travel advisories exist for a reason and we factor them in, but residual risk can remain.
• Cultural and Language Barriers: Being in a place where you don’t speak the language or understand local customs can pose risks – e.g., miscommunication or inadvertently offending someone. It can also make emergencies harder to navigate if you’re on your own.
• Personal Actions: Your own choices can increase risk (like wandering off alone at night in an unfamiliar city, or neglecting to stay hydrated and getting ill). We assume you will take responsibility for your decisions and well-being, especially during free time outside the structured activities.

By signing up for the trip, you voluntarily assume all such risks to the fullest extent permitted by law. You agree that Nord Skies, its employees, guides, and agents cannot completely guarantee your safety or prevent every possible harm. We commit to exercising reasonable care and due diligence in planning and operating our trips, but some events are beyond our control or ability to foresee.

You also agree to release Nord Skies from liability for these inherent risks. Specifically, you understand that any liability of Nord Skies is subject to the limitations set forth in Section 10 (Limitation of Liability), and that for risks not caused by Nord Skies’ own negligence, you will not hold Nord Skies responsible. For example, if you fall ill due to a virus or you sprain an ankle on uneven steps, or a natural disaster interrupts the trip, these are risks you assume rather than something you would seek damages from Nord Skies for.

We want to stress that we are not trying to alarm you, but rather ensure you are making an informed decision to travel. Most trips operate smoothly without incident, and our team does everything possible to mitigate risks (like choosing reliable transport, providing safety briefings, etc.). However, being prepared with the right insurance and mindset is crucial.

Finally, Nord Skies may require you to sign a separate “Assumption of Risk and Release” form prior to certain high-risk activities or trips (for example, for activities like rock climbing, or for student participants we often have an additional waiver). That document will reiterate some of what’s here and possibly provide additional details related to the specific activity. Refusal to sign required waivers might result in inability to participate in that activity or trip, with no refund.

In summary: You confirm that you either have obtained or will obtain travel insurance meeting our requirements, and you acknowledge that you understand and accept the general risks of travel. You agree that you are responsible for your own safety to the extent that is reasonable, and will not unreasonablely hold Nord Skies accountable for incidents arising from the inherent risks of the trip.

10. Limitation of Liability and Force Majeure

This section outlines important legal limits on Nord Skies’ liability to you, as well as how extraordinary events (force majeure) are handled. Please read this carefully, as it affects any potential claims or compensation related to your trip.

Limitation of Liability: To the fullest extent permitted by law, Nord Skies (including its owners, directors, employees, affiliates, guides, and agents) shall not be liable for any loss, injury, or damage to person or property, or any other inconvenience or expense, whether direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, or otherwise, that may arise out of or in connection with your participation in a Nord Skies trip or the use of any services provided by Nord Skies. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Personal Injury or Death: Nord Skies is not liable for any injury, illness, emotional distress, or death that may occur during the trip, except to the extent that such injury or death is caused by our proven negligence or willful misconduct. Even in such cases, any compensation or damages payable by Nord Skies will be limited (see damage cap below). We are not responsible for accidents or incidents that result from your own actions or the actions of third parties outside of our control.
• Property Damage or Loss: You are responsible for your personal belongings. Nord Skies is not responsible for loss, theft, or damage of your luggage or personal items during the trip, as these are risks of travel. (This is why baggage insurance is recommended.) If any damage or loss is directly caused by a failure of Nord Skies to perform with reasonable care (for example, our staff losing an item you entrusted to them), then we may compensate up to a reasonable limit, but otherwise you assume the risk.

• Consequential and Indirect Losses: Nord Skies will not be liable for any consequential losses or damages such as lost wages, lost profits, lost business, missed connections, or any other indirect losses as a result of trip changes, cancellations, or incidents. For example, if a delay on our trip causes you to miss an important event or incur additional expenses, we sympathize but cannot cover those consequential costs.
• Maximal Liability Cap: In all cases, if Nord Skies is found liable to you on any legal theory (whether in contract, tort, or otherwise), our liability will be limited to at most the total amount you paid to Nord Skies for the trip. This means that under no circumstance will Nord Skies be required to pay an amount exceeding the price of your tour as damages, regardless of the nature of the claim. (The only exception may be where applicable law forbids such a cap in cases of gross negligence or willful harm; in those cases, we comply with the law, but still assert all other liability defenses.)
• Third-Party Services: Nord Skies acts as an organizer and, in many cases, as an intermediary for the services that make up your trip. This means that components of your trip (such as transportation, hotel accommodations, meals, local tours, and activities) may be provided by independent third-party contractors (airlines, hotels, bus companies, local guides, etc.) that are not owned or controlled by Nord Skies. While we select reputable partners, we cannot be directly responsible for their acts or omissions. Therefore:
  • No Vicarious Liability: Nord Skies is not liable for any negligent or willful act, failure to act, breach of contract, or any other fault of any third-party supplier. For instance, if an airline delays or cancels a flight, if a hotel’s facilities cause injury, or if a local activity operator mishandles something, any remedy or compensation you seek must be with that provider, not Nord Skies (unless we failed to exercise due diligence in selecting or advising that provider, in which case our liability is still limited as above).
  • We will provide reasonable assistance to you in dealing with any issues caused by a third party (such as helping you contact the airline or adjust plans), but we cannot pay for their mistakes beyond what we are able to recover from them on your behalf.
  •  Any rights you have under international conventions (like the Montreal Convention for airline issues, or maritime laws for cruises) or local consumer laws with respect to those providers remain your avenue for recourse.

• Exclusions by Law: Note that some jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion or limitation of certain warranties or liabilities (for example, liability for personal injury caused by negligence may not be waivable under law in some places). Nothing in these Terms seeks to exclude or limit liability beyond what is permitted by applicable law. However, all other limitations and exclusions will apply to the fullest extent allowed.

Force Majeure: Nord Skies shall not be liable or deemed in breach of contract for any failure to perform or delay in performing any of its obligations (including providing any tour services) if such failure or delay is due to Force Majeure. Force Majeure refers to events and circumstances beyond our reasonable control, which could not have been reasonably foreseen or avoided, and which make it impossible or highly impractical to conduct the trip as planned. These events include, but are not limited to:

• Natural disasters and extreme weather events (for example: hurricanes, typhoons, earthquakes, floods, wildfires, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, landslides).
• Public health events (such as epidemics or pandemics, disease outbreaks, quarantines, or government health orders). This explicitly includes COVID-19-related events or any similar health crisis.
• Acts of God (a catch-all for many natural or unforeseen events).
• War, armed conflict, terrorist attacks, civil unrest, riots, or political instability that affects safety.
• Strikes, labor disputes, lockouts, or other industrial actions that impact services (e.g., an airport shutdown due to a strike).
• Government actions or restrictions (such as changes in law, border closures, travel bans, sanctions, sudden changes to visa or entry requirements).
• Transportation disruptions beyond our control (e.g., prolonged closure of an airport or airspace, ferry or train cancellations due to mechanical issues or embargoes, etc.).
• Infrastructure failures (widespread power blackouts, water shortages) or other emergencies (fires, explosions, etc.).
• Any similar events or series of events that prevent the trip from proceeding.

In the event of a Force Majeure situation, Nord Skies’ obligations are suspended for the duration of the event, and we may, at our sole discretion, take any of the following actions:

• Trip Modification: If possible, we will modify the itinerary to avoid the force majeure event. For example, if a certain region is suddenly inaccessible, we might reroute the trip to a different area or substitute alternative activities. We will make good-faith efforts to provide an equivalent experience, but you acknowledge it may not be exactly as originally planned.
• Trip Postponement: We may offer to postpone the trip to a later date when it is feasible to operate. If this is acceptable to you, we will move your booking to the new date without cancellation penalties. Price adjustments might be necessary if rescheduled to a different season or year, which we will discuss with you.
• Trip Cancellation: If neither modification nor postponement is feasible (or if the scale of the crisis is so large that the trip cannot continue at all), Nord Skies may have to cancel the trip. In a cancellation due to force majeure, we will strive to refund you the portion of trip funds that we are able to recover from our suppliers or that have not yet been expended. However, it is likely that not all costs are recoverable – for example, local hotels or operators may have already been paid and might not refund in force majeure cases (as their own operations are impacted). We commit to transparency in accounting for what can be refunded or credited.
• Credits or Partial Refunds: Depending on the scenario, Nord Skies may offer a partial refund and/or a credit towards a future trip for amounts that cannot be immediately refunded. For instance, if we prepaid a permit that is non-refundable but the government allows use of that permit later, we might offer you a credit to rebook that portion in the future. Each situation can be unique.
• No Additional Liability: Importantly, if a trip is affected by force majeure, Nord Skies is not liable for additional compensation, damages, or losses beyond the measures described above. This means we do not cover things like additional airfare change fees, lost vacation time, or any other consequence arising from the interruption or cancellation of the trip due to such events. These kinds of losses are what travel insurance is designed to protect against. (In fact, many travel insurance policies do cover trip interruptions or cancellations due to certain force majeure events – you would then claim those losses through your insurance.)
• Customer Options: If we notify you of a force majeure change or cancellation, we will inform you of what options we can provide (alternative itinerary, postpone, partial refund, etc.). If the trip is still going in modified form, you can choose to accept the changes or cancel. If you choose to cancel when the trip is still operational (albeit modified), it will be treated as a cancellation by you (and normal cancellation penalties may apply) unless the modifications are such that they would qualify as a “major change” under Section 6 giving you a right to cancel. We will have that discussion with you in context.
• During Trip Force Majeure: If a force majeure event occurs while a trip is in progress (for example, a sudden natural disaster or political event in the country you’re visiting), Nord Skies and its guides will prioritize the safety of the group. The itinerary may be cut short or altered significantly to get travelers to safety. In such cases, we may not be able to provide full or any refunds for the portion of the trip missed, given expenses incurred, but we will attempt to arrange any reasonable assistance (such as helping to arrange earlier flights home, etc., at your cost or via insurance). Any recoveries we can obtain, we will pass along to you or credit you accordingly. But again, the primary focus will be safety and compliance with authorities during the emergency.

In summary, Force Majeure events release Nord Skies from contractual obligations without liability for compensation. By booking, you accept that such events are possible and outside of our control. We highly recommend that your travel insurance policy include trip interruption coverage so that if a tour is cut short or a force majeure event causes extra expenses (like extra hotel nights or rebooked flights), you can file a claim. Nord Skies will provide documentation to support any such claim (like a letter confirming the disruption) upon request.

We hope to never invoke this clause, but recent world events (like the COVID-19 pandemic) have shown that global disruptions can and do happen. We pledge to communicate honestly and work with you in such situations, and we appreciate your understanding that a small company cannot absorb the full financial impact of those large-scale events on its own.

11. Medical Treatment and Emergency Authorization

Your safety is paramount to us. In the event that you require medical assistance during the trip, this section explains our approach and the authority you grant us to act on your behalf in emergencies.

• Emergency Medical Assistance: By agreeing to these Terms, you authorize Nord Skies and its representatives (including trip leaders, guides, or other staff) to procure and administer medical assistance for you if you are unable to make those decisions for yourself or if urgent action is needed. This includes, but is not limited to: calling a doctor or medical professional to attend to you, admitting you to a hospital or clinic, arranging ambulance or other emergency transport, providing first aid or over-the-counter medications, and any other treatment deemed necessary by medical professionals for your well-being. We will make such decisions in good faith based on the information available at the time and with your best interest in mind.
• Consent to Treatment: You give permission to any medical professional to provide medical care to you, including any treatment, medication, hospitalization, surgery, or transfusion that may be needed, if you are unable to give consent at the time and a Nord Skies representative is present. We will attempt to follow any known medical conditions or allergies you have (so it’s vital you inform us of those on your medical form or before the trip). If you have specific wishes (for example, a religious objection to certain treatments or a DNR order), you should inform us in writing before the trip, and carry relevant documentation on your person. We will do our best to honor such wishes within the scope of what is reasonable and legally permissible in the location of treatment.
• Notification of Emergency Contact: During the booking process, we request that you provide an emergency contact name and phone number (someone not traveling with you whom we can reach in case of emergency). We will make every effort to promptly contact your designated emergency contact or next of kin in the event you suffer a serious injury or illness. However, in critical emergencies, immediate medical care will not be delayed pending reaching your emergency contact – we will seek care first and notify your contact as soon as feasible.
• Medical Costs Responsibility: You understand and agree that any medical or related expenses incurred on your behalf are your financial responsibility. Medical providers (hospitals, clinics, doctors) will expect payment for their services. Often they require payment at the time of service, especially for travelers (who may not have local insurance). You should have credit cards or means to pay for these expenses, and then claim them from your travel insurance later. Nord Skies is not a medical insurer and will not pay these costs. If a Nord Skies representative pays any such expenses on your behalf (for example, if a guide pays cash for your medication or a taxi to hospital because time is of the essence), you agree to reimburse that cost in full to Nord Skies (or directly to the person who advanced the funds) as soon as possible. We will provide receipts if available to support insurance claims.
• Limitation of Liability in Medical Care: Nord Skies is not liable for the adequacy or competence of any medical care or treatment provided to you during the trip. We are not medical professionals (unless explicitly stated otherwise on a specific trip where a doctor is part of the staff). We will make efforts to get you to qualified medical personnel, but we cannot guarantee the quality of care you will receive in remote or developing areas. Any medical care is provided by third-party practitioners who are not affiliated with Nord Skies. You agree that Nord Skies is not responsible for any losses or injuries resulting from any medical treatment (or lack thereof), or any medical transportation, except where caused by our own gross negligence. (For instance, if a guide unreasonably delays seeking help or ignores obvious signs of distress, that could be on us; but if a licensed doctor makes a mistake in treatment or a hospital in a remote area lacks certain facilities, we cannot be held accountable for those issues.)
• Medical Evacuation: If your condition is severe and requires evacuation (for example, airlift to a better hospital or early repatriation home), our team will coordinate with your travel insurance and any local rescue services to facilitate this. You (and your insurer) are responsible for the cost. We strongly urge that your insurance covers evacuation, as these operations can be extremely expensive (tens of thousands of dollars in some cases).
• Post-Care and Trip Continuation: If you are able to rejoin the group after medical care (e.g., a day’s illness and then you recover), we will help you rejoin the trip if logistically feasible. However, if your condition prevents further participation, we will treat it as an interrupted trip. We will assist in arranging any logistics for your return home or extended recovery stay if needed, but those costs will be yours or your insurance’s responsibility. Depending on the situation, we may offer a goodwill gesture such as a credit toward a future trip for missed days, but this is at our discretion and not guaranteed.
• Provision of Medical Info: We may ask you to fill out a basic medical questionnaire prior to the trip or at the start, including information on any medications you take, allergies, chronic conditions, etc., as well as your insurance details and doctor’s contact. This information will be kept confidential, accessible only to Nord Skies staff who need it for your care. By providing it, you consent to our use of it in case of emergency (for instance, giving it to a treating doctor). If you choose not to provide certain information, we may not be fully aware of how to assist you in an emergency (e.g., not knowing about a medication allergy). Non-disclosure of a relevant medical condition that leads to an incident might also limit our liability or ability to help, as we weren’t given the chance to accommodate or mitigate it.
• Immunizations and Preventative Measures: While Section 7 covers required health measures, here we emphasize: please be up-to-date on routine immunizations (tetanus, etc.) and consider any preventative medicine needed (like antimalarials). If you refuse recommended precautions, you do so at your own risk.
• Special Medical Equipment: If you require any special medical equipment or regimen (e.g., insulin shots, inhalers, CPAP machine, etc.), ensure you bring an ample supply and necessary adapters. Inform us if any support is needed (like refrigeration for medicine, or electricity for a CPAP in a remote lodge) well in advance, and we’ll let you know what’s possible. We will try to accommodate but cannot guarantee availability of special facilities in all locations.

By agreeing to these Terms, you confirm that you understand the extent of authorization you are granting to Nord Skies for emergency situations and that you accept responsibility for all related costs. We truly hope none of this will be needed and that everyone stays healthy throughout the trip, but we want to be prepared for the unexpected. Your cooperation in providing information and obtaining insurance is a key part of that preparedness.

12. Photography, Testimonials, and Media Usage

Nord Skies often documents its trips with photography and sometimes video to capture the memorable experiences of our travelers. We also appreciate hearing feedback and testimonials from our participants. This section explains how we handle media that involves you, and the permissions you grant (or how to opt out if you prefer).

• Permission to Use Photographs and Videos: By participating in a Nord Skies trip, you grant Nord Skies and its representatives permission to take photographs and video recordings of you during the trip and to use such media for promotional and marketing purposes. This includes usage in formats such as brochures, slideshows, social media posts, our website, newsletters, advertisements, and other promotional materials. The use may be during the trip (e.g., posting a daily photo on our Instagram) or after the trip for future marketing. This permission is royalty-free, worldwide, perpetual, and irrevocable. In other words, we do not owe you any compensation for such use, and we may use the photos/videos for an indefinite period. We will not misrepresent the context (e.g., we wouldn’t use an image from one country and label it as another, or use your image in a way that is defamatory or untruthful).
• Identifying Information: Generally, when we use photos or videos, we do not include full names or personal contact information of participants in captions or credits, to respect privacy. We might use first names and perhaps general descriptions (e.g., “Alice enjoying a hike in Peru with Nord Skies”) or tag you on social media if your profile is public and you’ve tagged or interacted with us. If you specifically provide a testimonial or quote, we might attribute it with your first name, last initial, and hometown (for example, “- Alice T., Chicago, IL”). We will not divulge sensitive personal details without further consent.
• Opting Out of Media: We understand not everyone is comfortable being photographed or having their image used. If you do not wish to appear in any promotional photography or videography, you have the right to opt out. To do so, please inform us in writing before the trip or inform your tour leader at the start of the trip. We will make reasonable efforts to comply with your request. This may mean we ask you to step aside momentarily when group photos are taken, or we will exclude or blur your image in photos we use. Note that if you are in a public space and part of a candid scene, we might inadvertently capture your image; we commit to not using identifiable photos of you if you have opted out. If a group photo is taken that includes you (because you didn’t mind group photos but don’t want them used publicly), let us know and we won’t use that photo in marketing. The key is communication – we’ll respect your wishes if we know them.
• Photos Taken by You or Other Participants: We encourage you to take your own photos and videos during the trip and share your memories. If you tag Nord Skies on social platforms or share photos with us after the trip, we might seek your permission to re-post or feature those images (with credit to you). We won’t claim ownership of your images; any we re-share will be clearly attributed or used with your explicit permission. If you provide us with a written or video testimonial, we will assume we have permission to use it in marketing, but again likely with your first name and maybe last initial, unless you permit using your full name.
• Professional Photography/Filming: In some trips, we might have a professional photographer or videographer accompany the group (we would usually let you know). They might conduct short interviews or stage group shots for a promotional video, etc. Participation in these specific media activities is optional – you can decline interviews or staged scenes even if you haven’t fully opted out of candid photos. We want you to feel comfortable; there’s no obligation to perform for the camera. If you do choose to participate, it’s under the same permission as above.
• No Resale of Your Image: Nord Skies will not sell individual images or footage of you to third parties for commercial use without additional consent. The media we capture is intended for Nord Skies’ own promotional use. We won’t license a photo of you to, say, a stock image gallery or an unrelated advertiser without contacting you and obtaining permission (and likely compensation) separately. The blanket permission here covers our use and things directly related to promoting Nord Skies.
• Drone Footage: If we use drones for aerial photography on some trips (where permitted), understand that drones capture wide footage of groups and landscapes. If you have opted out of media, we will try to avoid prolonged focus on you or identify you in drone footage used. Drones are also subject to local regulations and privacy laws; we only use them where legal and safe.
• Your Own Use of Media: We respect that you too will have images and maybe videos from the trip. If you wish to share media that includes our staff or other travelers, we encourage you to ask their permission as a courtesy, especially if it’s a close-up or identifiable image. This is not a legal requirement we enforce, but a respectful practice (much like we offer you the chance to opt out, you should be mindful if someone else in the group is camera-shy or had concerns). Within the group context, exchanging photos is usually welcomed.
• Testimonials and Feedback: After the trip, we may ask you for feedback or you might fill out a survey/review. We greatly appreciate honest reviews and testimonials. If you provide a testimonial (on our website, via email, or on a review platform) that we’d like to feature, we might use excerpts along with your first name/last initial or other agreed attribution. If you prefer a testimonial to be anonymous, please indicate that and we will respect it (e.g., using just initials or “Travelers from California”). Testimonials help future travelers trust us, so we love to share positive experiences, but we won’t edit your words beyond minor corrections or length unless you approve a change.
• Intellectual Property of Media: All photographs or videos taken by Nord Skies staff or contractors during the trip are considered our property or the photographer’s property. We hold the rights to them. By contrast, photos you take are your property. This distinction matters in case of any question of who can use what. If for some reason you want copies of photos our guides took that include you, we’ll usually be happy to share them (guides often do a photo share after trips). Just note that you can’t commercially use our photos without our permission, just as we wouldn’t commercially use yours without permission (except as allowed by this section for our marketing).
• Respectful Use: We will not use any media in a defamatory or misleading way. For example, we won’t use an image of you to imply you endorse something you haven’t experienced, and we won’t use out-of-context quotes. We also won’t use images that a reasonable person would find embarrassing or sensitive (e.g., someone in swimwear in a context they might not want publicized) – we try to use images highlighting the beauty of travel and the positivity of our groups.

In summary, unless you opt out, you’re likely to appear in some photos or videos of the trip, and you’re allowing us to use those to show others what the Nord Skies experience looks like. We greatly value authentic smiles and moments – they inspire future travelers. But we respect your right to privacy, so please let us know if you prefer not to be included. There’s absolutely no effect on your trip experience if you opt out of media; that’s your personal choice.

If you have any specific concerns about media usage or want to revoke permission for a particular photo post-trip (maybe you saw yourself on our website and would rather not be there), contact us and we will address it promptly. Our aim is to celebrate our travelers, not to cause any discomfort.

13. Intellectual Property and Website Use

Nord Skies maintains a website (nordskies.com) and provides various materials (digital and print) in relation to our trips. This section describes the rights related to those materials and the acceptable use of our website and content. It also covers any content you might provide to us via the website.

• Ownership of Content: All content on the Nord Skies website and in our brochures, itineraries, and other materials is the intellectual property of Nord Skies or its content suppliers, protected by copyright, trademark, and other applicable laws. This includes (but is not limited to) the design, text, graphics, photographs, videos, logos, button icons, data compilations, and software used on the site. The compilation of all content on the website is the exclusive property of Nord Skies. Nord SkiesTM (and our logo) is a trademark/service mark of our company. All product and company names that may be mentioned in our content (for example, naming an airline or hotel) may be trademarks of their respective owners – such mentions do not imply endorsement unless stated.
• Personal and Non-Commercial Use: We grant you a limited, non-transferable license to access and make personal use of our website. You may not download (other than page caching) or modify the site, or any portion of it, except with express written consent of Nord Skies. This license does not include any resale or commercial use of the website or its contents (for example, you cannot take our trip descriptions and sell them or post them on your own site claiming them as your product). You may not use any content from our site (including images) for any commercial purpose without prior permission. However, you are welcome to print or save information for your personal use in planning or evaluating a trip (like printing an itinerary PDF for discussion with your family).
• Prohibited Actions on the Website: When using our website, you agree not to:
  • Copy or Reproduce: No part of the site may be reproduced, duplicated, copied, sold, or otherwise exploited for any commercial purpose without express written consent of Nord Skies. This includes scraping or using bots to collect content or pricing.
  • Frame or Deep-Link: You may not frame our website or use framing techniques to enclose any trademark, logo, or other proprietary information (including images or text) without our written consent. You also should not use deep-linking to bypass our homepage or present content out of its intended context.
  • Meta Tags/Hidden Text: You must not use any Nord Skies name or trademarks in meta tags or hidden text for search optimization without permission.
  • Derivatives: You may not create derivative works based on our content. For instance, you can’t translate our itinerary descriptions into another language and publish them as your own travel offering.
  • Interference: You must not interfere or attempt to interfere with the proper working of the site. This includes not introducing any malicious code (viruses, worms, etc.), not launching denial-of-service attacks, and not attempting to hack into restricted areas.
  • False Booking or Info: You agree not to make any false or fraudulent booking via our website. You also agree not to provide false information on any forms (like inquiry forms or sign-ups). Making speculative, false, or fraudulent reservations is strictly prohibited.
  • Data Mining: Automated querying or data mining of our site is not allowed. The site is intended for direct consumer use.

• User Accounts and Communications: If our website allows you to create an account or if you interact with our site (such as through a contact form or chat):
  • You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of any login credentials and for restricting access to your computer/account. If you suspect unauthorized use of your account, you must notify us immediately.
  • Any information you provide must be truthful and yours to provide. Don’t impersonate someone else or use another person’s information without permission.
  • By providing your email or contact via the site, you consent to receive communications from us electronically. We will communicate with you by email or by posting notices on the site. You agree that all such communications satisfy any legal requirement that communications be in writing.

• Reviews, Comments, and Submissions: If the website allows for reviews, comments, or other content submission (such as a travel blog or testimonials page):
  • You may post content as long as it is not illegal, obscene, threatening, defamatory, invasive of privacy, infringing of intellectual property rights, or otherwise injurious or objectionable. The content must not contain or depict any form of harassment, hate speech, or unlawful activity. Also, no spam, commercial solicitation, or links to competitor websites in such user-generated content.
  • By posting or submitting content to our site (for instance, writing a testimonial or uploading a photo on a forum), you grant Nord Skies a non-exclusive, royalty- free, perpetual, irrevocable, and fully sublicensable right to use, reproduce, publish, translate, distribute, and display such content throughout the world in any media. (This essentially gives us permission to use what you posted – for example, if you wrote a great trip review on our site, we might quote it in our marketing.)
  • You also grant Nord Skies the right to use the name that you submit in connection with such content, if we choose (like attributing a quote). If you don’t want your real name used, don’t include it in the content or let us know and we’ll anonymize.
  • You represent and warrant that you own or control all of the rights to the content you post; that the content is accurate (if stating facts or experiences); and that use of the content will not violate these Terms or any law, and will not harm any person or entity.
  • Nord Skies takes no responsibility and assumes no liability for any content posted by you or any third party. We have the right (but not the obligation) to monitor, edit, or remove any user content at our discretion. For example, if someone posts offensive or false information, we will remove it. We also reserve the right to ban users who violate these standards.

• Third-Party Links: Our website or communications might contain links to third-party websites or resources (for example, a link to a partner hotel, or to a travel insurance provider, or simply an informational site about a destination). These links are provided for convenience or reference only. Nord Skies has no control over those external sites and is not responsible for their content or privacy practices. Inclusion of a link does not imply endorsement of the linked site. If you navigate to a third-party site, you do so at your own risk, and should review their terms and policies.
• Software and PDF Downloads: If we provide any software downloads (unlikely for a travel site, but say a PDF itinerary or a mobile app), they are provided “as is” without warranties of any kind, unless explicitly stated. You must not attempt to reverse engineer or extract source code from any software we provide. Also, downloading any material from the site is at your own risk – you are responsible for protecting your devices from viruses or other harmful content.
• Intellectual Property Infringement Claims: If you believe any content on our site infringes your copyright or other IP rights, you should notify us with specific details, and we will investigate. We respect intellectual property rights and expect users to do the same. If needed, we will remove or disable access to content that is found to infringe.
• Use of Nord Skies Name: Apart from sharing your personal experiences, you are not authorized to represent or act on behalf of Nord Skies in any capacity unless given express permission. For example, you cannot create a social media page or event using our brand name without consent, nor can you use our logo in a manner that suggests official affiliation for something you’re doing (like hosting a meetup) without clearance.
• Feedback: If you provide suggestions or feedback about our website or services (“Your Feedback”), note that we may use it without obligation to you. For instance, if you suggest we add a certain feature to our site, we might implement it and not owe you anything; that feedback is considered non-confidential and non-proprietary.
• Privacy: Use of our website is also governed by our Privacy Policy, which details how we collect and handle personal data. By using the site, you consent to the collection and use of information as outlined in the Privacy Policy (make sure to check it on our site).

Summarily, respect our content as our property, use the site for its intended purposes (informing yourself, booking a trip), and don’t misuse it. These rules are standard to protect both you and us, ensuring the site remains a helpful resource for all.

Any violation of these terms of use may result in termination of your permission to use our site and potentially legal action if warranted (for serious infringements like hacking or IP theft). Nord Skies reserves all rights not expressly granted in these Terms.

If you have any questions about what is or isn’t allowed regarding our content or site usage, feel free to contact us for clarification.

14. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

It’s important for both you (the customer) and Nord Skies to understand how any legal disputes will be resolved, and under what laws. This section covers the governing law of the contract,

jurisdiction for disputes, and other legal provisions such as arbitration (if any), class action waiver, and general clauses like severability and entire agreement.

• Governing Law: This agreement and any dispute or claim (whether contractual or non- contractual) arising out of or in connection with it or its subject matter shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the United States of America and the laws of the State of California, without giving effect to any conflict of law principles that would cause the laws of a different jurisdiction to apply. We choose California law as Nord Skies is (assumed for this document’s purpose) based in California, USA. If Nord Skies is based in a different state, you can consider that state’s law to apply, but unless otherwise specified, we default to California law here. The United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods does not apply to this agreement (not that it typically would for service contracts, but just to clarify).
• Jurisdiction and Venue: You and Nord Skies agree that any legal action or proceeding arising out of or relating to these Terms or the trip shall be brought exclusively in the courts of the State of California (specifically, a state court located in San Francisco County, California, or the United States District Court for the Northern District of California, as appropriate for the claim). You and we hereby consent to the personal jurisdiction of these courts and waive any objection on grounds of venue or inconvenient forum (forum non conveniens). This means that if there is a lawsuit, it will be filed and heard in California, and both parties accept that location. This clause is subject to any rights you might have under mandatory laws of your home country — for instance, if you are a citizen of an EU country, you may have certain protections that allow you to sue in your home courts under consumer laws. But by default, we set California as the agreed forum.
• International Applicability: We acknowledge that we have customers from around the world. While we set governing law and jurisdiction in the U.S., we do not intend to deprive any customer of protections afforded to them by the laws of their country of residence that cannot be waived by contract. In plain terms, if some consumer protection law in your home country gives you a right or voids a certain provision of these Terms, that law may override to the minimum extent of that specific protection. However, to the extent you voluntarily agree to these Terms, including the jurisdiction clause, we expect those terms to be enforceable. If you are unsure of how local laws interact with this agreement, you may seek legal advice before booking.
• Dispute Resolution Process: Before formally filing any claim against each other, both you and Nord Skies agree to attempt to resolve the dispute informally. You should send a written notice of any dispute to our contact address (see Section 16) detailing the nature of the claim and the desired resolution. We will do the same if we have an issue with you. We then agree to negotiate in good faith (perhaps via a phone call or meeting) to try to resolve the dispute amicably. If we are unable to resolve the dispute within, say, 30 days of notice, then either party may proceed with formal legal action as outlined in these Terms.
• Arbitration (if chosen): At this time, Nord Skies does not require arbitration of disputes, but we leave open the possibility. If arbitration is to be applied (for faster, cost-effective resolution), it would work like this: Any dispute, controversy, or claim arising out of or relating to this agreement, or the breach thereof, that cannot be resolved amicably shall be settled by binding arbitration administered by a recognized arbitration body (for example, the American Arbitration Association (AAA)) under its Commercial Arbitration Rules (or Consumer Arbitration Rules, as applicable). The place of arbitration would be San Francisco, California, and proceedings would be in English. The arbitrator’s decision would be final and could be entered as a judgment in any court of competent jurisdiction. However, by default, we are not forcing arbitration in this Terms draft; you retain the right to go to court as per the jurisdiction clause above. If Nord Skies and you mutually agree to try arbitration for a specific dispute, that can be arranged even after a dispute arises.
• Class Action Waiver: You agree that any dispute with Nord Skies will be resolved on an individual basis and not as part of a class, consolidated, or representative action. You hereby waive any right to participate in a class action lawsuit or class-wide arbitration against Nord Skies. Only your individual claims may be addressed (one traveler vs. the company), and similarly Nord Skies agrees not to consolidate claims against multiple customers in one action. This means, for example, if an issue affected a group of travelers, each would pursue any claim separately rather than all together. (Note: If you are in a jurisdiction that does not allow pre-dispute class action waivers, this provision may not apply to you to the extent prohibited.)
• Limitation of Claim Period: Any claim or cause of action you may have against Nord Skies arising from the trip or these Terms must be commenced within one (1) year after the trip’s scheduled end date or the date of the incident giving rise to the claim, whichever is earlier. If you fail to initiate legal action within that one-year period, you waive and release the claim forever. (Some states/countries do not allow such a short limitations period, in which case the minimum allowed period will apply, but typically a year is enforceable for contract claims).
• Attorneys’ Fees: In the event any litigation or arbitration is brought by either party in connection with these Terms, the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover from the other party all the reasonable costs, attorneys’ fees, and other expenses incurred by the prevailing party in the litigation. This clause can motivate fair resolution—if you sue us and we win, you pay our legal fees; if we sue you and you win, we pay yours. Note, in consumer contexts, sometimes courts don’t enforce losing consumer to pay fees to avoid chilling legitimate claims. This provision will be applied consistent with applicable law.
• Severability: If any provision of these Terms is held to be illegal, invalid, or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, that provision shall be severed (removed) to the minimum extent necessary, and the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect. In other words, if a court finds one part of this contract invalid, the rest isn’t thrown out; we just strike the problematic part and continue to honor the rest. For example, if a class action waiver is not allowed in your area, that part might be severed, but the rest of the contract stands.
• No Waiver: If Nord Skies (or you) delays or fails to enforce any right or provision of these Terms, that does not mean the right is waived. Any waiver of any provision by any party on one occasion does not mean it will be waived on any other occasion. For a waiver to be legally binding, it should be in writing. For instance, if we overlook a deadline or make an exception for you on a payment timing once, it doesn’t mean we waive our right to enforce deadlines in the future.
• Assignment: You may not assign or transfer your rights or obligations under these Terms to any other person without our prior written consent (except that if you transfer your booking to a substitute traveler under Section 6, that new traveler will be bound by these Terms). Nord Skies may assign or transfer its rights and obligations under this agreement to another entity (for example, if we restructure or if another company acquires Nord Skies), by providing you notice. Such an assignment by us will not affect your rights or our obligations under the Terms.
• Entire Agreement: These Terms and Conditions, along with any other policies or documents expressly referenced herein (such as the Cancellation & Refund Policy, Privacy Policy, and any explicit terms on your Booking Confirmation/invoice), constitute the entire agreement between you and Nord Skies with respect to the subject matter (the trip and related services). It supersedes all prior and contemporaneous agreements, representations, or understandings, whether written or oral. This means that any promises or statements that may have been made to you by any person (or in any advertising materials) that are not contained in these Terms or the referenced documents are not legally binding. You are not relying on any such external statements in entering this agreement. Any changes to this agreement must be made in writing and agreed by an authorized representative of Nord Skies. (One practical effect: don’t rely on any inconsistent statements from a travel agent or guide that contradict these Terms; ensure any special arrangements are documented.)
• Survival: Any provisions of these Terms which by their nature extend beyond the trip or termination of the contract shall survive such termination. This includes but is not limited to sections on liability, dispute resolution, indemnification, and any post-trip obligations.
• Interpretation: Headings in this document are for convenience only and do not affect interpretation. When we say “including,” it is meant in the sense of “including but not limited to.” Both parties had the chance to review and negotiate these terms (even if in reality we provided them, in legal fiction we treat it as jointly drafted to avoid construing ambiguities against the drafter).

We truly hope and expect to never have a serious dispute with any of our travelers. Our intent is to run quality trips and handle issues cooperatively and professionally. These legal stipulations are there just in case and to ensure we both know the framework if something goes awry. We encourage open communication – if you have any grievances, often they can be resolved by talking to us, without needing legal action. And likewise, if we have an issue (like a payment dispute), we’ll try to resolve it with you amicably first.

By agreeing to these Terms, you are also agreeing to the jurisdiction, governing law, and dispute resolution terms here. This is a material part of our agreement.

15. Stripe and PayPal-Specific Payment Disclosures

Nord Skies uses trusted third-party payment processors, including Stripe and PayPal, to handle payment transactions for our tours and services. This section provides important information and disclosures about using these payment methods, so you know what to expect regarding security, processing, and refunds when paying Nord Skies.

• Secure Online Payments: When you make a payment on our website, your payment details are processed through a secure, encrypted channel. We utilize SSL/TLS encryption on our website to ensure any information you enter (like credit card numbers) is protected in transit. Our payment processors (Stripe and PayPal) are PCI-DSS Level 1 compliant, which is the highest standard of payment data security in the industry. This means they have been audited and certified to securely handle credit card information. Nord Skies itself does not store your sensitive card details on our servers. For example, if you enter your Visa card number on our booking form, that number is securely transmitted directly to Stripe; we might only see the last four digits and the expiration date for reference. Similarly, if you choose PayPal, you are redirected to PayPal’s secure environment to log in and confirm payment – Nord Skies does not see your PayPal password or full account details. We maintain up-to-date security measures and rely on these reputable processors to safeguard transactions.
• Authorization and Charges: When you pay with a credit/debit card via Stripe, you are authorizing Nord Skies (via Stripe) to charge your card for the stated amount (e.g., deposit or balance). You might see a temporary authorization on your bank statement when you first submit payment, which will later settle as a charge once processed. The descriptor on your card statement will typically say something like “Nord Skies” or a variation that indicates our company (the exact billing descriptor will be provided on the checkout page). If you have any confusion about a charge labeled differently, contact us and we can verify if it’s ours.
• Privacy of Payment Information: The information collected by Stripe and PayPal during the transaction is subject to their own privacy policies. Stripe and PayPal will typically collect details like your name, billing address, card details (for Stripe) or account email (for PayPal), etc., to process the payment. Nord Skies receives from them the information necessary to confirm payment and manage your booking (such as your name, contact, amount paid, date of payment, and in Stripe’s case, a transaction ID and partial card info). We handle any personal information we receive in accordance with our Privacy Policy. We do not sell or share your personal information with unrelated third parties. We only use it for booking and accounting purposes. PayPal might send you a receipt email independently, as might Stripe via our site’s integration.
• PayPal Transactions: If you select PayPal at checkout, you’ll be temporarily directed to PayPal’s website to log in and choose your funding source (balance, bank account, or credit card linked to PayPal). Once you approve the payment on PayPal, you’ll be returned to our site. PayPal may provide you certain buyer protections or dispute rights as per your agreement with PayPal. However, we encourage you to address any issues directly with us as outlined in these Terms, as we have our own refund policies. If a refund is issued by Nord Skies for a PayPal payment, we will trigger it through our PayPal business account, and PayPal will credit the money back to your PayPal balance or original funding source. Note that if your original payment pulled from a credit card via PayPal, the refund might go back to that card and could take a few days.
• Refunds to Original Payment Method: As a general policy, any refunds (partial or full) from Nord Skies will be processed to the original payment method used. This is important for security and compliance: it ensures that money goes back to the same account it came from, which helps prevent fraud and money laundering. So:
  • If you paid by credit card via Stripe, we will issue the refund through Stripe back to that same credit card. You should see a credit on your card statement within a certain number of business days (usually 5-10 business days, depending on the bank). We cannot typically send the refund to a different card or via check; it must go to the original card.
  • If that credit card account is closed or expired, usually the bank will still route the refund to your account (they might hold it for you or associate it with your new card if you have one). You should contact your bank in such cases to ensure you receive it. If a refund truly cannot be processed to an old card, we would coordinate with Stripe and the bank for an alternative, but those cases are rare.
  • If you paid by PayPal, as mentioned, the refund goes back to your PayPal account. If you used a bank or card via PayPal, PayPal will handle getting it back to that bank or card. PayPal will usually notify you of the refund transaction.
  • If you paid by any other method (say wire transfer), any approved refund would be sent back to a bank account you designate, typically the same one it came from, minus any transfer fees.
  • Timing: Once Nord Skies initiates a refund, Stripe or PayPal (or the relevant processor) handles it. Stripe’s refunds to cards are usually quick but might still take several days to appear in your account depending on the bank’s processing cycle. PayPal refunds can be instant if from our balance or could take a few days if pulling from our linked account.

• Transaction Fees and Currency Conversion: Nord Skies does not charge you any additional “service fee” for using a credit card or PayPal – any standard processing fees are absorbed on our end. However, if you are paying from outside the USA in a different currency, be aware that:
  • For credit cards: Your bank may charge a foreign transaction fee if applicable (usually a percentage if they consider the transaction international; our charge will be in USD, so it depends on your card’s terms). Additionally, the exchange rate is determined by your bank or card network on the day it processes. Nord Skies receives USD and is not responsible for the exchange rate your bank applies.
  • For PayPal: PayPal might charge you a small currency conversion fee if your account is in a different currency (e.g., you have EUR in your account and you pay a USD invoice, PayPal will convert EUR to USD at a rate that includes a fee). You can often choose which currency to use in PayPal to minimize fees (if you have a USD balance or a USD card, etc.). Again, those conversion differences or fees are out of our control.
  • All our pricing is in USD unless explicitly stated otherwise, so expect your payment method to handle currency conversion if you’re using a non-USD source.

• Security Measures and Verification: In some cases, for larger payments or if something triggers a security check, Stripe or PayPal might require additional verification. For example, your bank might send you a one-time passcode (if enrolled in “3-D Secure” verification, sometimes branded as Verified by Visa or MasterCard SecureCode) to confirm the charge. Or PayPal may flag a payment as needing review. Please follow any such steps to complete your payment. If a transaction is flagged or fails, we will contact you to attempt again or use an alternative method. Nord Skies reserves the right to request additional identification or to refuse a payment if fraud is suspected. This is to protect cardholders and us from unauthorized charges.
• Chargebacks and Payment Disputes: We sincerely hope to never have an issue where you feel the need to dispute a charge with your bank or PayPal. If you believe a charge is incorrect or unauthorized, we encourage you to contact Nord Skies first to clarify or resolve the issue. Initiating a chargeback (dispute) with your card issuer or PayPal without giving us a chance to address the concern can slow down the resolution. Nonetheless, you have the right to dispute charges through your financial institution. Nord Skies will provide documentation to contest unfounded chargebacks (for instance, proof of your booking, these agreed Terms, our refund policy, etc.). If a chargeback is decided in our favor (meaning the charge was valid), you remain responsible for the payment and any fees. If in your favor, we will of course abide by that outcome. Keep in mind, chargeback abuse (filing false disputes) is considered fraud and is illegal. We keep records of all transactions and communications to ensure transparency.
• Stripe/PayPal Terms of Service: By making a payment through our site, you are also agreeing to abide by Stripe’s and/or PayPal’s user agreements and terms of service. For example, PayPal’s terms might cover issues like not using PayPal for illegal transactions, buyer and seller protection specifics, etc. Stripe is more behind-the-scenes for you as the payer, but essentially by using a card on our site, you agree that Stripe can process your payment and that you won’t use a stolen card or violate any laws in connection with the payment. If either Stripe or PayPal notifies us of any issue with your payment (like suspected fraud), we will reach out to you for resolution and we reserve the right to halt services if a payment is reversed or deemed invalid.
• Questions and Receipts: After payment, Nord Skies will issue you an invoice or receipt indicating the amount paid and any balance due (if partial payment). If you pay online, you should receive an automatic email receipt as well. If you need a formal invoice for records or any special details (company name, etc.), let us know. Any questions about the payment process can be directed to us or, in the case of technical issues with the payment page, our payment processor’s support as guided by us. We keep transaction records and can assist if you need proof of payment for insurance claims or reimbursement purposes, etc.

In summary, our use of Stripe and PayPal is intended to give you convenient and secure payment options. These processors are leaders in payment security and compliance. We want you to feel confident that your transactions are protected and straightforward. By understanding these disclosures, you can know what to expect on your statements and how any refunds will be handled. If you have any further questions about payments, please contact us – transparency in financial matters is important to maintain trust.

16. Contact Details and Acceptance of Terms

If you have any questions, concerns, or need to reach Nord Skies for any reason (before, during, or after your trip), please use the following contact information. Additionally, this section confirms your agreement to these Terms and serves as the acceptance clause for this contract.

Nord Skies, LLC

30 N Gould st STE N
Sheridan WY – 82801
United States
Phone: +1 347-695-8855 Email: info@nordskies.com

Website: www.nordskies.com

(Note: The above address and phone number are provided for the purpose of this Terms document. Please use the contact details exactly as given to reach us. If there are any updates to our contact information, we will update our website accordingly.)

Our customer service team is available [insert business hours/days, e.g., “Monday through Friday, 9am to 5pm Pacific Time”]. In case of an after-hours emergency during a trip, you will be provided with an emergency contact number (for example, the trip leader’s phone or a 24/7 support line) in your pre-departure materials.

Acceptance Clause: By booking a trip with Nord Skies or participating in any Nord Skies tour, program, or service, you acknowledge that you have read and agree to these Terms and Conditions in full. Agreement to these Terms is a condition of participation in our trips. If you make a booking online, your electronic acceptance (such as checking an “I agree” box or clicking a confirmation button) is equivalent to your signature and enforceable consent to these Terms. If you sign a paper booking form or register via phone/email, these Terms are provided to you (via link or attachment), and your completion of the booking signifies your acceptance as well.

If you are booking on behalf of other travelers (for example, a family or a group), you are representing that each of those travelers, including parents/guardians of any minors, have reviewed and agreed to these Terms. You also agree to convey all relevant information and obligations to them. Nord Skies may require each adult traveler to sign a separate form at or before trip commencement to acknowledge these Terms (especially in group settings or educational programs), but whether or not a separate signature is obtained, these Terms remain binding on all participants once the booking is confirmed.

It is important that you do not proceed with a booking or payment unless you fully understand and accept these Terms. If there is any part of these Terms and Conditions that you do not understand, please contact us for clarification before making a booking. We would be happy to explain or discuss any provisions.

These Terms and Conditions are effective as of the date listed at the top. Nord Skies reserves the right to update or modify these Terms and Conditions from time to time. However, the Terms in effect at the time of your booking will generally govern your trip (unless changes are required by law). We will notify booked travelers of any material changes that would affect their upcoming travel. Updated Terms will always be posted on our website with a revised effective date.

By agreeing to these Terms, you also confirm that you are not relying on any other representations or promises except those set forth in writing herein and in official Nord Skies materials. This is the complete and exclusive understanding between you and Nord Skies regarding the subject matter (travel arrangements), and it supersedes any prior communications.

Confirmation of Agreement:

I, the Traveler/Participant (and Guardian, if applicable), have read these Terms and Conditions (16 sections) thoroughly. I understand the rights, responsibilities, and limitations described herein. I accept this agreement with Nord Skies and agree to be bound by its conditions.

Thank you for choosing Nord Skies for your travel experience. We look forward to providing you with an enriching and unforgettable journey! If you have any questions or need further information, please don’t hesitate to reach out using the contact details above.