All Inclusive Skiing

UCPA Ski Half-Time Instruction

Hours: 12
Levels: All
Ratio: 1:10-12
Included: Liftpass, Skis & Boots
Included: 7 Nghts Accommodation & All Meals (except Christmas and New Year - check accommodation details carefully).

Course Description

Half-Time Instruction includes 12 hours over 5 days from Monday to Friday. Complete beginners also gain an extra half-day instruction on Sunday to get them started! Equipment hire and liftpass are valid from Sunday morning onwards. This is a UCPA course and the price shown also includes accommodation for 7 nights and all meals every day (breakfast, lunch and evening meal) with UCPA.

The skills you learn are very much down to the group needs – for beginners it is fairly obvious progression through side stepping, snow plough, edging, weight transfer & moving onto parallel turns. Although you are there to learn the instructors don’t forget that you’re also there to have fun too !

For the intermediate levels then the instructor will determine which skills to work on according to talking with the group and observing your skiing. It may be speed control, short radius turns, carving, bumps or even jumping. The advantage of having the same instructor for the whole week is that the lessons don’t need to be intense – there’s plenty of time to relax and enjoy the skiing as well as learning and improving.

More advanced skiers will be in a higher group focusing on bumps, speed, slalom and some off piste however if you are already at “Confirme” & “Expert” levels you should be looking towards one of our Off Piste courses, available at various levels.

All equipment is provided - Skis & Boots – mostly Rossignol as they are a partner of UCPA. Half of the skis are replaced each year meaning that the equipment is all up to date and in good order. Personal clothing is not provided. You will be given a lift pass for the whole week when you arrive.

Levels

Each of our centres is sufficiently large that we have groups at all levels, essentially:-

· Beginner – never skied before

· Improver – you’ve probably skied 1-3 weeks and you can ski green and blue runs

· Mastery – you can ski blue runs with good control of turns and speed, red runs are more challenging but you can still get down OK

· Confirme – you can ski all the marked pistes (greens, blues, reds & blacks), although black runs in bad conditions are still a challenge

· Expert – you can ski all terrains, piste and off piste, in all conditions – icy, powder, crust. You are comfortable on slopes at 40 degrees

Most often we actually have 2 or 3 groups at each level, allowing for an even more refined grouping. You will be asked at registration what level you are at - the first ½ day is spent making a quick check of everyones level to ensure that everybody is in the correct group.

Itinerary

Saturday – Arrival, check-in and registration
Sunday – Equipment issue (may also be available on Saturday afternoon), free skiing. Complete beginners will be offered instruction on Sunday afternoon.
Monday – Meet your instructor, ski close to the other groups to allow for harmonisation across the groups.
Tuesday – 1/2 day session
Wednesday – 1/2 day session
Thursday – 1/2 day session
Friday – 1/2 day session
Saturday - Morning free skiing, check-out at 2:00pm

The 1/2 day will be scheduled either in the morning or in the afternoon - depending upon group / instructor. There are a few local variations – eg in Chamonix all of Wednesday is a free day and the extra time is added onto the other days. Depending upon which centre and which time of year you may come back to the centre for a hot lunch or take a picnic with you. At the reception you will find a notice board where the details of each day activities are planned.

We often get asked “do you have to go to every lesson ?” – it’s not the army and of course if you want to have a morning off, or ski with other friends then it’s no problem. All we ask is just let the instructor know so he or she doesn’t have to wait for you.

Instructors

All of the UCPA Instructors are either already fully qualified under the French system or are currently under training to achieve their qualification. The French system is generally agreed to be the most demanding of all systems. Whilst the average age of the UCPA instructors is fairly young they have chosen Ski Instruction as a career and take the job seriously, albeit still having fun! The level of English varies, all of them speak enough English to teach effectively.

UCPA Ski or Snowboard Short Break 4 Days with Instruction

Level: All

Included:

4 days Equipment Hire
Liftpass
4 Nights Accommodation
All Meals

Course Description
There are 3 options available here.

At Argentiere there are two programmes available:

1) An Autonome + program where you have access to an instructor to provide advice on ski and weather conditions plus techniques on how to improve your skiing or snowboarding abilities (ratio 1:30 but not all expected to attend).
2) Beginners Ski Instruction (more expensive of the 2 prices if you compare various weeks) - four days of full time instruction for beginners only

At Flaine the short break includes 2 lessons. These takes place throughout the short break and according to your ability level.

The UCPA Ski or Snowboard Short Break offers the same great UCPA value with the all inclusive packages, but allows the flexibility of a short break. Equipment hire and liftpass are valid for 4 Days, commencing on the date shown on the booking. The price shown also includes 4 nights UCPA accommodation with all meals (breakfast, lunch and evening meal). If you wish to arrive a day earlier or stay a day longer, this must be arranged directly with UCPA, the week prior to arrival.

Itinerary
Day 1 - Check in and Evening meal

Day 2 – Collect liftpass and equipment. Meet the instructors. Ski / snowboard

Day 3 – Ski / snowboard

Day 4 – Free skiing/ boarding

Day 5 – Free skiing / boarding. Check-out is 2pm. Equipment and lifpass are valid all day - if you wish to ski all day please check-out prior to skiing, you can leave your bags in the baggagerie

Junior Ski - Tignes

Action Outdoors respects the fact that many 16 & 17 year olds are mature enough to enjoy a holiday with friends away from their parents. This program is designed for those of you of college age and includes full time instruction with our fully qualified French instructors. Courses are available for all abilities from begginer to expert and allow everyone to develop at their own rate. You will be skiing only with people of the same age and you will have a specific instructor who will teach and supervise you each day on the slopes.

During the evenings there is plenty of opportunity to socialise, however your supervision will be appropriate for the fact you are young adults. Tignes UCPA is a 2 minute walk from the town centre and there is a drag lift outside to take you up to the main lift system. It is in the heart of the lively town; however to keep track of you all there is a sign in/out book at reception and you must be back in the centre by 10pm. It's cool to be in bed by then anyway so as not to affect the next days skiing!!

For the Parents

If you are at all worried about letting your teenagers go on holiday together, then fear not! Our junior ski weeks have been set up to allow them to pursue their sport in a safe and supervised environment. Tignes has been selected as a resort as it is car free therefore very safe around resort. There is around 300km of groomed piste for all abilities and our specially selected instructors will make sure the groups are safe at all times on the slopes

All junior ski course attendees will be in multi share rooms ONLY with other 16 - 17 year olds. The Tignes UCPA is in 2 sections and one half of the building is dedicated to under 18's.

There is an entertainments program run onsite by the UCPA staff. Great to keep them occupied in the evenings after dinner. A sign in/out book is on reception and all junior skiers have to be back in the centre by 10pm.

In France, as in the UK, it is illegal to consume alcohol until you are 18.

UCPA Ski Full-Time Instruction (Not for Beginners)

Hours: 23
Levels: intermediate plus
Ratio: 1:12

Included in price - 7 nights accommodation, all meals plus 6.5 days lift pass and ski hire (except Christmas and New Year - check accommodation details carefully).

Course Description

Full-Time Instruction includes 23 hours over 5 days from Monday to Friday including a day at l'Alpe d'Huez.. Equipment hire and liftpass are valid from Sunday morning onwards.

The skills you learn are very much down to the group needs :

For the intermediate skier the instructor will determine which skills to work on after talking with the group and observing your skiing. You will spend Monday morning warming up and remembering taught skills then being placed into a suitable ability group. Instruction may then concentrate on speed control, short radius turns, carving, bumps or even jumping. The advantage of having the same instructor for the whole week is that the lessons don’t need to be intense – there’s plenty of time to relax and enjoy the skiing as well as learning and improving.

More advanced skiers will be in a much quicker group focusing on bumps, speed, slalom and some off piste. However if you are already at “Confirme” & “Expert” levels you should be looking towards one of our Off Piste courses, available at various levels. See our Off Piste section of activities.

All equipment is provided - skis, poles & boots – these tend to be Rossignol as they are a partner of UCPA but there are other manufacturers too allowing you to find a boot that fits. Half of the ski equipment is replaced each year meaning that everything is up to date and in good working order. There is a ski repair shop on site though enabling any problems can be dealt with immediately. Personal clothing is not provided.

Levels

Each of our centres is sufficiently large enough to cater for groups at all levels, essentially:-

· Beginner – never skied before; HALF TIME INSTRUCTION

· Improver – you’ve probably skied 1-3 weeks and can ski green and blue runs

· Mastery – you can ski blue runs with good control of turns and speed, red runs are more challenging but you can still get down OK

· Confirme – you can ski all the marked pistes (greens, blues, reds & blacks), although black runs in bad conditions are still a challenge

· Expert – you can ski all terrains, piste and off piste, in all conditions – icy, powder, crust. You are comfortable on slopes at 40 degrees

Normally there are 2 to 3 groups at each level, allowing for an even more refined group standard. You will be asked at registration what level you are at - the first ½ day is spent making a quick check of everyones level to ensure that everybody is in the correct group.

Itinerary

Saturday – Arrival, check-in and registration.
Sunday – Equipment issue (may also be available on Saturday afternoon), free skiing. Complete beginners will be offered instruction on Sunday afternoon.
Monday – Morning, meet your instructor, ski close to the other groups to allow for harmonisation across the groups. Afternoon – ski with your group.
Tuesday – Morning & Afternoon sessions
Wednesday – Afternoon only*
Thursday – Morning & Afternoon sessions
Friday – Morning & Afternoon sessions
Saturday - Morning free skiing, check-out at 2:00pm

*There are a few local variations – eg in Chamonix all of Wednesday is a free day and the extra time is added onto the other days. Depending upon which centre and which time of year you may come back to the centre for a hot lunch or take a picnic with you. At the reception you will find a notice board where the details of each day activities are planned.

We often get asked “do you have to go to every lesson ?” – it’s not the Army and of course if you want to have a morning off, or ski with other friends then it’s not a problem. All we ask is that you let the instructor know so he or she doesn’t have to wait for you.

Instructors

All of the UCPA Instructors are either already fully qualified under the French system or are currently under training to achieve their qualification (but are suitably qualified to teach the group). The French system is generally agreed to be the most demanding of all systems. Whilst the average age of the UCPA instructors is fairly young they have chosen Ski Instruction as a career and take the job seriously, albeit still having fun! The level of English varies, however, all of them speak enough English to teach effectively.

UCPA Ski Full-Time Beginners Instruction

Hours: 23
Levels: Beginners
Ratio: 1:12

Included in price - 7 nights accommodation, all meals plus 6.5 days lift pass and ski hire (except Christmas and New Year - check accommodation details carefully).

Course Description

The beginners course starts Sunday afternoon with an introduction to the basics. Instruction is then spread over the following five days with your last lesson on Friday. By this point you should be confident to head out with your class mates and enjoy the best pistes confidently and in control!

The skills you learn are very much down to the group needs – for beginners it is fairly obvious progression through side stepping, snow plough, edging, weight transfer & moving onto parallel turns. Although you are there to learn the instructors don’t forget that you’re also there to have fun too!

Beginners Full Time programs are not available at Flaine Lindars, you should select Half Time Instruction instead.

All equipment is provided - skis, poles & boots – these tend to be Rossignol as they are a partner of UCPA but there are other manufacturers too allowing you to find a boot that fits. Half of the ski equipment is replaced each year meaning that everything is up to date and in good working order. There is a ski repair shop on site though enabling any problems can be dealt with immediately. Personal clothing is not provided.

Levels

Each of our centres is sufficiently large enough to cater for groups at all levels, essentially:-

· Beginner – never skied before

· Improver – you’ve probably skied 1-3 weeks and can ski green and blue runs

· Mastery – you can ski blue runs with good control of turns and speed, red runs are more challenging but you can still get down OK

· Confirme – you can ski all the marked pistes (greens, blues, reds & blacks), although black runs in bad conditions are still a challenge

· Expert – you can ski all terrains, piste and off piste, in all conditions – icy, powder, crust. You are comfortable on slopes at 40 degrees

Normally there are 2 to 3 groups at each level, allowing for an even more refined group standard. You will be asked at registration what level you are at - the first ½ day is spent making a quick check of everyones level to ensure that everybody is in the correct group.

Itinerary

Saturday – Arrival, check-in and registration.
Sunday – Equipment issue (may also be available on Saturday afternoon), free skiing. Complete beginners will be offered instruction on Sunday afternoon.
Monday – Morning, meet your instructor, ski close to the other groups to allow for harmonisation across the groups. Afternoon – ski with your group.
Tuesday – Morning & Afternoon sessions
Wednesday – Afternoon only*
Thursday – Morning & Afternoon sessions
Friday – Morning & Afternoon sessions
Saturday - Morning free skiing, check-out at 2:00pm

*There are a few local variations – eg in Chamonix all of Wednesday is a free day and the extra time is added onto the other days. Depending upon which centre and which time of year you may come back to the centre for a hot lunch or take a picnic with you. At the reception you will find a notice board where the details of each day activities are planned.

We often get asked “do you have to go to every lesson ?” – it’s not the Army and of course if you want to have a morning off, or ski with other friends then it’s not a problem. All we ask is that you let the instructor know so he or she doesn’t have to wait for you.

Instructors

All of the UCPA Instructors are either already fully qualified under the French system or are currently under training to achieve their qualification (but are suitably qualified to teach the group). The French system is generally agreed to be the most demanding of all systems. Whilst the average age of the UCPA instructors is fairly young they have chosen Ski Instruction as a career and take the job seriously, albeit still having fun! The level of English varies, however, all of them speak enough English to teach effectively.

UCPA Ski Full-Time Instruction

Hours: 23
Levels: All levels *
Ratio: 1:12

Included in price - 7 nights accommodation, all meals plus 6.5 days lift pass and ski hire (except Christmas and New Year - check accommodation details carefully).

Course Description

Full-Time Instruction includes 23 hours over 5 days from Monday to Friday. Complete beginners also gain an extra half-day instruction on Sunday to introduce the basic techniques. Equipment hire and liftpass are valid from Sunday morning onwards.

The skills you learn are very much down to the group needs – for beginners there is a fairly obvious progression through side stepping, snow plough, edging, weight transfer & moving onto parallel turns. Although you are there to learn the instructors don’t forget that you’re also there to have fun too!

* Beginners programs are not available with full time instruction at Flaine Lindars, you should select Half Time Instruction instead. At Val Thorens, the centre does not cater for beginners at all due to its location.

For the intermediate skier the instructor will determine which skills to work on after talking with the group and observing your skiing. You will spend Monday morning warming up and remembering taught skills then being placed into a suitable ability group. Instruction may then concentrate on speed control, short radius turns, carving, bumps or even jumping. The advantage of having the same instructor for the whole week is that the lessons don’t need to be intense – there’s plenty of time to relax and enjoy the skiing as well as learning and improving.

More advanced skiers will be in a much quicker group focusing on bumps, speed, slalom and some off piste. However if you are already at “Confirme” & “Expert” levels you should be looking towards one of our Off Piste courses, available at various levels. See our Off Piste section of activities.

All equipment is provided - skis, poles & boots – these tend to be Rossignol as they are a partner of UCPA but there are other manufacturers too allowing you to find a boot that fits. Half of the ski equipment is replaced each year meaning that everything is up to date and in good working order. There is a ski repair shop on site though enabling any problems can be dealt with immediately. Personal clothing is not provided.

Levels

Each of our centres is sufficiently large enough to cater for groups at all levels, essentially:-

· Beginner – never skied before

· Improver – you’ve probably skied 1-3 weeks and can ski green and blue runs

· Mastery – you can ski blue runs with good control of turns and speed, red runs are more challenging but you can still get down OK

· Confirme – you can ski all the marked pistes (greens, blues, reds & blacks), although black runs in bad conditions are still a challenge

· Expert – you can ski all terrains, piste and off piste, in all conditions – icy, powder, crust. You are comfortable on slopes at 40 degrees

Normally there are 2 to 3 groups at each level, allowing for an even more refined group standard. You will be asked at registration what level you are at - the first ½ day is spent making a quick check of everyones level to ensure that everybody is in the correct group.

Itinerary

Saturday – Arrival, check-in and registration.
Sunday – Equipment issue (may also be available on Saturday afternoon), free skiing. Complete beginners will be offered instruction on Sunday afternoon.
Monday – Morning, meet your instructor, ski close to the other groups to allow for harmonisation across the groups. Afternoon – ski with your group.
Tuesday – Morning & Afternoon sessions
Wednesday – Afternoon only*
Thursday – Morning & Afternoon sessions
Friday – Morning & Afternoon sessions
Saturday - Morning free skiing, check-out at 2:00pm

*There are a few local variations – eg in Chamonix all of Wednesday is a free day and the extra time is added onto the other days. Depending upon which centre and which time of year you may come back to the centre for a hot lunch or take a picnic with you. At the reception you will find a notice board where the details of each day activities are planned.

We often get asked “do you have to go to every lesson ?” – it’s not the Army and of course if you want to have a morning off, or ski with other friends then it’s not a problem. All we ask is that you let the instructor know so he or she doesn’t have to wait for you.

Instructors

All of the UCPA Instructors are either already fully qualified under the French system or are currently under training to achieve their qualification (but are suitably qualified to teach the group). The French system is generally agreed to be the most demanding of all systems. Whilst the average age of the UCPA instructors is fairly young they have chosen Ski Instruction as a career and take the job seriously, albeit still having fun! The level of English varies, however, all of them speak enough English to teach effectively.

UCPA Ski and Snowboard Half-Time Instruction

Hours: 12
Levels: All
Ratio: 1:12

Included in price - 7 nights accommodation, all meals plus 6.5 days lift pass and ski / snowboard hire (except Christmas and New Year - check accommodation details carefully).

Course Description

Half-Time Instruction includes 12 hours over 5 days from Monday to Friday. Complete beginners also gain an extra half-day instruction on Sunday to introduce the basic techniques. Equipment hire and liftpass are valid from Sunday morning onwards.

The skills you learn are very much down to the group needs – for beginners there is a fairly obvious progression after gaining control of your speed and undertanding how to turn. Although you are there to learn the instructors don’t forget that you’re also there to have fun too!

Beginners programs are not available at Flaine Lindars, you should select Half Time Instruction instead.

For the intermediate skier / boarder the instructor will determine which skills to work on after talking with the group and observing your skiing. You will spend Monday morning warming up and remembering taught skills then being placed into a suitable ability group. Instruction may then concentrate on speed control, short radius turns, carving, bumps or even jumping. The advantage of having the same instructor for the whole week is that the lessons don’t need to be intense – there’s plenty of time to relax and enjoy the skiing as well as learning and improving.

More advanced skiers / boarders will be in a much quicker group focusing on bumps, speed and some off piste. However if you are already at “Confirme” & “Expert” levels you should be looking towards one of our Off Piste courses, available at various levels. See our Off Piste section of activities.

All equipment is provided - skis, poles & boots or board and boots – these tend to be Rossignol as they are a partner of UCPA but there are other manufacturers too allowing you to find a boot that fits. Half of the ski equipment is replaced each year meaning that everything is up to date and in good working order. There is a ski repair shop on site though enabling any problems can be dealt with immediately. Personal clothing is not provided.

Levels

Each of our centres is sufficiently large enough to cater for groups at all levels, essentially:-

· Beginner – never skied / boarded before

· Improver – you’ve probably skied / boarded 1-3 weeks and can ski green and blue runs

· Mastery – you can ski / board blue runs with good control of turns and speed, red runs are more challenging but you can still get down OK

· Confirme – you can ski / baord all the marked pistes (greens, blues, reds & blacks), although black runs in bad conditions are still a challenge

· Expert – you can ski / board all terrains, piste and off piste, in all conditions – icy, powder, crust. You are comfortable on slopes at 40 degrees

Normally there are 2 to 3 groups at each level, allowing for an even more refined group standard. You will be asked at registration what level you are at - the first ½ day is spent making a quick check of everyones level to ensure that everybody is in the correct group.

Itinerary

Saturday – Arrival, check-in and registration.
Sunday – Equipment issue (may also be available on Saturday afternoon), free skiing. Complete beginners will be offered instruction on Sunday afternoon.
Monday – Morning, meet your instructor, ski close to the other groups to allow for harmonisation across the groups. Afternoon – unsupervised.
Tuesday – Morning or Afternoon sessions
Wednesday – Afternoon only*
Thursday – Morning or Afternoon sessions
Friday – Morning or Afternoon sessions
Saturday - Morning unsupervised, check-out at 2:00pm

*There are a few local variations – eg in Chamonix all of Wednesday is a free day and the extra time is added onto the other days. Depending upon which centre and which time of year you may come back to the centre for a hot lunch or take a picnic with you. At the reception you will find a notice board where the details of each day activities are planned.

We often get asked “do you have to go to every lesson ?” – it’s not the Army and of course if you want to have a morning off, or ski with other friends then it’s not a problem. All we ask is that you let the instructor know so he or she doesn’t have to wait for you.

Instructors

All of the UCPA Instructors are either already fully qualified under the French system or are currently under training to achieve their qualification (but are suitably qualified to teach the group). The French system is generally agreed to be the most demanding of all systems. Whilst the average age of the UCPA instructors is fairly young they have chosen Ski / Board Instruction as a career and take the job seriously, albeit still having fun! The level of English varies, however, all of them speak enough English to teach effectively.

UCPA Ski Half-Time Instruction

Hours: 12
Levels: All
Ratio: 1:12

Included in price - 7 nights accommodation, all meals plus 6.5 days lift pass and ski hire (except Christmas and New Year - check accommodation details carefully).

Course Description

Half-Time Instruction includes 12 hours over 5 days from Monday to Friday. Complete beginners also gain an extra half-day instruction on Sunday to introduce the basic techniques. Equipment hire and liftpass are valid from Sunday morning onwards.

The skills you learn are very much down to the group needs – for beginners there is a fairly obvious progression through side stepping, snow plough, edging, weight transfer & moving onto parallel turns. Although you are there to learn the instructors don’t forget that you’re also there to have fun too!

Beginners programs are not available at Tignes, you should select Beginners Course instead.

For the intermediate skier the instructor will determine which skills to work on after talking with the group and observing your skiing. You will spend Monday morning warming up and remembering taught skills then being placed into a suitable ability group. Instruction may then concentrate on speed control, short radius turns, carving, bumps or even jumping. The advantage of having the same instructor for the whole week is that the lessons don’t need to be intense – there’s plenty of time to relax and enjoy the skiing as well as learning and improving.

More advanced skiers will be in a much quicker group focusing on bumps, speed, slalom and some off piste. However if you are already at “Confirme” & “Expert” levels you should be looking towards one of our Off Piste courses, available at various levels. See our Off Piste section of activities.

All equipment is provided - skis, poles & boots – these tend to be Rossignol as they are a partner of UCPA but there are other manufacturers too allowing you to find a boot that fits. Half of the ski equipment is replaced each year meaning that everything is up to date and in good working order. There is a ski repair shop on site though enabling any problems can be dealt with immediately. Personal clothing is not provided.

Levels

Each of our centres is sufficiently large enough to cater for groups at all levels, essentially:-

· Beginner – never skied before

· Improver – you’ve probably skied 1-3 weeks and can ski green and blue runs

· Mastery – you can ski blue runs with good control of turns and speed, red runs are more challenging but you can still get down OK

· Confirme – you can ski all the marked pistes (greens, blues, reds & blacks), although black runs in bad conditions are still a challenge

· Expert – you can ski all terrains, piste and off piste, in all conditions – icy, powder, crust. You are comfortable on slopes at 40 degrees

Normally there are 2 to 3 groups at each level, allowing for an even more refined group standard. You will be asked at registration what level you are at - the first ½ day is spent making a quick check of everyones level to ensure that everybody is in the correct group.

Itinerary

Saturday – Arrival, check-in and registration.
Sunday – Equipment issue (may also be available on Saturday afternoon), free skiing. Complete beginners will be offered instruction on Sunday afternoon.
Monday – Morning, meet your instructor, ski close to the other groups to allow for harmonisation across the groups. Afternoon – ski with your group.
Tuesday – Morning or Afternoon sessions
Wednesday – Afternoon only*
Thursday – Morning or Afternoon sessions
Friday – Morning or Afternoon sessions
Saturday - Morning free skiing, check-out at 2:00pm

*There are a few local variations – eg in Chamonix all of Wednesday is a free day and the extra time is added onto the other days. Depending upon which centre and which time of year you may come back to the centre for a hot lunch or take a picnic with you. At the reception you will find a notice board where the details of each day activities are planned.

We often get asked “do you have to go to every lesson ?” – it’s not the Army and of course if you want to have a morning off, or ski with other friends then it’s not a problem. All we ask is that you let the instructor know so he or she doesn’t have to wait for you.

Instructors

All of the UCPA Instructors are either already fully qualified under the French system or are currently under training to achieve their qualification (but are suitably qualified to teach the group). The French system is generally agreed to be the most demanding of all systems. Whilst the average age of the UCPA instructors is fairly young they have chosen Ski Instruction as a career and take the job seriously, albeit still having fun! The level of English varies, however, all of them speak enough English to teach effectively.

UCPA Autonome Plus

Hours: 12
Levels: Confirme (see below)
Ratio: 1:10

Included in price - 7 nights accommodation, all meals plus 6.5 days lift pass and ski hire (except Christmas and New Year - check accommodation details carefully).

Course Description

This is not a typical course with instruction - it is more about having access to an instructor to help you improve any specific skills or learn new techniques. A UCPA instructor will meet the group each day, discuss conditions, weather, ski areas etc. The group will then have a chance to join sessions, if they chose, where the instructor will concentrate on a certain theme - for example bumps, snow park, carving, jumps etc.

This formula is not suitable for beginners, but for more experienced skiers & boarders it provides an excellent cross between guiding & coaching, whilst still allowing plenty time to do your own thing.

Part-Time Instruction includes access to instruction for 12 hours over 5 days from Monday to Friday. Equipment hire and liftpass are valid from Sunday morning onwards for a warm up day.

Levels

You need to be proficient on blue runs, ie not a beginner. Sessions will then be arranged according to levels.

Itinerary

Saturday – Arrival, check-in and registration

Sunday   – Equipment issue (may also be available on Saturday afternoon), free skiing.
Monday   – Morning or Afternoon sessions
Tuesday – Morning or Afternoon sessions
Wednesday – Afternoon only
Thursday – Morning or Afternoon sessions
Friday   – Morning or Afternoon sessions
Saturday - Morning, check-out at 2:00pm

*There are a few local variations – eg in Chamonix all of Wednesday is a free day and the extra time is added onto the other days. Depending upon which centre and which time of year you may come back to the centre for a hot lunch or take a picnic with you. At the reception you will find a notice board where the details of each day activities are planned.

We often get asked “do you have to go to every lesson ?” – it’s not the Army and of course if you want to have a morning off, or ski with other friends then it’s not a problem. All we ask is that you let the instructor know so he or she doesn’t have to wait for you.

Instructors

All of the UCPA Instructors are either already fully qualified under the French system or are currently under training to achieve their qualification (but are suitably qualified to teach the group). The French system is generally agreed to be the most demanding of all systems. Whilst the average age of the UCPA instructors is fairly young they have chosen Ski Instruction as a career and take the job seriously, albeit still having fun! The level of English varies, however, all of them speak enough English to teach effectively.

UCPA Autonome Plus

Hours: 10
Levels: Confirme (see below)
Ratio: 1:30

Included in price - 7 nights accommodation (except Christmas and New Year - check accommodation details carefully), all meals plus 6.5 days lift pass and ski hire

Course Description

This is not a typical course with instruction - it is more about having access to an instructor to help you improve any specific skills or learn new techniques. A UCPA instructor will meet the group each day, discuss conditions, weather, ski areas etc. The group will then have a chance to join sessions, if they chose, where the instructor will concentrate on a certain theme - for example bumps, snow park, carving, jumps etc.

This formula is not suitable for beginners, but for more experienced skiers & boarders it provides an excellent cross between guiding & coaching, whilst still allowing plenty time to do your own thing.

The week includes access to instruction for 10 hours over 5 days from Monday to Friday. Equipment hire and liftpass are valid from Sunday morning onwards for a warm up day.

Levels

You need to be proficient on blue runs, ie not a beginner. Sessions will then be arranged according to levels.

Itinerary

Saturday – Arrival, check-in and registration

Sunday   – Equipment issue (may also be available on Saturday afternoon), free skiing.
Monday   – Morning or Afternoon sessions
Tuesday – Morning or Afternoon sessions
Wednesday – Afternoon only
Thursday – Morning or Afternoon sessions
Friday   – Morning or Afternoon sessions
Saturday - Morning, check-out at 2:00pm

*There are a few local variations – eg in Chamonix all of Wednesday is a free day and the extra time is added onto the other days. Depending upon which centre and which time of year you may come back to the centre for a hot lunch or take a picnic with you. At the reception you will find a notice board where the details of each day activities are planned.

We often get asked “do you have to go to every lesson ?” – it’s not the Army and of course if you want to have a morning off, or ski with other friends then it’s not a problem. All we ask is that you let the instructor know so he or she doesn’t have to wait for you.

Instructors

All of the UCPA Instructors are either already fully qualified under the French system or are currently under training to achieve their qualification (but are suitably qualified to teach the group). The French system is generally agreed to be the most demanding of all systems. Whilst the average age of the UCPA instructors is fairly young they have chosen Ski Instruction as a career and take the job seriously, albeit still having fun! The level of English varies, however, all of them speak enough English to teach effectively.

UCPA Ski No Instruction = UCPA Ski or Snowboard No Instruction

Availability for this course is listed on Snowboard activities page or Resort page. Full course title is UCPA Ski or Snowboard No Instruction. Decide on arrival between ski or snowboard equipment rental.

Hours: No Instruction Included
Levels: All
Included: Liftpass, Skis & Boots or Snowboard & Boots
Included: 7 Nights Accommodation & All Meals (except Christmas and New Year check accommodation details carefully)

Course Description

If you don't fancy any ski or snowboard instruction, full-time or half-time, then this option offers the same great UCPA value - minus the course! Equipment hire and liftpass are valid from Sunday morning onwards. The price shown also includes accommodation for 7 nights and all meals every day (breakfast, lunch and evening meal) with UCPA.

All equipment is provided - Skis & Boots – or Snowboard & Boots mostly Rossignol as they are a partner of UCPA. Half of the equipment is replaced each year meaning that the equipment is all up to date and in good order. Personal clothing is not provided. You will be given a lift pass and piste map on arrival.

Decide on arrival whether you would like to choose ski or snowboard equipment. It may be possible to change during the week but this is not guaranteed. Discuss this with the equipment shop while in resort.

NB The price difference between no instruction and either the Ski Full Time or Half Time Instruction courses, is so small, that Action Outdoors would highly recommend booking onto a course with instruction. Even if you only choose to join the lessons for one day, we believe you will benefit from UCPA Instruction! UCPA Instructors are some of the best on the mountain.

Levels

All - although not recommended for beginners!

Itinerary

Saturday – Arrival, check-in and registration
Sunday – Free skiing
Monday – Free skiing
Tuesday – Free skiing
Wednesday – Free skiing
Thursday – Free skiing
Friday – Free skiing
Saturday - Free skiing in morning. Check-out 2pm

Instructors

No Instruction.

UCPA Ski Off Piste Introduction

Hours: 23
Levels: Confirme (see below)
Ratio: 1:8-10
Included: Liftpass. Skis & boots plus transceiver, shovel & probe
Included: 7 Nights Accommodation & All Meals (except Christmas and New Year - check accommodation details carefully).

Course Description

The course includes 23 hours over 5 days from Monday to Friday. Equipment hire and liftpass are valid from Sunday morning onwards for a warm up day. This is a UCPA course and the price shown also includes UCPA accommodation for 7 nights and all meals every day (breakfast, lunch and evening meal).

The skills are focused on two areas:

Personal Skill & Technique – very different techniques are required to ski off piste, where conditions may be deep powder snow, hard crust , neve, transformed spring snow or soft slush. Obviously we all search for the powder but it’s important to master all conditions.

You will learn all about balance and weight distribution, how to initiate turns under different conditions working towards the goal of leaving perfect tracks on a virgin snowfield.

Mountain Skills – this is all about being safe on the mountains. How to read snow conditions, assess avalanche risks, how to navigate, make sense of the weather forecasts and what they mean to skiers. You’ll spend time practicing with transceivers, to ensure that if the worst happens you have the skills to deal with it.

For many people the best thing about these courses is the local knowledge of the instructor. He or she knows the ski area intimately and will always be able to find the best conditions. Often by making a short walk from the top of a ski lift you can find fresh powder days after the last snow fall – this really takes local knowledge.

All equipment is provided - Skis & Boots – mostly Rossignol as they are a partner of UCPA. Half of the skis are replaced each year meaning that the equipment is all up to date and in good order. You will also be given a transceiver (ARVA), shovel & probe for the week. Personal clothing is not provided. You will be given a lift pass for the whole week when you arrive.

Levels

The minimum standard for the Off Piste course is skiers who are already fairly accomplished on piste skiers, who can already ski between the pistes in rough cut up snow. If you already have very good off-piste skills you should consider one of our Freeride Courses which will raise the bar higher still.

Itinerary

Saturday – Arrival, check-in and registration
Sunday – Equipment issue (may also be available on Saturday afternoon), free skiing.
Monday – Meet your instructor, ski close with the other off piste groups.
Tuesday – Morning and afternoon sessions
Wednesday - Morning session (In Chamonix and Argentiere there is no tuition on a Wednesday, however this time is made up on the other days.)
Thursday – Morning and afternoon sessions
Friday – Morning and afternoon sessions
Saturday - Morning free skiing, check-out at 2:00pm

The 1/2 day will be scheduled either in the morning or in the afternoon - depending upon group / instructor. There are a few local variations – eg in Chamonix all of Wednesday is a free day and the extra time is added onto the other days. Depending upon which centre and which time of year you may come back to the centre for a hot lunch or take a picnic with you. At the reception you will find a notice board where the details of each day activities are planned.

We often get asked “do you have to go to every lesson ?” – it’s not the army and of course if you want to have a morning off, or ski with other friends then it’s no problem. All we ask is just let the instructor know so he or she doesn’t have to wait for you.

Instructors

All of the Off Piste UCPA Instructors are fully qualified under the French system. The French system is generally agreed to be the most demanding of all systems. Whilst the average age of the UCPA instructors is fairly young they have chosen Ski Instruction as a career and take the job seriously, albeit still having fun! The level of English varies, all of them speak enough English to teach effectively.

Freeride courses are run by a qualified High Mountain Guide, allowing the group to ski on glaciated terrain. All UCPA Ski Guides are also fully qualified Ski Instructors.

UCPA Ski Off Piste Half Time Discovery

Hours: 12
Levels: Expert
Ratio: 1:10

Included in price - 7 nights accommodation (except Christmas and New Year - check accommodation details carefully), all meals plus 6.5 days lift pass and ski hire

Course Description

The skills are focused on two areas:

Personal Skill & Technique – very different techniques are required to ski off piste, where conditions may be deep powder snow, hard crust , neve, transformed spring snow or soft slush. Obviously we all search for the powder but it’s important to master all conditions.

You will learn all about balance and weight distribution, how to initiate turns under different conditions working towards the goal of leaving perfect tracks on a virgin snowfield.

Mountain Skills – this is all about being safe on the mountains. How to read snow conditions, assess avalanche risks, how to navigate, make sense of the weather forecasts and what they mean to skiers. You’ll spend time practicing with transceivers, to ensure that if the worst happens you have the skills to deal with it.

For many people the best thing about these courses is the local knowledge of the instructor. He or she knows the ski area intimately and will always be able to find the best conditions. Often by making a short walk from the top of a ski lift you can find fresh powder days after the last snow fall – this really takes local knowledge.

Levels

At most of our centres, on most weeks we have enough clients for 2 or 3 Off Piste groups, meaning that we can cater for a range of experience. The minimum standard for the Off Piste course is skiers who are already fairly accomplished on piste skiers, who can already ski between the pistes in rough cut up snow. If you already competent off-piste you should consider one of our Off Piste full time courses which will raise the bar higher still.

All equipment is provided - skis, poles & boots – these tend to be Rossignol as they are a partner of UCPA but there are other manufacturers too allowing you to find a boot that fits. Half of the ski equipment is replaced each year meaning that everything is up to date and in good working order. There is a ski repair shop on site though enabling any problems can be dealt with immediately. You will also be given a transceiver (ARVA), shovel & probe for the week. Personal clothing is not provided.

Levels

Each of our centres is sufficiently large enough to cater for groups at all levels, essentially:-

· Beginner – never skied before

· Improver – you’ve probably skied 1-3 weeks and can ski green and blue runs

· Mastery – you can ski blue runs with good control of turns and speed, red runs are more challenging but you can still get down OK

· Confirme – you can ski all the marked pistes (greens, blues, reds & blacks), although black runs in bad conditions are still a challenge

· Expert – you can ski all terrains, piste and off piste, in all conditions – icy, powder, crust. You are comfortable on slopes at 40 degrees

Normally there are 2 to 3 groups at each level, allowing for an even more refined group standard. You will be asked at registration what level you are at - the first ½ day is spent making a quick check of everyones level to ensure that everybody is in the correct group.

Itinerary

Saturday – Arrival, check-in and registration.
Sunday – Equipment issue (may also be available on Saturday afternoon), free skiing. Complete beginners will be offered instruction on Sunday afternoon.
Monday – Morning, meet your instructor, ski close to the other groups to allow for harmonisation across the groups. Afternoon – unsupervised.
Tuesday – Morning or Afternoon sessions
Wednesday – Afternoon only*
Thursday – Morning or Afternoon sessions
Friday – Morning or Afternoon sessions
Saturday - Morning free skiing, check-out at 2:00pm

*There are a few local variations – eg in Chamonix all of Wednesday is a free day and the extra time is added onto the other days. Depending upon which centre and which time of year you may come back to the centre for a hot lunch or take a picnic with you. At the reception you will find a notice board where the details of each day activities are planned.

We often get asked “do you have to go to every lesson ?” – it’s not the Army and of course if you want to have a morning off, or ski with other friends then it’s not a problem. All we ask is that you let the instructor know so he or she doesn’t have to wait for you.

Instructors

All of the Off Piste UCPA Instructors are fully qualified under the French system. The French system is generally agreed to be the most demanding of all systems. Whilst the average age of the UCPA instructors is fairly young they have chosen Ski Instruction as a career and take the job seriously, albeit still having fun! The level of English varies, however, all of them speak enough English to teach effectively.

UCPA Ski Off Piste Full-Time Instruction

Hours: 23
Levels: Expert
Ratio: 1:10

Included in price - 7 nights accommodation (except Christmas and New Year - check accommodation details carefully), all meals plus 6.5 days lift pass, ski hire and avalanche kit

Course Description

The skills are focused on two areas:

Personal Skill & Technique – very different techniques are required to ski off piste, where conditions may be deep powder snow, hard crust , neve, transformed spring snow or soft slush. Obviously we all search for the powder but it’s important to master all conditions.

You will learn all about balance and weight distribution, how to initiate turns under different conditions working towards the goal of leaving perfect tracks on a virgin snowfield.

Mountain Skills – this is all about being safe on the mountains. How to read snow conditions, assess avalanche risks, how to navigate, make sense of the weather forecasts and what they mean to skiers. You’ll spend time practicing with transceivers, to ensure that if the worst happens you have the skills to deal with it.

For many people the best thing about these courses is the local knowledge of the instructor. He or she knows the ski area intimately and will always be able to find the best conditions. Often by making a short walk from the top of a ski lift you can find fresh powder days after the last snow fall – this really takes local knowledge.

Levels

At most of our centres, on most weeks we have enough clients for 2 or 3 Off Piste groups, meaning that we can cater for a range of experience. The minimum standard for the Off Piste course is skiers who are already fairly accomplished on piste skiers, who can already ski between the pistes in rough cut up snow. If you already competent off-piste and have been doing this for years, you should consider one of our Freeride Courses which will raise the bar higher still.

All equipment is provided - skis, poles & boots – these tend to be Rossignol as they are a partner of UCPA but there are other manufacturers too allowing you to find a boot that fits. Half of the ski equipment is replaced each year meaning that everything is up to date and in good working order. There is a ski repair shop on site though enabling any problems can be dealt with immediately. You will also be given a transceiver (ARVA), shovel & probe for the week. Personal clothing is not provided.

Levels

· Expert – you can ski all terrains, piste and off piste, in all conditions – icy, powder, crust. You are comfortable on slopes at 40 degrees

Normally there are 2 to 3 groups at each level, allowing for an even more refined group standard. You will be asked at registration what level you are at - the first ½ day is spent making a quick check of everyones level to ensure that everybody is in the correct group.

Itinerary

Saturday – Arrival, check-in and registration.
Sunday – Equipment issue (may also be available on Saturday afternoon), free skiing.
Monday – Morning, meet your instructor, ski close to the other groups to allow for harmonisation across the groups. Afternoon – unsupervised.
Tuesday – Morning and Afternoon sessions
Wednesday – Afternoon only*
Thursday – Morning and Afternoon sessions
Friday – Morning and Afternoon sessions
Saturday - Morning free skiing, check-out at 2:00pm

*There are a few local variations – eg in Chamonix all of Wednesday is a free day and the extra time is added onto the other days. Depending upon which resort you may come back to the centre for a hot lunch or take a picnic with you. At the reception you will find a notice board where the details of each day activities are planned.

We often get asked “do you have to go to every lesson ?” – it’s not the Army and of course if you want to have a morning off, or ski with other friends then it’s not a problem. All we ask is that you let the instructor know so he or she doesn’t have to wait for you.

Instructors

All of the Off Piste UCPA Instructors are fully qualified under the French system. The French system is generally agreed to be the most demanding of all systems. Whilst the average age of the UCPA instructors is fairly young they have chosen Ski Instruction as a career and take the job seriously, albeit still having fun! The level of English varies, however, all of them speak enough English to teach effectively.

UCPA Ski Off Piste Full-Time Instruction

Hours: 23
Levels: Expert
Ratio: 1:10

Included in price - 7 nights accommodation (except Christmas and New Year - check accommodation details carefully), all meals plus 6.5 days lift pass, ski hire and avalanche kit

Course Description

The skills are focused on two areas:

Personal Skill & Technique – very different techniques are required to ski off piste, where conditions may be deep powder snow, hard crust , neve, transformed spring snow or soft slush. Obviously we all search for the powder but it’s important to master all conditions.

You will learn all about balance and weight distribution, how to initiate turns under different conditions working towards the goal of leaving perfect tracks on a virgin snowfield.

Mountain Skills – this is all about being safe on the mountains. How to read snow conditions, assess avalanche risks, how to navigate, make sense of the weather forecasts and what they mean to skiers. You’ll spend time practicing with transceivers, to ensure that if the worst happens you have the skills to deal with it.

For many people the best thing about these courses is the local knowledge of the instructor. He or she knows the ski area intimately and will always be able to find the best conditions. Often by making a short walk from the top of a ski lift you can find fresh powder days after the last snow fall – this really takes local knowledge.

Levels

At most of our centres, on most weeks we have enough clients for 2 or 3 Off Piste groups, meaning that we can cater for a range of experience. The minimum standard for the Off Piste course is skiers who are already fairly accomplished on piste skiers, who can already ski between the pistes in rough cut up snow. If you already competent off-piste and have been doing this for years, you should consider one of our Freeride Courses which will raise the bar higher still.

All equipment is provided - skis, poles & boots – these tend to be Rossignol as they are a partner of UCPA but there are other manufacturers too allowing you to find a boot that fits. Half of the ski equipment is replaced each year meaning that everything is up to date and in good working order. There is a ski repair shop on site though enabling any problems can be dealt with immediately. You will also be given a transceiver (ARVA), shovel & probe for the week. Personal clothing is not provided.

Levels

Each of our centres is sufficiently large enough to cater for groups at all levels, essentially:-

· Confirme – you can ski all the marked pistes (greens, blues, reds & blacks), although black runs in bad conditions are still a challenge

· Expert – you can ski all terrains, piste and off piste, in all conditions – icy, powder, crust. You are comfortable on slopes at 40 degrees

Normally there are 2 to 3 groups at each level, allowing for an even more refined group standard. You will be asked at registration what level you are at - the first ½ day is spent making a quick check of everyones level to ensure that everybody is in the correct group.

Itinerary

Saturday – Arrival, check-in and registration.
Sunday – Equipment issue (may also be available on Saturday afternoon), free skiing. Complete beginners will be offered instruction on Sunday afternoon.
Monday – Morning, meet your instructor, ski close to the other groups to allow for harmonisation across the groups. Afternoon – unsupervised.
Tuesday – Morning and Afternoon sessions
Wednesday – Afternoon only*
Thursday – Morning and Afternoon sessions
Friday – Morning and Afternoon sessions
Saturday - Morning free skiing, check-out at 2:00pm

*There are a few local variations – eg in Chamonix all of Wednesday is a free day and the extra time is added onto the other days. Depending upon which centre and which time of year you may come back to the centre for a hot lunch or take a picnic with you. At the reception you will find a notice board where the details of each day activities are planned.

We often get asked “do you have to go to every lesson ?” – it’s not the Army and of course if you want to have a morning off, or ski with other friends then it’s not a problem. All we ask is that you let the instructor know so he or she doesn’t have to wait for you.

Instructors

All of the Off Piste UCPA Instructors are fully qualified under the French system. The French system is generally agreed to be the most demanding of all systems. Whilst the average age of the UCPA instructors is fairly young they have chosen Ski Instruction as a career and take the job seriously, albeit still having fun! The level of English varies, however, all of them speak enough English to teach effectively.

UCPA Ski Freeride Full-Time Guiding - Steeps

Hours: 23
Levels: Expert
Ratio: 1:6

Included in price - 7 nights accommodation (except Christmas and New Year - check accommodation details carefully), all meals plus 6.5 days lift pass, ski hire and avalanche kit

Course Description

This course aims to make the most of Chamonix's challenging terrain. You will be skiing some of the big descents of the Chamonix Valley and should expect to be skiing slopes in excess of 45 degrees. You should be an extremely accomplished off piste skier. Please feel free to call us for advice to ensure that you are of an appropriate standard.

The skills are focused on two areas:

Personal Skill & Technique – developing your existing off piste skills onto steeper slopes, narrow couloirs and heavily glaciated terrain.

Mountain Skills – this is all about being safe on the mountains. How to read snow conditions, assess avalanche risks, how to navigate, make sense of the weather forecasts and what they mean to skiers. You’ll spend time practicing with transceivers, to ensure that if the worst happens you have the skills to deal with it.

For many people the best thing about UCPA courses is the local knowledge of the instructor. He or she knows the ski area intimately and will always be able to find you the best conditions. You will be very off piste – expect to be deep within the mountains with no other people in sight. This most often involves a short hike at the start or the end of a run. On some of the routes an abseil (or rappel) may be required to access the slope.

All equipment is provided - skis, poles & boots – these tend to be Rossignol as they are a partner of UCPA but there are other manufacturers too allowing you to find a boot that fits. Half of the ski equipment is replaced each year meaning that everything is up to date and in good working order. There is a ski repair shop on site though enabling any problems can be dealt with immediately. You will also be given a transceiver (ARVA), shovel & probe for the week. Personal clothing is not provided.

Level

You are already a highly accomplished off piste skier, competent in all snow conditions on steep slopes. You have a good level of personal fitness and have no problem making a steep 45 minute hike to get to the best slopes.

Itinerary

Saturday – Arrival, check-in and registration
Sunday – Equipment issue (may also be available on Saturday afternoon), free skiing.
Monday – Morning, meet your instructor, ski close with the other off piste groups.
Tuesday – Morning & Afternoon sessions
Wednesday – Afternoon only
Thursday – Morning & Afternoon sessions
Friday – Morning & Afternoon sessions
Saturday - Morning free skiing, check-out at 2:00pm

There are a few local variations – eg in Chamonix all of Wednesday is a free day and the extra time is added onto the other days. Depending upon which resort you may come back to the centre for a hot lunch or take a picnic with you. At the reception you will find a notice board where the details of each day activities are planned.

We often get asked “do you have to go to every lesson ?” – it’s not the army and of course if you want to have a morning off, or ski with other friends then it’s no problem. All we ask is just let the instructor know so he or she doesn’t have to wait for you.

Instructors

Freeride courses are run by a qualified High Mountain Guide, allowing the group to ski on glaciated terrain. All UCPA Ski Guides are also fully qualified Ski Instructors.

The French system is generally agreed to be the most demanding of all systems. Whilst the average age of the UCPA instructors is fairly young they have chosen Ski Instruction as a career and take the job seriously, albeit still having fun! The level of English varies, however, all of them speak enough English to teach effectively.

UCPA Ski Freeride Full-Time Guiding - Steeps

Hours: 23
Levels: Expert
Ratio: 1:6

Included in price - 7 nights accommodation (except Christmas and New Year - check accommodation details carefully), all meals plus 6.5 days lift pass, ski hire and avalanche kit

Course Description

The most extreme course that UCPA offers! This course aims to make the most of Les Arcs challenging terrain. You will be skiing some of the big descents of the Tarantaise and should expect to be skiing slopes in excess of 45 degrees. You should be an extremely accomplished off piste skier. Please feel free to call us for advice to ensure that you are of an appropriate standard.

The skills are focused on two areas:

Personal Skill & Technique – developing your existing off piste skills onto steeper slopes, narrow couloirs and heavily glaciated terrain.

Mountain Skills – this is all about being safe on the mountains. How to read snow conditions, assess avalanche risks, how to navigate, make sense of the weather forecasts and what they mean to skiers. You’ll spend time practicing with transceivers, to ensure that if the worst happens you have the skills to deal with it.

For many people the best thing about UCPA courses is the local knowledge of the instructor. He or she knows the ski area intimately and will always be able to find you the best conditions. You will be very off piste – expect to be deep within the mountains with no other people in sight. This most often involves a short hike at the start or the end of a run. On some of the routes an abseil (or rappel) may be required to access the slope.

All equipment is provided - skis, poles & boots – these tend to be Rossignol as they are a partner of UCPA but there are other manufacturers too allowing you to find a boot that fits. Half of the ski equipment is replaced each year meaning that everything is up to date and in good working order. There is a ski repair shop on site though enabling any problems can be dealt with immediately. You will also be given a transceiver (ARVA), shovel & probe for the week. Personal clothing is not provided.

Level

You are already a highly accomplished off piste skier, competent in all snow conditions on steep slopes. You have a good level of personal fitness and have no problem making a steep 45 minute hike to get to the best slopes.

Itinerary

Saturday – Arrival, check-in and registration
Sunday – Equipment issue (may also be available on Saturday afternoon), free skiing.
Monday – Morning, meet your instructor, ski close with the other off piste groups.
Tuesday – Morning & Afternoon sessions
Wednesday – Afternoon only
Thursday – Morning & Afternoon sessions
Friday – Morning & Afternoon sessions
Saturday - Morning free skiing, check-out at 2:00pm

There are a few local variations – eg in Chamonix all of Wednesday is a free day and the extra time is added onto the other days. Depending upon which resort you may come back to the centre for a hot lunch or take a picnic with you. At the reception you will find a notice board where the details of each day activities are planned.

We often get asked “do you have to go to every lesson ?” – it’s not the army and of course if you want to have a morning off, or ski with other friends then it’s no problem. All we ask is just let the instructor know so he or she doesn’t have to wait for you.

Instructors

Freeride courses are run by a qualified High Mountain Guide, allowing the group to ski on glaciated terrain. All UCPA Ski Guides are also fully qualified Ski Instructors.

The French system is generally agreed to be the most demanding of all systems. Whilst the average age of the UCPA instructors is fairly young they have chosen Ski Instruction as a career and take the job seriously, albeit still having fun! The level of English varies, however, all of them speak enough English to teach effectively.

UCPA Ski Freeride Full-Time Guiding

Hours: 23
Levels: Expert
Ratio: 1:6

Included in price - 7 nights accommodation (except Christmas and New Year - check accommodation details carefully), all meals plus 6.5 days lift pass, ski hire and avalanche kit

Course Description

Freeride skiing is about making new tracks in the back country. Not as steep but just as intense as the Steeps course you can still expect to be skiing slopes in excess of 45 degrees. You should be an extremely accomplished off piste skier. Please feel free to call us for advice to ensure that you are of an appropriate standard.

The skills are focused on two areas:

Personal Skill & Technique – developing your existing off piste skills onto steeper slopes, narrow couloirs and heavily glaciated terrain.

Mountain Skills – this is all about being safe on the mountains. How to read snow conditions, assess avalanche risks, how to navigate, make sense of the weather forecasts and what they mean to skiers. You’ll spend time practicing with transceivers, to ensure that if the worst happens you have the skills to deal with it.

For many people the best thing about UCPA courses is the local knowledge of the instructor. He or she knows the ski area intimately and will always be able to find you the best conditions. You will be very off piste – expect to be deep within the mountains with no other people in sight. This most often involves a short hike at the start or the end of a run. On some of the routes an abseil (or rappel) may be required to access the slope.

All equipment is provided - skis, poles & boots – these tend to be Rossignol as they are a partner of UCPA but there are other manufacturers too allowing you to find a boot that fits. Half of the ski equipment is replaced each year meaning that everything is up to date and in good working order. There is a ski repair shop on site though enabling any problems can be dealt with immediately. You will also be given a transceiver (ARVA), shovel & probe for the week. Personal clothing is not provided.

Level

You are already a highly accomplished off piste skier, competent in all snow conditions on steep slopes. You have a good level of personal fitness and have no problem making a steep 45 minute hike to get to the best slopes.

Itinerary

Saturday – Arrival, check-in and registration
Sunday – Equipment issue (may also be available on Saturday afternoon), free skiing.
Monday – Morning, meet your instructor, ski close with the other off piste groups.
Tuesday – Morning & Afternoon sessions
Wednesday – Afternoon only
Thursday – Morning & Afternoon sessions
Friday – Morning & Afternoon sessions
Saturday - Morning free skiing, check-out at 2:00pm

There are a few local variations – eg in Chamonix all of Wednesday is a free day and the extra time is added onto the other days. Depending upon which resort you may come back to the centre for a hot lunch or take a picnic with you. At the reception you will find a notice board where the details of each day activities are planned.

We often get asked “do you have to go to every lesson ?” – it’s not the army and of course if you want to have a morning off, or ski with other friends then it’s no problem. All we ask is just let the instructor know so he or she doesn’t have to wait for you.

Instructors

Freeride courses are run by a qualified High Mountain Guide, allowing the group to ski on glaciated terrain. All UCPA Ski Guides are also fully qualified Ski Instructors.

The French system is generally agreed to be the most demanding of all systems. Whilst the average age of the UCPA instructors is fairly young they have chosen Ski Instruction as a career and take the job seriously, albeit still having fun! The level of English varies, however, all of them speak enough English to teach effectively.

UCPA Ski Freeride & Rando Full-Time Guiding

Hours: 23
Levels: Expert
Ratio: 1:6

Included in price - 7 nights accommodation (except Christmas and New Year - check accommodation details carefully), all meals plus 6.5 days lift pass, ski touring equipment hire and avalanche kit

Course Description

The course is essentially a freeride course which involves ski touring to get to the best snow. You should be an extremely accomplished off piste skier. Please feel free to call us for advice to ensure that you are of an appropriate standard.

The skills are focused on two areas:

Personal Skill & Technique – developing your existing off piste skills onto steeper slopes, narrow couloirs and heavily glaciated terrain.

Mountain Skills – this is all about being safe on the mountains. How to read snow conditions, assess avalanche risks, how to navigate, make sense of the weather forecasts and what they mean to skiers. You’ll spend time practicing with transceivers, to ensure that if the worst happens you have the skills to deal with it.

For many people the best thing about UCPA courses is the local knowledge of the instructor. He or she knows the ski area intimately and will always be able to find you the best conditions. You will be very off piste – expect to be deep within the mountains with no other people in sight. This most often involves a short hike at the start or the end of a run. On some of the routes an abseil (or rappel) may be required to access the slope.

All equipment is provided - touring skis, poles & boots – these tend to be Rossignol as they are a partner of UCPA but there are other manufacturers too allowing you to find a boot that fits. Half of the ski equipment is replaced each year meaning that everything is up to date and in good working order. There is a ski repair shop on site though enabling any problems can be dealt with immediately. You will also be given a transceiver (ARVA), shovel & probe for the week. Personal clothing is not provided.

Level

You are already a highly accomplished off piste skier, competent in all snow conditions on steep slopes. You have a good level of personal fitness and have no problem making a steep 45 minute hike to get to the best slopes.

Itinerary

Saturday – Arrival, check-in and registration
Sunday – Equipment issue (may also be available on Saturday afternoon), free skiing.
Monday – Morning, meet your instructor, ski close with the other off piste groups.
Tuesday – Morning & Afternoon sessions
Wednesday – Afternoon only
Thursday – Morning & Afternoon sessions
Friday – Morning & Afternoon sessions
Saturday - Morning free skiing, check-out at 2:00pm

There are a few local variations – eg in Chamonix all of Wednesday is a free day and the extra time is added onto the other days. Depending upon which resort you may come back to the centre for a hot lunch or take a picnic with you. At the reception you will find a notice board where the details of each day activities are planned.

We often get asked “do you have to go to every lesson ?” – it’s not the army and of course if you want to have a morning off, or ski with other friends then it’s no problem. All we ask is just let the instructor know so he or she doesn’t have to wait for you.

Instructors

Freeride and ski touring courses are run by a qualified High Mountain Guide, allowing the group to ski on glaciated terrain. All UCPA Ski Guides are also fully qualified Ski Instructors.

The French system is generally agreed to be the most demanding of all systems. Whilst the average age of the UCPA instructors is fairly young they have chosen Ski Instruction as a career and take the job seriously, albeit still having fun! The level of English varies, however, all of them speak enough English to teach effectively.

UCPA Speed Riding Full-Time Instruction

Hours: 23
Levels: Expert
Ratio: 1:6

Included in price - 7 nights accommodation (except Christmas and New Year - check accommodation details carefully), all meals plus 6.5 days lift pass, ski hire and avalanche kit

Course Description

This is an introduction course to the very extreme sport of speed riding. You will learn the techniques needed to tackle extreme terrain, but the learning will be done either off-piste or on specially designated pistes at a sensible gradient to start with. It is an ideal course for highly experienced skiers who are thinking of getting into this new activity.

All equipment is provided - skis, poles & boots – these tend to be Rossignol as they are a partner of UCPA but there are other manufacturers too allowing you to find a boot that fits. Half of the ski equipment is replaced each year meaning that everything is up to date and in good working order. There is a ski repair shop on site though enabling any problems can be dealt with immediately. Speed Riding equipment is provided only when you are with the instructors - it is not possible to practise speed riding without your instructor.

What is the difference between paragliding, speed flying and speed riding?

Paragliding is flying with large canopies (20-32 square meters, depending on your weight) that allow you to stay and travel in the sky. You can climb on thermal air currents, and your "glide ratio" is about 1:8, meaning you go eight times further forward than down.

Speed flying is a general term for using smaller canopies (8-14 square meters), or mini gliders. Speed riding is the specific term for going down snow slopes with mini gliders and skis. The glide ratio is much lower - 1:4 - which allows you to play with the ground, mixing skiing and flying in a new way.

Speed Riding is almost certainly the newest & most exciting winter sport. It crosses skiing with paragliding enabling you to ski steep terrain and gain flight time. Experts are using these techniques to ski faces like the Mallory Route on the Aiguille du Midi - a graded alpine climb of over 60 degrees steepness. The paragliders are approximately half size, allowing a reasonable glide angle, but more importantly allowing you to maintain a good speed.

Levels

Although it is an introductory course, it certainly isn't for beginner skiers. You should be at level "expert" - ie able to ski anything on-piste, in any conditions, plus be proficient off-piste in most conditions. It is helpful, but not essential, if you have experience of other kite sports - eg paragliding or kite surfing. This is a highly commited sport - it is a requirement of registration that you have a doctors certificate indicating no "contra-indications" to practice this activity.

· Expert – you can ski all terrains, piste and off piste, in all conditions – icy, powder, crust. You are comfortable on slopes at 40 degrees

Itinerary

Saturday – Arrival, check-in and registration.
Sunday – Equipment issue (may also be available on Saturday afternoon), free skiing/warm up day.
Monday – Morning & Afternoon sessions
Tuesday – Morning & Afternoon sessions
Wednesday – Afternoon only*
Thursday – Morning & Afternoon sessions
Friday – Morning & Afternoon sessions
Saturday - Morning free skiing, check-out at 2:00pm

*There are a few local variations

We often get asked “do you have to go to every lesson ?” – it’s not the army and of course if you want to have a morning off, or ski with other friends then it’s no problem. All we ask is just let the instructor know so he or she doesn’t have to wait for you.

Instructors

UCPA Speed Riding Instructors are both Ski and Paragliding qualified. All of the UCPA Ski Instructors are either already fully qualified under the French system or are currently under training to achieve their qualification.

The French system is generally agreed to be the most demanding of all systems. Whilst the average age of the UCPA instructors is fairly young they have chosen Ski Instruction as a career and take the job seriously, albeit still having fun! The level of English varies, however, all of them speak enough English to teach effectively.

UCPA Speed Riding Full-Time Instruction

Hours: 23
Levels: Expert and have completed an introductory course to Speed Riding
Ratio: 1:6

Included in price - 7 nights accommodation (except Christmas and New Year - check accommodation details carefully), all meals plus 6.5 days lift pass, ski hire and avalanche kit

Course Description

This is the next stage - putting what you've been taught on the introductory course into action. You will practice the techniques needed to tackle extreme terrain at an increased gadient and with more tuition specific to you. It is an ideal course for highly experienced skiers who are keen to push their boundaries further.

All equipment is provided - skis, poles & boots – these tend to be Rossignol as they are a partner of UCPA but there are other manufacturers too allowing you to find a boot that fits. Half of the ski equipment is replaced each year meaning that everything is up to date and in good working order. There is a ski repair shop on site though enabling any problems can be dealt with immediately. Speed Riding equipment is provided only when you are with the instructors - it is not possible to practise speed riding without your instructor.

What is the difference between paragliding, speed flying and speed riding?

Paragliding is flying with large canopies (20-32 square meters, depending on your weight) that allow you to stay and travel in the sky. You can climb on thermal air currents, and your "glide ratio" is about 1:8, meaning you go eight times further forward than down.

Speed flying is a general term for using smaller canopies (8-14 square meters), or mini gliders. Speed riding is the specific term for going down snow slopes with mini gliders and skis. The glide ratio is much lower - 1:4 - which allows you to play with the ground, mixing skiing and flying in a new way.

Speed Riding is almost certainly the newest & most exciting winter sport. It crosses skiing with paragliding enabling you to ski steep terrain and gain flight time. Experts are using these techniques to ski faces like the Mallory Route on the Aiguille du Midi - a graded alpine climb of over 60 degrees steepness. The paragliders are approximately half size, allowing a reasonable glide angle, but more importantly allowing you to maintain a good speed.

Levels

Although it is an introductory course, it certainly isn't for beginner skiers. You should be at level "expert" - ie able to ski anything on-piste, in any conditions, plus be proficient off-piste in most conditions. It is helpful, but not essential, if you have experience of other kite sports - eg paragliding or kite surfing. This is a highly commited sport - it is a requirement of registration that you have a doctors certificate indicating no "contra-indications" to practice this activity.

· Expert – you can ski all terrains, piste and off piste, in all conditions – icy, powder, crust. You are comfortable on slopes at 40 degrees

Itinerary

Saturday – Arrival, check-in and registration.
Sunday – Equipment issue (may also be available on Saturday afternoon), free skiing/warm up day.
Monday – Morning & Afternoon sessions
Tuesday – Morning & Afternoon sessions
Wednesday – Afternoon only*
Thursday – Morning & Afternoon sessions
Friday – Morning & Afternoon sessions
Saturday - Morning free skiing, check-out at 2:00pm

*There are a few local variations

We often get asked “do you have to go to every lesson ?” – it’s not the army and of course if you want to have a morning off, or ski with other friends then it’s no problem. All we ask is just let the instructor know so he or she doesn’t have to wait for you.

Instructors

UCPA Speed Riding Instructors are both Ski and Paragliding qualified. All of the UCPA Ski Instructors are either already fully qualified under the French system or are currently under training to achieve their qualification.

The French system is generally agreed to be the most demanding of all systems. Whilst the average age of the UCPA instructors is fairly young they have chosen Ski Instruction as a career and take the job seriously, albeit still having fun! The level of English varies, however, all of them speak enough English to teach effectively.

Under 18 Ski or Snowboard - Tignes

Action Outdoors respects the fact that many 16 & 17 year olds are mature enough to enjoy a holiday with friends away from their parents. This program is designed for those of you of college age and includes full tim

e instruction with our fully qualified French instructors. Courses are available for both skiers and snowboarders of all abilities. Running courses for beginners to experts allows everyone to develop at their own rate. You will be skiing/snowboarding only with people of the same age and you will have a specific instructor who will teach and supervise you each day on the slopes.

During the evenings there is plenty of opportunity to socialise however your supervision will be appropriate for the fact you are young adults. Tignes UCPA is a 2 minute walk from the town centre and there is a drag lift outside to take you up to the main lift system. It is in the heart of the lively town however to keep track of you all there is a sign in/out book at reception and you must be back in the centre by 10pm. It's cool to be in bed by then anyway so as not to affect the next days skiing!!

For the Parents

If you are at all worried about letting your teenagers go on holiday together, then fear not! Our junior ski weeks have been set up to allow them to pursue their sport in a safe and supervised environment. Tignes has been selected as a resort as it is car free. There is around 300km of groomed piste for all abilities and our specially selected instructors will make sure the groups are safe at all times on the slopes

All junior ski course attendees will be in multi share rooms ONLY with other 16 - 17 year olds.The Tignes UCPA is in 2 sections and one half of the building is dedicated to under 18's.

There is an entertainments program run onsite by the UCPA staff. Great to keep them occupied in the evenings after dinner. A sign in/out book is on reception and all junior skiers have to be back in the centre by 10pm.

In France, as in the UK, it is illegal to consume alcohol until you are 18.

Catered Chalet, Airport Transfer and Guiding Deal

Levels: All
Included: 7 Nights Chalet Accommodation with breakfast, afternoon tea and evening meal with wine each night
Included: Airport Transfer from Geneva
3 days of Resort Guiding
3 days of Off-Piste Instruction / Guiding
Lift Pass, Ski equipment, flights and personal Insurance not included

Description

Chalet Les Pelerins is a stylish, comfortable chalet, a great base from which to explore the Chamonix Valley. For far more detailed information visit www.chalet-in-chamonix.co.uk.

This week is specially designed for independant or solo travellers who are strong skiers & boarders. Our very experienced chalet staff will look after you from start to finish. You have both a chef & host who will look after you all week long. For 3 days our staff will provide you with resort guiding, including transfers each day to the best slopes. For the other 3 days we will be with a full qualified instructor / guide who will be able to take you off-piste to see the very best of the Chamnix area.

All rooms sleep 2 persons, prepare to share, or contact us for a single supplement price.

The double bedroom has a en-suite shower & sink, there is one further en-suite room that has a double or twin bed configuration.

The 3 twin bedrooms have 2 beds (which can be pushed together to form a double).

There are 2 separate bathrooms with bath / shower, WC and basin plus an additional 2 WCs and wash hand basins.

Fabulous three course meal with wine included on six evenings. On one evening during the week it is the Chef's night off and you can eat out at a restaurant of your choice, at your own expense.

Ski and snowboard equipment can be arranged with our partner shop, at a discount of 15%. Personal clothing is not provided.

Social

Meal times are always a great occasion plus the chalet staff are very happy to advise, and maybe even guide you, around the local bars and night spots.

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