There are many factors that will determine which is the resort for you; ski in ski out, big snowboarding area, centre comfort or nightlife. Not all resorts offer a non instructed option os check out the Dates & Prices tab to see what is still available and where.

In our opinion….

Best resorts for getting those ski miles in:
Val d’Isere & Tignes - The Espace Killy ski area is truly massive boasting an amazing 96 lifts which give access to over 300km of piste. 
Val Thorens - Val Thorens has a total of 140km of piste served by 32 fast lifts pretty much all of which is located above 2000m
Flaine - The skiing in Flaine offers a wide variety of grades with 140km of piste in the Flaine area alone and a total of 265km 

Best resorts for Off Piste:
Chamonix & Argentiere -  The off piste/backcountry skiing is what makes the Chamonix valley so special. The depth and variety of lift accessed high mountain and back country terrain is outstanding including Europe's longest off piste run, the Vallee Blanche, and the infamous Grand Montets ski area.
Val d’Isere & Tignes - In addition to the fantastic piste network the Espace Killy offers one of the largest lift served off-piste areas in the world, there is more than enough to keep even the most adventurous skiers entertained.
Les Contamines - avoid the crowds and explore the couloirs and tree lines that surround the ski area.

Most comfortable UCPA centres:
Val Thorens - Ski in ski out with it’s very own nightclub. The highest spec UCPA centre. 
La Plagne - You can ski through the centre! The centre has also been recently renovated and is now one of the most luxurious 
Flaine - An ex-hotel with all rooms fully ensuite. This centre has a lot more twin rooms than any other centre. 

Best resorts for Après:
Val d’Isere & Tignes - Where to even start?! The original site for Folie Douce and now Cocorico in both Val d’Isere and Tignes, the Espace Killy’s slopeside après is second to none. In town you will find the party in Le Petit Danois with a live band in Val and Loop Bar at the bottom of Trolles in Tignes. 
Val Thorens - As well as a Folie Douce, Bar 360 provides smoke, dancing and lasers. What more do you need!? Malaysia is the largest nightclub in the alps and has had some of the world’s top DJs playing there such as Calvin Harris, Chase & Status and Rudimental. 
Les Deux Alpes - With over 40 bars along the towns main strip. Kick off your après at Pano Bar, opposite the Jandri Express mid-station. Its got a sunny terrace with panoramic views and great music, with a live DJ from 3pm and 5pm. Then when you’re back down the mountain, Smokey Joe’s leads the way, with Tex-Mex food, big screens, live music and a daily happy hour. 

UCPA was founded with the aim of getting young people into sports and the outdoors, all at an affordable price. This is achieved through many efficiencies, one of which is the 'multi share' rooms. The rooms can be described as comfortable, warm, and quiet but basic with no frills. Twin rooms are available for an extra fee per person, however twin rooms cannot be booked for just one person.

Bathroom facilities vary from centre to centre, the most common being bedrooms having a sink and a shower ensuite with shared toilets in the corridor. Some centres have all rooms ensuite, others only have twin rooms ensuite, and some centres don't have any ensuite rooms.

UCPA save costs by the guests pitching in and helping out. For example when you arrive you will be provided with clean linen for your bed, but you will have to make it yourself. This little bit of mucking in is what makes UCPA trips such excellent value and a fun experience.

Everything is handled in house – ​equipment hire, instruction, ​all meals, lift passes, allowing for a straightforward experience where you can focus on skiing or snowboarding and socialising, rather than having to think about buying lift passes, finding equipment hire and ski and snowboard schools etc.

Make sure you tell the UCPA staff your correct ski or snowboard level. It’s important to take into consideration both your ability and the terrain you prefer to ski on when choosing ski or snowboard rental.

Type of skis you are likely to use (depending on conditions)

Piste skis – Also referred to as carving skis, perfect for turning on groomed snow. They’re built with a narrower waist for quick edge changes and often with a shorter turn radius, for tighter, faster carves. OR
All-mountain skis – A versatile, all-terrain ski, designed to handle both hard snow and powder, so great for all-rounders. All-mountain skis offer a wide selection of models, with a range of waists and camber profiles. 

Types of snowboards you are likely to use (depending on conditions)

All mountain snowboards perform well on all terrains in almost all conditions and they are great for all abilities.

Freestyle snowboards are designed for performing tricks in parks and are much lighter and shorter than all mountain boards. They have a limited edge grip and are not stable enough for carving turns and travelling fast.

You may think that as you are hiring skis or snowboards, they will be old and you can treat them as you like, this is not the case. UCPA replace 50% of all kit every year so you may well end up with brand new kit depending on when you travel. Brands can vary but Rossignol and APO are the most common.

When trying on boots, wear your ski socks. You won’t be wearing thin ‘fashion’ socks on the mountain, so make sure they fit with the correct socks on!