UCPA Chamonix

Chamonix UCPA is a 2 minute walk from the main town square and is a refurbished Victorian style building. Within the building is the sports bar, nightclub, ski / board hire room, large ski storage rooms, large dining room and plenty of social areas. From the dining room you get a great view across onto Mont Blanc.

This centre is one of the best in UCPA, and is excellent for those who want to enjoy some of the best skiing in Europe, whilst staying in the centre of a vibrant and lively town. All rooms have shower and sink ensuite with toilets a few steps away in the corridor.

The food is served buffet style each day. Breakfast is yogurts, cereals, fruit juice, coffee and bread - don't be surprised to see that the coffee, tea or hot chocolate is taken French style - a soup bowl !

Typically lunch is a DIY picnic made up at breakfast time (great choice of breads, meats, cheeses, pasta, salad, fruit, sweets etc). The picnic lunch means maximum time on the mountains without spending a fortune on expensive mountain side restaurants. Note that beginners will often return to the centre for a hot lunch.

Dinner is a 4 course buffet - typically a salad bar style starter, choice of 3 or 4 main courses - most often including fish, cheese selection, fruit, dessert and ice-cream freezer. Any special dietry requirements should be made known to reception staff at check-in. Generally vegetarians will find a wide enough choice within the buffet.

The UCPA staff lay on an entertainment program each week. It's certainly not Butlins and there is no pressure to take part - all quite low key. Typical program would include stretching in the early evening, crepe making, quiz, sketch evening, karaoke and some evenings a live band. Equally in the town there is a great selection of bars & nightclubs to suit all tastes.

UCPA is more than 40 years old, and was originally set-up by the French government to encourage young people to enjoy the outdoors. It is now a "not for profit" organisation with all profits being put back into refurbishing the centres. The ethos of sport is still first on the agenda, but the instructors and centre staff don't forget that it is still your holiday.

There is a special bus chartered every morning to take you directly to the slopes without any queuing. There's limited parking on site, but you can park for free within a few minutes walk.

UCPA prices include:
- Lift Pass
- Ski / Board Hire
- Instruction
- Accommodation
- Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Do the sums - a lift pass alone costs more than €200, ski hire €100 and instruction more than €250!