My teenage daughter had been bugging me to take her skiing for a while, but I had been reluctant to, just because of cost. So when I discovered Action Outdoors, a tour operator specialising in good value holidays based in affordable UCPA centres in the French Alps, run by a non-profit organisation, I thought it was time to treat Holly.
For most of the year UCPA centres are exclusive to 18–40 year-olds, but during the school holidays some open their doors to welcome families with dedicated ski and snowboard packages; so it was that last Easter we set off to Serre Chevalier on our dad-and-daughter adventure.
The UCPA Serre Chevalier turned out to be large, modern and ski-in/ ski-out; positioned right at the bottom of the slopes in the village of Villeneuve. The resort is known for its sunshine; the centre has a large sun deck and heated swimming pool overlooking the pistes, and one particularly enjoyable experience was a lunchtime BBQ in the sun. So far so good!
On the (very quiet) slopes we found Serre Chevalier to be a vast but picturesque ski area, almost all of it ideal for families, who were the core market, with plenty of long green and blue runs and nursery slopes sited by all the villages. There are reds, blacks and some good terrain parks too, though.
Holly and I found the best green runs high above Villeneuve. These runs are wide, mellow and snow-sure. The only snag is that they are reached by fast, long and steep drag lifts with a couple of right-angled turns that can be daunting at first.
As part of the UCPA package, tuition and equipment hire is also included. When we arrived we were asked our ability and put into separate groups. Holly had only completed a week of ski lessons before and I was placed into an advanced snowboarders group. We both really enjoyed our groups and the instructors were very friendly, spoke perfect English and were very knowledgeable. All the hire equipment was top quality.
If you want a luxury ski holiday then the UCPA is not for you. The rooms are basic but functional, with plenty of storage and warm radiators to dry wet ski gear. We had our own bathroom with a shower, but shared a toilet with the room adjacent. The buffet-style lunches and evening meals had plenty of salad, pasta, meat and fish options, but be aware: it’s good, typically French food without a chicken nugget in sight.
They are, however, incredibly good fun too, with a feeling of camaraderie and friendliness from the guests and staff alike. All the kids get together and form their own little groups and friendships, enjoying evening entertainment such as discos and karaoke, while the parents get together to chat about the day’s skiing and snowboarding over a glass of wine and a fully loaded cheeseboard.
All in all we really enjoyed our “Serre Che” UCPA experience and I highly recommend it for a family ski trip on a budget. The families I met are repeat customers, and I think I will be joining them next season.
Action Outdoors offers family ski holidays to the French Alps in school holiday periods. Seven nights in the UCPA centre in Serre Chevalier during the Easter Holidays costs £460pp including full board accommodation, ski passes, ski/snowboard equipment hire and lessons.