Introduction
Click here for a Virtual Tour of UCPA Val d'Isere 360 View. Val d'Isere UCPA is located three minutes walk from the lively Val d'Isere town centre, this traditional wood / stone chalet sleeps 250 in rooms of 3 to 8 people. Within the building is the dining room, bar, ski / board hire room, large ski storage rooms, and even a nightclub in the basement which rivals clubs in the resort centre for popularity.
Room Details
UCPA Multi-Share
All multi-share rooms have their own sink, with separate shower and toilet, shared with one other room.
Food description
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. In Serre Chevalier lunch is often a bar-b-q on the deck when the sun is shining (frequent in this sunny valley).
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 dietary requirements should be made known to reception staff at check-in. Generally vegetarians will find a wide enough choice within the buffet.
Entertainment
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 and karaoke.
Equally in Val d'Isere town centre, a few minutes walk, there is a massive selection of bars and nightclubs to suit all tastes.
History
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.
Useful facts
There is a car park for UCPA guests only, small charge. Located opposite.
Free entry into swimming pool in Val d'Isere with UCPA liftpass NB no board shorts allowed - only trunks!
Go into town along the footpath by turning right out of the front door, rather than left along the main road.
Location
3 minute walk from the town centre, on the main road towards Le Fornet, go past the Morris Pub (on left) and UCPA Val d'Isere is approx 100m along on the right.