A week in the backcountry, making fresh tracks, skiing steep couloirs and improving your off piste technique
Spend a week discovering some of the best backcountry that the area has to offer. This course is suitable for advanced to expert skiers who already have some experience skiing off piste (generally for those who have taken the intro to off piste week-long course and/or have completed full off piste itineraries) and feel ready to hit the backcountry in search for hidden gems and epic descents.
From the trip description by UCPA
On-snow support
- Independent: Below this trip's level of support
Ski or ride independently, without trip staff accompanying you on the mountain.
- Hosted: With your guide
Trip hosts ski or ride with the group, help everyone get oriented, and share local knowledge.
- Guided: Included
Professional guides lead the group and select suitable terrain and routes based on conditions and ability.
- Coached: Included
Professional coaches lead the group, select suitable terrain, and provide instruction and personalized feedback to help you improve.
- Coaching campInstruction & guiding: 8-9 sessions (approximately 23 hours); ratio Approximately 1:9; avalanche safety training and off piste technique
- Resort and backcountry guidingUCPA instructors and guides lead the off piste descents; transceiver, shovel and probe included
Terrain, ability and who it is for
- Riding
- You should have done at least an introduction course and/or have some off piste experience, including basic use of avalanche rescue equipment. You should be able to read the terrain, identify hazards and be confident in all types of snow conditions. You are less confident in some steep or exposed areas.
- Equipment
- Skis, boots, poles and avalanche equipment
- Age
- 18 - 40: Intro to Snowboard Off Piste, Introduction to Off Piste Skiing; 18 - 55: Ski Free Rando Expert, Ski Off Piste - Advanced, Ski Off Piste - Expert, Snowboard Off Piste - Advanced
- Languages
- The instructors all speak French and English and the instruction will be in both languages (although the level of English is variable).
- Ski Free Rando Expert: levels Expert, Off Piste 4, ages 18 - 55
- Introduction to Off Piste Skiing: levels Advanced, Expert, Off Piste 1, ages 18 - 40
- Ski Off Piste - Advanced: levels Advanced, Expert, Off Piste 3, ages 18 - 55
- Ski Off Piste - Expert: levels Expert, Off Piste 4, ages 18 - 55
- Intro to Snowboard Off Piste: levels Advanced, Expert, Off Piste 1, ages 18 - 40
- Snowboard Off Piste - Advanced: levels Advanced, Expert, Off Piste 3, ages 18 - 55
- You should have done at least an introduction course and/or have some off piste experience, including basic use of avalanche rescue equipment. You should be able to read the terrain, identify hazards and be confident in all types of snow conditions. You are less confident in some steep or exposed areas.
- The Tignes ski area is linked up to the neighbouring resort of Val d’Isere to create one of the most famous ski areas in the world, the Espace Killy.
- One notable advantage of the Espace Killy area is it’s high altitude (second highest in Europe) making it an extremely snow sure resort.
- Tignes is a great choice for early or late season skiing and usually does well even in lean snow years.
- With over 300km of piste there is plenty to keep you occupied throughout your stay and a good spread across all the grades.
- Sport
- Ski + Snowboard
- Minimum age
- 18 years
- Adults only
- Yes
From the trip description by UCPA
What the price includes
Included
- Lodging
- Lift pass
- Meals
- Lesson
- Avalanche safety kit (transceiver, shovel, probe)Batteries for the transceiver are not included
- BeddingYou make your own bed on arrival and strip it when you leave
- Equipment hireSkis, boots, poles and avalanche equipment
- Accommodation
- Lift pass
- All meals
- Instruction & guiding
- Off piste equipment – beacon, shovel, probe
- Off piste skis, boots & poles
- Bedding
Not included
- Transfers
- Soft & alcoholic drinks
- Tourist taxObligatory tourist tax charged by the local town, £13 on the date checked
- Towels
- Transport to resort
- Insurance
- Soft & alcoholic drinks
- Personal clothing
- Towels
- Optional extra: Airport transfer (Geneva Shared Return Transfer (£101); Grenoble Shared Return Transfer (£109); Lyon Shared Return Transfer (£109); London Coach (£369))
- Optional extra: Accommodation in twin room (2 Person Twin Room (SOLD OUT @ £68))
- Obligatory tourist tax charged by the local town (£13 on the flagship course date checked)
Day by day
- Arrival: ArrivalCheck in and registration at 18:00, evening meal.
- Day 1: Equipment and lift pass issue in the morning and breakfast. Free skiing all day. In the evening there will be a 'welcome meeting' to explain the layout and any events throughout the week.
- Day 2: Depending on where the best snow conditions are, you will head to an area that offers a chance for the group to have some fun, get used to your new skis and practicing avalanche rescue skills.
- Day 3: Morning and Afternoon sessions learning about body positioning, adapting to the various terrains and gaining confidence on steeper ground.
- Day 4: Typically free skiing all day for all courses at all resorts, so either skiing with your group or with others, you have the choice. However, there may be a guided session in the morning.
- Day 5: Morning and Afternoon sessions exploring the local descents.
- Day 6: Morning and Afternoon sessions exploring the local descents.
- Departure: DepartureThe last day, you have the morning free skiing, check out in the morning and hand equipment back by lunch time (actual time will be communicated once at the centre). Final meal is lunch before leaving resort.
From the trip description by UCPA
Where you stay
Center distance to ski area: 250m
Center distance to town: 100m
Room Capacity: 4, twins available
Center Capacity: 344
Catered: Full board
The centre
Refurbished in 2017, Tignes UCPA is a very modern and comfortable centre, situated in Tignes Val Claret, at the foot of the Grande Motte Glacier. Val Claret is the ideal location with excellent access to the slopes and the main strip of shops and bars. The UCPA centre consists of two large traditional style buildings close to the village centre. The main lift station is a short walk away and if the snow cover is good you can ski almost right back to the centre. It is one of our favourite UCPA centres due to its facilities, location and being more recently refurbished than its neighbour in Val d’Isere.
Multishare rooms
The shared rooms at Tignes are modern and comfortable. All rooms have sinks, with modern bathrooms being shared between two rooms.
Groups who book together are typically roomed together in a combination that works. Solo travellers are usually roomed with people of similar age, gender and course. It is not possible to make specific rooming requests, but the centre will do their best to accommodate everyone.
Twin rooms
There are some twin rooms at UCPA Tignes, with sinks in the room and shared bathrooms between two rooms. They are available to book for a supplement per person when making the booking. Please note single occupancy in twin rooms is not possible as courses are curated on a per bed basis.
Getting There
By Air:
Geneva airport is the most popular airport for travelling to Tignes, however it is also possible to fly to Lyon, Grenoble and Chambery. However, Chambery has few flight options and therefore onward travel, including transfers, becomes a little more difficult.
Airport Transfers:
We provide shared transfers which go directly to Tignes from Geneva, Lyon and Grenoble with our local partner, Ben's Bus. Transfers usually run on Saturdays only, with a few exceptions. The journey from all three airports takes around 3h30 but timings can vary according to weather and traffic. Geneva offers the most transfer buses during a Saturday, with fewer buses operating from Grenoble and Lyon.
We provide Geneva airport transfers through our local transfer partner, Ben's Bus. Transfers mainly run on Saturdays with very limited Sunday transfers available. Student group transfers (where available to book on private student trips) will run to a different timetable to that detailed below.
From the trip description by UCPA
Pins show the approximate main trip area—not a route, meeting point, or full itinerary. Confirm exact locations in the company's trip details.
Dates and prices
| Dates | Season | Duration | From | Availability | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 26, 2026 – Jan 2, 2027Choose these datesAges 18 - 40 · Levels: Advanced, Expert, Off Piste 1 · Lesson hours: Approximately 23 hours · Ratio 1:9 · Lift pass: Espace Killy · Twin room supplement per person (SOLD OUT @ £68) | 2026/27 | 7 days | 1,340 GBP£1340 per person in a multi-share room, all inclusive as listed (accommodation, all meals, lift pass, equipment hire and any instruction or guiding for this course); tourist tax and transport to resort extra | Limited | Book on company website |
| Dec 26, 2026 – Jan 2, 2027Choose these datesAges 18 - 55 · Levels: Advanced, Expert, Off Piste 3 · Lesson hours: 8 sessions · Ratio Approximately 1:8 · Lift pass: Espace Killy · Twin room supplement per person (SOLD OUT @ £68) | 2026/27 | 7 days | 1,358 GBP£1358 per person in a multi-share room, all inclusive as listed (accommodation, all meals, lift pass, equipment hire and any instruction or guiding for this course); tourist tax and transport to resort extra | Limited | Book on company website |
| Jan 2 – Jan 9, 2027Choose these datesAges 18 - 40 · Levels: Advanced, Expert, Off Piste 1 · Lesson hours: 8 - 9 sessions · Ratio Approximately 1:9 · Lift pass: Espace Killy · Twin room supplement per person (SOLD OUT @ £68) | 2026/27 | 7 days | 1,158 GBP£1158 per person in a multi-share room, all inclusive as listed (accommodation, all meals, lift pass, equipment hire and any instruction or guiding for this course); tourist tax and transport to resort extra | Limited | Book on company website |
| Jan 9 – Jan 16, 2027Choose these datesAges 18 - 40 · Levels: Advanced, Expert, Off Piste 1 · Lesson hours: 8 - 9 sessions · Ratio Approximately 1:9 · Lift pass: Espace Killy · Twin room supplement per person (SOLD OUT @ £68) | 2026/27 | 7 days | 1,231 GBP£1231 per person in a multi-share room, all inclusive as listed (accommodation, all meals, lift pass, equipment hire and any instruction or guiding for this course); tourist tax and transport to resort extra | Limited | Book on company website |
| Jan 16 – Jan 23, 2027Choose these datesAges 18 - 40 · Levels: Advanced, Expert, Off Piste 1 · Lesson hours: Approximately 23 hours · Ratio 1:9 · Lift pass: Espace Killy · Twin room supplement per person (SOLD OUT @ £68) | 2026/27 | 7 days | 1,285 GBP£1285 per person in a multi-share room, all inclusive as listed (accommodation, all meals, lift pass, equipment hire and any instruction or guiding for this course); tourist tax and transport to resort extra | Limited | Book on company website |
| Jan 23 – Jan 30, 2027Choose these datesAges 18 - 55 · Levels: Expert, Off Piste 4 · Lesson hours: 8 or 9 sessions (approximately 23 hours) · Ratio 1:8 · Lift pass: Espace Killy · Twin room supplement per person (SOLD OUT @ £68) | 2026/27 | 7 days | 1,454 GBP£1454 per person in a multi-share room, all inclusive as listed (accommodation, all meals, lift pass, equipment hire and any instruction or guiding for this course); tourist tax and transport to resort extra | Limited | Book on company website |
| Feb 6 – Feb 13, 2027Choose these datesAges 18 - 55 · Levels: Advanced, Expert, Off Piste 3 · Lesson hours: 8 sessions · Ratio Approximately 1:8 · Lift pass: Espace Killy · Twin room supplement per person (SOLD OUT @ £68) | 2026/27 | 7 days | 1,348 GBP£1348 per person in a multi-share room, all inclusive as listed (accommodation, all meals, lift pass, equipment hire and any instruction or guiding for this course); tourist tax and transport to resort extra | Limited | Book on company website |
| Feb 13 – Feb 20, 2027Choose these datesAges 18 - 55 · Levels: Advanced, Expert, Off Piste 3 · Lesson hours: 8-9 sessions (approximately 23 hours) · Ratio Approximately 1:9 · Lift pass: Val d'Isere & Tignes · Twin room supplement per person (SOLD OUT @ £68) | 2026/27 | 7 days | 1,348 GBP£1348 per person in a multi-share room, all inclusive as listed (accommodation, all meals, lift pass, equipment hire and any instruction or guiding for this course); tourist tax and transport to resort extra | Limited | Book on company website |
| Feb 27 – Mar 6, 2027Choose these datesAges 18 - 55 · Levels: Expert, Off Piste 4 · Lesson hours: 8 sessions · Ratio Approximately 1:8 · Lift pass: Espace Killy · Twin room supplement per person (SOLD OUT @ £68) | 2026/27 | 7 days | 1,449 GBP£1449 per person in a multi-share room, all inclusive as listed (accommodation, all meals, lift pass, equipment hire and any instruction or guiding for this course); tourist tax and transport to resort extra | Limited | Book on company website |
| Feb 27 – Mar 6, 2027Choose these datesAges 18 - 55 · Levels: Advanced, Expert, Off Piste 3 · Lesson hours: 8-9 sessions (approximately 23 hours) · Ratio Approximately 1:9 · Lift pass: Val d'Isere & Tignes · Twin room supplement per person (SOLD OUT @ £68) | 2026/27 | 7 days | 1,348 GBP£1348 per person in a multi-share room, all inclusive as listed (accommodation, all meals, lift pass, equipment hire and any instruction or guiding for this course); tourist tax and transport to resort extra | Limited | Book on company website |
| Feb 27 – Mar 6, 2027Choose these datesAges 18 - 40 · Levels: Advanced, Expert, Off Piste 1 · Lesson hours: 8 - 9 sessions · Ratio Approximately 1:9 · Lift pass: Espace Killy · Twin room supplement per person (SOLD OUT @ £68) | 2026/27 | 7 days | 1,331 GBP£1331 per person in a multi-share room, all inclusive as listed (accommodation, all meals, lift pass, equipment hire and any instruction or guiding for this course); tourist tax and transport to resort extra | Limited | Book on company website |
| Mar 13 – Mar 20, 2027Choose these datesAges 18 - 55 · Levels: Advanced, Expert, Off Piste 3 · Lesson hours: 8-9 sessions (approximately 23 hours) · Ratio Approximately 1:9 · Lift pass: Val d'Isere & Tignes · Twin room supplement per person (SOLD OUT @ £68) | 2026/27 | 7 days | 1,313 GBP£1313 per person in a multi-share room, all inclusive as listed (accommodation, all meals, lift pass, equipment hire and any instruction or guiding for this course); tourist tax and transport to resort extra | Limited | Book on company website |
| Mar 13 – Mar 20, 2027Choose these datesAges 18 - 55 · Levels: Expert, Off Piste 4 · Lesson hours: 8 or 9 sessions (approximately 23 hours) · Ratio 1:8 · Lift pass: Espace Killy · Twin room supplement per person (SOLD OUT @ £68) | 2026/27 | 7 days | 1,426 GBP£1426 per person in a multi-share room, all inclusive as listed (accommodation, all meals, lift pass, equipment hire and any instruction or guiding for this course); tourist tax and transport to resort extra | Limited | Book on company website |
| Mar 20 – Mar 27, 2027Choose these datesAges 18 - 55 · Levels: Expert, Off Piste 4 · Lesson hours: 8 sessions · Ratio Approximately 1:8 · Lift pass: Espace Killy · Twin room supplement per person (SOLD OUT @ £68) | 2026/27 | 7 days | 1,322 GBP£1322 per person in a multi-share room, all inclusive as listed (accommodation, all meals, lift pass, equipment hire and any instruction or guiding for this course); tourist tax and transport to resort extra | Limited | Book on company website |
| Mar 20 – Mar 27, 2027Choose these datesAges 18 - 55 · Levels: Expert, Off Piste 4 · Lesson hours: 8 or 9 sessions (approximately 23 hours) · Ratio 1:8 · Lift pass: Espace Killy · Twin room supplement per person (SOLD OUT @ £68) | 2026/27 | 7 days | 1,335 GBP£1335 per person in a multi-share room, all inclusive as listed (accommodation, all meals, lift pass, equipment hire and any instruction or guiding for this course); tourist tax and transport to resort extra | Limited | Book on company website |
| Mar 27 – Apr 3, 2027Choose these datesAges 18 - 40 · Levels: Advanced, Expert, Off Piste 1 · Lesson hours: Approximately 23 hours · Ratio 1:9 · Lift pass: Espace Killy · Twin room supplement per person (SOLD OUT @ £68) | 2026/27 | 7 days | 1,122 GBP£1122 per person in a multi-share room, all inclusive as listed (accommodation, all meals, lift pass, equipment hire and any instruction or guiding for this course); tourist tax and transport to resort extra | Limited | Book on company website |
| Mar 27 – Apr 3, 2027Choose these datesAges 18 - 40 · Levels: Advanced, Expert, Off Piste 1 · Lesson hours: 8 - 9 sessions · Ratio Approximately 1:9 · Lift pass: Espace Killy · Twin room supplement per person (SOLD OUT @ £68) | 2026/27 | 7 days | 1,122 GBP£1122 per person in a multi-share room, all inclusive as listed (accommodation, all meals, lift pass, equipment hire and any instruction or guiding for this course); tourist tax and transport to resort extra | Limited | Book on company website |
| Mar 27 – Apr 3, 2027Choose these datesAges 18 - 55 · Levels: Expert, Off Piste 4 · Lesson hours: 8 or 9 sessions (approximately 23 hours) · Ratio 1:8 · Lift pass: Espace Killy · Twin room supplement per person (SOLD OUT @ £68) | 2026/27 | 7 days | 1,254 GBP£1254 per person in a multi-share room, all inclusive as listed (accommodation, all meals, lift pass, equipment hire and any instruction or guiding for this course); tourist tax and transport to resort extra | Limited | Book on company website |
| Apr 3 – Apr 10, 2027Choose these datesAges 18 - 55 · Levels: Expert, Off Piste 4 · Lesson hours: 8 or 9 sessions (approximately 23 hours) · Ratio 1:8 · Lift pass: Espace Killy · Twin room supplement per person (SOLD OUT @ £68) | 2026/27 | 7 days | 1,199 GBP£1199 per person in a multi-share room, all inclusive as listed (accommodation, all meals, lift pass, equipment hire and any instruction or guiding for this course); tourist tax and transport to resort extra | Limited | Book on company website |
| Apr 10 – Apr 17, 2027Choose these datesAges 18 - 40 · Levels: Advanced, Expert, Off Piste 1 · Lesson hours: 8 - 9 sessions · Ratio Approximately 1:9 · Lift pass: Espace Killy · Twin room supplement per person (SOLD OUT @ £68) | 2026/27 | 7 days | 1,013 GBP£1013 per person in a multi-share room, all inclusive as listed (accommodation, all meals, lift pass, equipment hire and any instruction or guiding for this course); tourist tax and transport to resort extra | Limited | Book on company website |
Prices, taxes and fees, required extras, inclusions, availability, and booking terms can change. Confirm the current price and trip details on the company website; source last reviewed September 19, 2026.
Before you book
- Deposit
- You can book with a £/€100 deposit if your start date is more than 8 weeks away.
- Balance due
- The balance is due either 35 days or 20 days before your trip depending on if you pay in instalments or not.
- Payment plan
- If you paid with a deposit, you have the option to pay an instalment (50% of the balance) up until 35 days before your trip. The second and final instalment is due 20 days before travel. There is no extra cost for using our instalment option.
- Insurance
- Travel insurance is a condition of booking a holiday with Action Outdoors.
Cancellation terms have not been published here. Check with the operator before booking.
Read the operator’s terms ↗Good To Know
Age restriction 18 - 40: Intro to Snowboard Off Piste, Introduction to Off Piste Skiing
Age restriction 18 - 55: Ski Free Rando Expert, Ski Off Piste - Advanced, Ski Off Piste - Expert, Snowboard Off Piste - Advanced
UCPA age policy: You should be < 41 at the start date of the holiday for 18-40 trips; 18-55 trips: you should be <56 at the start date; 41-44 year olds who have travelled with UCPA before (or travel with someone who has) can book 18-40 trips; 45-55 may request an age exemption; over 55 no exemptions. Please bring your passport or ID card to reception; centres check ages against courses.
Rooms are shared: the multi share option is a bed in a room with other people (usually 4-6 people per room); solo travellers are roomed in a single sex room. Private twin rooms are available in most centres for 2 people travelling together for a supplement; availability is limited and single occupancy in twin rooms is not possible.
You will be required to make your beds on arrival and strip your beds when you leave, and to give your room a clean before you go. Bedding is provided but not towels.
Travel insurance is a condition of booking a holiday with Action Outdoors.
You can book with a £/€100 deposit if your start date is more than 8 weeks away; the balance is due either 35 days or 20 days before your trip depending on if you pay in instalments or not.
Your booking is not confirmed until you receive a confirmation email; it may take up to 24 hours to confirm your booking with UCPA, so don't book travel until you have received confirmation.
Batteries for the transceiver are not included; bring brand new ones (4xAA and 4xAAA suggested) or buy them from reception.
Programme information and activity facts are an indication only, providing an outline of how a course may be delivered and are provided for information purposes only.
From the trip description by UCPA
Reviews
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