Instruction half the time, meet others, explore resort and still have free time to do your own thing
Half-Time Instruction includes approximately 12 hours from Monday to Friday allowing a mix of instruction and free skiing. Whatever your level* instruction will help you to progress: improver/intermediate skiers will become more independent and tackle steeper pistes and experienced skiers will develop their techniques and be given new challenges.
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 instructor
Trip hosts ski or ride with the group, help everyone get oriented, and share local knowledge.
- Guided: With your instructor
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.
- LessonsSame instructor and group all week; Approximately 12 hours on the flagship course; instruction ratio Approximately 1:10-12
Terrain, ability and who it is for
- Riding
- You can descend green and most blue pistes with confidence and control. Typically 1-2 weeks of experience.
- Equipment
- Skis, boots and poles
- Age
- 18 - 25: Snowboard Half Time - Under 25s; 18 - 30: Club Exclusive 18-30 Ski, Club Exclusive 18-30 Snowboard; 18 - 40: Ski Full Time Beginners, Ski Half Time Instruction, Snowboard Full Time Beginners, Snowboard Half Time Instruction; 18 - 55: Ski Coaching
- Languages
- The instructors all speak French and English and the instruction will be in both languages (although the level of English is variable).
- Club Exclusive 18-30 Ski: levels Improver, Intermediate, Advanced, Expert, ages 18 - 30
- Club Exclusive 18-30 Snowboard: levels Improver, Intermediate, Advanced, Expert, ages 18 - 30
- Ski Full Time Beginners: levels Beginner, ages 18 - 40
- Ski Coaching: levels Improver, Intermediate, Advanced, Expert, ages 18 - 55
- Snowboard Full Time Beginners: levels Beginner, ages 18 - 40
- Snowboard Half Time Instruction: levels Improver, Intermediate, Advanced, Expert, ages 18 - 40
- Ski Half Time Instruction: levels Improver, Intermediate, Advanced, Expert, ages 18 - 40
- Snowboard Half Time - Under 25s: levels Improver, Intermediate, Advanced, Expert, ages 18 - 25
- You can descend green and most blue pistes with confidence and control. Typically 1-2 weeks of experience.
- You have good control on all blue pistes. Red pistes in good condition are possible, but you struggle with ice and moguls. You can do some easy black runs, but they are still quite a challenge. You are able to link your turns and focus on body positioning in increasingly difficult conditions.
- You are confident on any kind of piste in the ski area, but some conditions are still challenging (moguls, ice, powder). You can carve effectively on groomed pistes, however your technique is not so consistent on steep or uneven terrain during challenging snow conditions. You can adjust your technique and mix short and long radius turns when required. You spend time in the side country practicing off piste technique.
- Your experience permits you to adapt your technique according to all situations and you can cover the whole mountain with excellent technique; steep slopes, moguls, different kinds of snow. You can link carving and big turns on any kind of terrain. You are relaxed and comfortable off piste in difficult conditions.
- La Plagne is made up of a collection of small villages varying from picture postcard to purpose built.
- All have their individual charm and the resort as a whole has a very relaxed atmosphere and is set among beautiful scenery.
- The ski area is superb with 225km of piste served by a very modern and efficient lift system, being a quieter area it benefits from minimal queues aside from French school holidays.
- The skiing is largely above 2000m on north facing slopes so it is a very snow sure resort.
- 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
- BeddingYou make your own bed on arrival and strip it when you leave
- Equipment hireSkis, boots and poles
- Accommodation
- Lift pass
- All meals
- Instruction & guiding
- Skis, boots & poles
- Bedding
Not included
- Transfers
- Soft & alcoholic drinks
- Tourist taxObligatory tourist tax charged by the local town, £5 on the date checked
- Towels
- Transport to resort
- Insurance
- Soft & alcoholic drinks
- Personal clothing
- Towels
- Optional extra: Airport transfer (Geneva Shared Return Transfer (£101); London Coach (£239))
- Optional extra: Accommodation in twin room
- Obligatory tourist tax charged by the local town (£5 on the flagship course date checked)
Day by day
- Arrival: ArrivalCheck in and registration, evening meal.
- Day 1: Equipment and lift pass issue in the morning, breakfast and then 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: Meet you instructor in the morning, skiing close to other groups to allow for harmonisation amongst each group - so the ability levels are well matched. The first proper lesson will be in the morning and then free skiing in the afternoon.
- Day 3: Morning or afternoon session.
- 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!
- Day 5: Morning or afternoon session.
- Day 6: The last day with your group and instructor, morning or afternoon session.
- 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
Room Capacity: 3 or 4 persons
Center Capacity: 462
Catered: Full board
The La Plagne 1800 UCPA is ideally located right next to the bottom of the pistes and metres from a lift. It is located in the centre of La Plagne 1800 with easy access to the bars, shops and services. The centre is popular with groups and due to the in house facilities, has an extremely social atmosphere that is welcoming to all. The rooms are four person with shared bathroom facilities along the corridor. All the usual UCPA services are to be found onsite with an excellent bar, a panoramic dining room and even a small nightclub. The centre has been recently refurbished but with group accommodation in mind.
Rooms
Multishare rooms are 4 person rooms
Shared bathrooms on each floor
Linen provided, but no towels
Twin rooms available (limited)
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. If the weather is bad or your group wants an easier day, then you can also return to the centre for a hot lunch (pastas, schnitzels, steaks and chips plus unlimited ice cream).
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, karaoke and some evenings a live band.
Equally in the town there is a great selection of bars & 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 no parking available at La Plagne 1800 UCPA but various car parks in the vicinity
Location
In the heart of Plagne 1800
Located on the piste
Getting There
By Air:
Whilst Chambery is technically the closest airport to La Plagne, most customers fly to Geneva due to the greater availability of flights and transfers. For most trips we can provide Geneva airport transfers, just select the option at checkout (prices shown are for a return journey).
Airport Transfers:
We provide shared transfers on Saturdays from Geneva to La Plagne with our local partner Ben's Bus. The journey is 200 km and takes around 3h30 but this can vary depending on weather and traffic conditions.
Transfers are scheduled according to flight times. You can choose your bus time as soon as you enter your flight details. You will be offered the most appropriate bus according to your flight times (note that, as the buses get booked up, the timings may become less convenient). Like all shared transfers, sometimes there may be a wait of a few hours in the airport for other flights to arrive or to combine passenger journeys for varying flight departure times. The maximum wait time between landing and bus departing is usually two hours, often much less.
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 - 30 · Levels: Improver, Intermediate, Advanced, Expert · Lesson hours: 2 sessions · Ratio Approximately 1:10-12 · Lift pass: Full area · Twin room supplement per person (SOLD OUT @ £112) | 2026/27 | 7 days | 802 GBP£802 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 - 30 · Levels: Improver, Intermediate, Advanced, Expert · Lesson hours: Varies · Ratio Approximately 1:10-12 · Lift pass: Full area · Twin room supplement per person (SOLD OUT @ £112) | 2026/27 | 7 days | 802 GBP£802 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 - 55 · Levels: Improver, Intermediate, Advanced, Expert · Lesson hours: 8 or 9 sessions · Ratio 1:8 · Lift pass: La Plagne (upgrade possible to Paradiski Pass) · 2 Person Double Room supplement per person (SOLD OUT @ £118) | 2026/27 | 7 days | 1,166 GBP£1166 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: Beginner · Lesson hours: 9 or 10 sessions · Ratio Approximately 1:10-12 · Lift pass: La Plagne (upgrade possible to Paradiski Pass) · 2 Person Double Room supplement per person (SOLD OUT @ £118) | 2026/27 | 7 days | 995 GBP£995 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: Improver, Intermediate, Advanced, Expert · Lesson hours: Approximately 12 hours · Ratio Approximately 1:10-12 · Lift pass: La Plagne (upgrade possible to Paradiski Pass) · 2 Person Double Room supplement per person (SOLD OUT @ £118) | 2026/27 | 7 days | 995 GBP£995 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: Beginner · Lesson hours: Approximately 23 hours · Ratio Approximately 1:10-12 · Lift pass: La Plagne (upgrade possible to Paradiski Pass) · 2 Person Double Room supplement per person (SOLD OUT @ £118) | 2026/27 | 7 days | 995 GBP£995 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 - 25 · Levels: Improver, Intermediate, Advanced, Expert · Lesson hours: 4 or 5 sessions · Ratio 1:12 · Lift pass: La Plagne ski area · 2 Person Double Room supplement per person (SOLD OUT @ £118) | 2026/27 | 7 days | 772 GBP£772 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: Improver, Intermediate, Advanced, Expert · Lesson hours: Approximately 12 hours · Ratio Approximately 1:10 - 12 · Lift pass: La Plagne (upgrade possible to Paradiski Pass) · 2 Person Double Room supplement per person (SOLD OUT @ £118) | 2026/27 | 7 days | 995 GBP£995 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 - 40 · Levels: Beginner · Lesson hours: 9 or 10 sessions · Ratio Approximately 1:10-12 · Lift pass: La Plagne (upgrade possible to Paradiski Pass) · 2 Person Double Room supplement per person (£118) | 2026/27 | 7 days | 1,031 GBP£1031 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 - 40 · Levels: Improver, Intermediate, Advanced, Expert · Lesson hours: Approximately 12 hours · Ratio Approximately 1:10-12 · Lift pass: La Plagne (upgrade possible to Paradiski Pass) · 2 Person Double Room supplement per person (£118) | 2026/27 | 7 days | 1,031 GBP£1031 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 - 40 · Levels: Beginner · Lesson hours: Approximately 23 hours · Ratio Approximately 1:10-12 · Lift pass: La Plagne (upgrade possible to Paradiski Pass) · 2 Person Double Room supplement per person (£118) | 2026/27 | 7 days | 1,031 GBP£1031 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 - 25 · Levels: Improver, Intermediate, Advanced, Expert · Lesson hours: 4 or 5 sessions · Ratio 1:12 · Lift pass: La Plagne ski area · 2 Person Double Room supplement per person (£118) | 2026/27 | 7 days | 772 GBP£772 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 - 40 · Levels: Improver, Intermediate, Advanced, Expert · Lesson hours: Approximately 12 hours · Ratio Approximately 1:10 - 12 · Lift pass: La Plagne (upgrade possible to Paradiski Pass) · 2 Person Double Room supplement per person (£118) | 2026/27 | 7 days | 1,031 GBP£1031 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: Improver, Intermediate, Advanced, Expert · Lesson hours: 8 or 9 sessions · Ratio 1:8 · Lift pass: La Plagne (upgrade possible to Paradiski Pass) · 2 Person Double Room supplement per person (£118) | 2026/27 | 7 days | 1,204 GBP£1204 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 30 – Feb 6, 2027Choose these datesAges 18 - 55 · Levels: Improver, Intermediate, Advanced, Expert · Lesson hours: 8 or 9 sessions · Ratio 1:8 · Lift pass: La Plagne (upgrade possible to Paradiski Pass) · 2 Person Double Room supplement per person (SOLD OUT @ £118) | 2026/27 | 7 days | 1,222 GBP£1222 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 30 – Feb 6, 2027Choose these datesAges 18 - 40 · Levels: Beginner · Lesson hours: 9 or 10 sessions · Ratio Approximately 1:10-12 · Lift pass: La Plagne (upgrade possible to Paradiski Pass) · 2 Person Double Room supplement per person (SOLD OUT @ £118) | 2026/27 | 7 days | 1,049 GBP£1049 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 30 – Feb 6, 2027Choose these datesAges 18 - 40 · Levels: Improver, Intermediate, Advanced, Expert · Lesson hours: Approximately 12 hours · Ratio Approximately 1:10-12 · Lift pass: La Plagne (upgrade possible to Paradiski Pass) · 2 Person Double Room supplement per person (SOLD OUT @ £118) | 2026/27 | 7 days | 1,049 GBP£1049 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 30 – Feb 6, 2027Choose these datesAges 18 - 40 · Levels: Beginner · Lesson hours: Approximately 23 hours · Ratio Approximately 1:10-12 · Lift pass: La Plagne (upgrade possible to Paradiski Pass) · 2 Person Double Room supplement per person (SOLD OUT @ £118) | 2026/27 | 7 days | 1,049 GBP£1049 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 30 – Feb 6, 2027Choose these datesAges 18 - 25 · Levels: Improver, Intermediate, Advanced, Expert · Lesson hours: 4 or 5 sessions · Ratio 1:12 · Lift pass: La Plagne ski area · 2 Person Double Room supplement per person (SOLD OUT @ £118) | 2026/27 | 7 days | 772 GBP£772 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 30 – Feb 6, 2027Choose these datesAges 18 - 40 · Levels: Improver, Intermediate, Advanced, Expert · Lesson hours: Approximately 12 hours · Ratio Approximately 1:10 - 12 · Lift pass: La Plagne (upgrade possible to Paradiski Pass) · 2 Person Double Room supplement per person (SOLD OUT @ £118) | 2026/27 | 7 days | 1,049 GBP£1049 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 - 25: Snowboard Half Time - Under 25s
Age restriction 18 - 30: Club Exclusive 18-30 Ski, Club Exclusive 18-30 Snowboard
Age restriction 18 - 40: Ski Full Time Beginners, Ski Half Time Instruction, Snowboard Full Time Beginners, Snowboard Half Time Instruction
Age restriction 18 - 55: Ski Coaching
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.
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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