Hi,
I thought I would right a few words about a recent trip we had the the UCPA via Action Outdoors, in Val Thoren. (Not affiliated in any way)
In short, this is the best, cheapest, way to ski for a week.
For about £700, we had Val T pass, accommodation in own room, 20+hrs lessons/guiding, 3 meals a day, ski hire and transfers from GVA. Our room was bang on - say 3* standard. All the kit was brand new Rossignol stuff, and the food - all you can eat - was awesome.
We were in a group of 10 or so, with 2 instructors, who skied us hard for 5hrs a day. The conditions dictated that this quickly turned into a beginners off piste course!
Demography wise, there is a split between the 80% French and 20% English speaking. We were one of about 8 Brits, the rest being Swedes. It seems the UCPA is popular in Sweden.
I am in two minds about writing this, as it is a very well kept secret. If you were up for, say, off piste guiding, a guide would cost upwards of €200 per day. Here, is is a course option. Even as a normal skier, the value is staggering. The UCPA is a non-profit quango, which is how it manages it.
We will definitely be going back, possibly for a dedicated off-piste week.
I would highly recommend.
If you have any questions, please ask.