UCPA was founded with the aim of getting young people into sports and the outdoors, all at an affordable price. This is achieved through many efficiencies, one of which is the 'multi share' rooms. The rooms can be described as comfortable, warm, and quiet but basic with no frills. Twin rooms are available for an extra fee per person, however twin rooms cannot be booked for just one person.

Bathroom facilities vary from centre to centre, the most common being bedrooms having a sink and a shower ensuite with shared toilets in the corridor. Some centres have all rooms ensuite, others only have twin rooms ensuite, and some centres don't have any ensuite rooms.

UCPA save costs by the guests pitching in and helping out. For example when you arrive you will be provided with clean linen for your bed, but you will have to make it yourself. This little bit of mucking in is what makes UCPA trips such excellent value and a fun experience.

Everything is handled in house – ​equipment hire, instruction, ​all meals, lift passes, allowing for a straightforward experience where you can focus on skiing or snowboarding and socialising, rather than having to think about buying lift passes, finding equipment hire and ski and snowboard schools etc.