0203 589 0145
info@ucpa.co.uk

​UCPA ​UK

We are the UK partner of UCPA, a huge French non profit organisation that offers over 80 different activity courses at 70 destinations across France plus a further 19 centres overseas. Union national des Centres sportifs de Plein Air, has built a 50 year legacy in the realm of French outdoor sports.  Originally established by the government to encourage young people to take more holidays and experience the outdoor lifestyle, it is now a chartered organisation which continually promotes and grows the sense of enjoyment through outdoor sporting activities.  In line with the original purpose of the UCPA, to make outdoors sports and coaching accessible to young people, age restrictions apply.

Low Cost

UCPA train their own instructors, buy all of their own equipment plus manage their own centres enabling the costs to be kept as low as possible. By sharing rooms and clearing away your tables, you enter into the UCPA spirit, something that is proving hugely popular with the British. Although not a luxurious holiday, it is a very sociable week with everything included in the price; accommodation, meals, equipment hire, instruction and lift passes (if required).

 

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Fantastic Locations

The UCPA centres are located in the best locations in France for the chosen activity. They are purpose built activity centres so the majority can host their main activities within metres of the front door (beaches, pistes, rivers, golf courses etc) yet are never far from the local nightlife and amenities. The accommodation is 'hostel style'; simple, no-frills yet clean and comfortable. Some of the newer centres are of similar standard to a 3* hotel. Most centres offer the option of twin room accommodation for a small supplement however these places are limited. Due to the ethos of the UCPA multi share rooms are still the norm and provided as standard. Above all, the communal, social areas found within the UCPA centres wholly comprises the spirit of the organisation.

Quality Instruction

UCPA Instructors are either already fully qualified under the French BEES (Brevet d'Etat d'éducateur sportif) system or are currently under training to achieve their qualification (but are suitably qualified to teach the group). This is similar to the UK Coaching Course (UKCC - endorsed) programmes being introduced within the UK sports associations. Whilst the average age of the UCPA instructors is fairly young they have chosen to instruct their sport as a career and take the job seriously, albeit still having fun! 

Huge Range of Equipment

UCPA are partners to some of the best manufacturers for the specific activity. The centres store a huge range of equipment as they fully appreciate that everyone is different and what suits one individual may not suit someone else. Every year 50% of the equipment is replaced therefore you can be sure the equipment is all relatively new and well maintained. The equipment you are provided will be based upon your level, course requirements and sizes required. The equipment room is open daily so any problems can be reported and equipment exchanged. 

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Testimonials

  • One click and you’ve booked everything. No searching around for lessons, ski-hire etc. And the best thing is you can keep adding people to your group.
    Anna R
  • The food is great and there is tons of it from breakfast, lunch, snack time (after your day on the slopes) and dinner in the evening. My favourite meal this year was on the Thursday evening when it was...
    Peter E
  • There is always a range of ages, nationalities, mixtures of solo travellers, couples, groups etc.  We have booked as a group of 6, a group of 36 (no joke) and even just me and my boyfriend – it works for all.
    Anna R
  • I love the system at UCPA where you can go as a group of friends, but still spend a full day out with other people right at your own level. 
    Amelia S
  • Describing the UCPA is difficult. Not because there is a lack of adjectives to adequately convey the amount of fun you’ll have while you are there, the friendliness of the instructors, the quality of the food...
    Mark D
  • The quality of the equipment is second to none and the ability to easily swap things over if they’re not quite right is so useful. 
    Amelia S
  • UCPAs are like an upmarket hostel. However, they are always comfortable and if you want to meet people, the rooms of 4-6 are a great way of doing so. Even better is most of the UCPAs have some twin rooms...
    Anna R
  • The food provided was up to a very good standard for all meals with a soup starter available every dinner followed by two or three hot meal choices, a salad bar and a variety of tasty deserts and fruit.
    Richard J