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Chamonix - Christmas week at UCPA - looking for skiing companions

 Poster: A snowHead
Poster: A snowHead
I'm 35yrs female from Bournemouth. Going to UCPA Chamonix during Christmas week (19-26-Dec-15), flying to Geneva. I'm intermediate skier, and plan to have full time lessons to improve my skills. Flying from Bournemouth to Geneva, then transfer. Looking for companions for travel and skiing - could hook up at Geneva, then transfer to Chamonix.
Looking for skiing companions for Sunday 20-Dec-15 to hit the slopes to warm up for lessons on Monday.
I have been with UCPA twice, and enjoyed my time and improved my skiing considerably. I'm "early morning till last lift closed" type of skier trying to get most of skiing time. Last time went by Eurostar train and got extra day skiing - it was great.
Looking for company and meet some skiing friends for future.
I'm also looking for company for another skiing week in March (flexible with dates) - would be happy to join other groups, to share costs of accommodation / travel (if by car). If you have any plans, let me know.
Best wishes and happy skiing!
Sol.
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 Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
@solvis718,

Sol,

Will be skiing in January for a week but would defo be up for Chamonix. The November UCPA is too soon for me but I will double check Xmas dates.

Prems
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 Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Hi @solvis718,

I'm really keen on trying out the UCPA set up. I haven't hit the slopes for 10 years (5 weeks experience prior to that), and want to make use of their full time lessions.

However I'm a bit dubious about booking up as I don't speak a word of French, and I'm worried I'll be bunked up with French ladies (as it is a French run company) that I can't converse with. A couple of other people's reviews I have read have mentioned that this was the case when they went.

From your previous experience with UCPA, was this ever a problem, or is the language barrier not an issue for you? I learnt German at school, but I'm even sketchy with that now Embarassed
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 You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
@Becca, if you book with Action Outdoors, you will generally be put with other English speakers - if you book direct with UCPA it's more likely to be mostly French speakers in the same room.

But if you can say Bonjour, Merci, s'il vous plait, then they'll generally do the best they can in English with you Smile
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 Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
btw, I'll be in Chamonix from 27th Dec - 10th Jan (though not in UCPA) and happy to meet up with people for a ski.
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 You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
Hi @Becca,
I have been twice with UCPA, the first time at UCPA I was put together with 3 British girls, and it was really easy to make friends there. There were half English speaking and half French. You make friends with your room mates, and then make friends with skiers in your group lessons. Great way to socialise. If we go together (then we can book at the same time and we will be put in the same room). Or you can simply ask receptionist to put you with English speaking people.

Second time, it seemed more French sided - I was put in the room with 3 French girls - but they all spoke English, and it was great to learn their customs - we chatted a lot.

During lessons, we were put in same level groups, and instructors spoke both English and French. First time around, we were fully English group, so he spoke only english. Second time around, instructor spoke French first, and then translated in English. But it was working fine. Though towards end, he spoke more French, But I concentrated on following him closer and watched his movements and tried to imitate.
But language was no barrier to learn. And second time I took Full Tuition option too, and suggest to go for Gull tuition, if you are going on your own, as you are in a company both mornings and evenings.

And I found that when I was with the group, I was trying out more moves that I would have not dared to do it on my own (like going off-piste, trying sharp turns, 180-turns etc.) Full tuition is time most efficiently used for learning and pushing your own boundaries.

If you want to chat further about UCPA, let me know and we set up some time on Messenger or Skype.

I don't speak a word of French either, but that's no barrier to go with UCPA. I tried to speak Spanish with them - but no luck. I did made friends with Swedish people, and could count till 10 in Swedish...LOL.

Good luck!
Sol.
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 Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Quote:

A couple of other people's reviews I have read have mentioned that this was the case when they went.


I have without exception been put in rooms with English speakers. As a solo traveller I've generally been in rooms with a mix of nationalities so the common language tends to be English even if there are a few French girls in there too.

I have also never had an issue with people speaking to me in English, most young French are happy to chat in English.

Anyway, even if you room is mainly French speaking, there will be people in your lessons and then just random other people in the bar/canteen to speak with. Just plonk yourself down on a table speaking English and all will be well.

Very Happy
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 After all it is free Go on u know u want to!
After all it is free Go on u know u want to!
Hey Solvis, im fairly up for it. Im in Portsmouth and would rather fly from Bournemouth than anywhere else....such a nice airport, anyway, id be happy to rent a car at Geneva, so more time in cham!.....if you would be interested, pm me. Chris.
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 You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
That's great Chris - I sent you private message with my contact details.... Let's have some fun in December!
Get in touch and we can discuss the details.
Best wishes,
Sol.
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 Ski the Net with snowHeads
Ski the Net with snowHeads
@solvis718, I'm out in Chamonix from beginning Feb to mid April and happy to get together on your later visit. Mainly off-piste and hopefully touring.
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 snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
Hi @solvis718, @kat.ryb, thanks for all your feedback and advise above. I'd love to come - have heard that Chamonix is a fantastic resort to go to. However, I don't think that I'll be able to do the Christmas week there. Having checked the AO website, they don't offer the FT tuition for boarders at that particular resort. Even HT lessons don't seem to be offered on that week Sad
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 And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
Hi Becca,
I understand - you were looking for boarding lessons - pity Chamonix don't offer them for Xmas week. Maybe we can go together in March? I'm not sure yet, which week, but certainly will be planning with one of UCPA centres.
Good luck with finding your perfect UCPA centre and week!
Best wishes,
Sol.
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 So if you're just off somewhere snowy come back and post a snow report of your own and we'll all love you very much
So if you're just off somewhere snowy come back and post a snow report of your own and we'll all love you very much
have you checked both Chamonix and argentiere ucpa for lessons? I've a feeling from memory they list them as different resorts, argentiere may still offer them the week you want....
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