 Poster: A snowHead
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I have just found out that I can't go away at half term. My 2 boys will be doing exams this summer meaning an easter trip is out, and New Year is committed for family stuff) and their friends are going with school which is "boring". They would be up for a holiday with other teenagers and we're after ideas as to what outfit they could go with. They are very good all-round skiers, can get down everything faster than me now and with good technique. They wouldn't be averse to a good course or off-piste guiding. They're up for hostel or teenage-friendly hotel package but I assume normal family TOs wouldn't take them without an associated adult.
UCPA with Action-Outdoors seems to be the only option I've found so far - reviews are mixed and they wouldn't be allowed to share a room - as adults (ie 18+) cannot share with children - even if they are brothers 2 years apart in age!
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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18 is an adult.
Any TO would take an 18 year old with a 16 year old.
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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?
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From my experience of ski trips in my late teens, they'll require a resort with an abundance of cheap alcohol / cigs and fit young women, And if they're pulling they'll want a room each.
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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Most of the reviews of UCPA on snowheads are good. I haven't been (too old by a long way) but family members have (to Flaine and Chamonix) and rated the centres highly. Maybe they could do the off piste option at Argentiere - something they might not have a chance to do with school or on a family holiday?
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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If you could get your boys to les Contamines (Easyjet to Geneva with reasonably short bus transfer), they could go on holiday with a bunch of Belgian families... it advertises 2 person rooms for 580 € for the 18 year old and 565€ for the 16 year old, 6 nights and all inclusive. I've seen quite a few of these adverts in our area of Belgium, but apart from the UCPA holidays which really are cheap, this one is the cheapest I have found for adults and children together. You could always phone UCPA and ask if the 16 year old could count as an 18 year old, in order to be eligible for the young adult holidays 18-25 years.
http://www.actionsport.be/voyages-prochains-departs-ski.php
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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I accompanied my 16 and x2 18 year old stepchildren to UCPA Tignes. The 16 year old was placed in the youth section and I shared with the 18 year old. The youth section was occupied solely by school groups and there were no other english there so after 2 nights we negotiated to bring my stepdaughter to the adult side. They were really quite unhappy to do this and seemed convinced that the youngsters would behave badly (there are draconian laws regarding drinking underage). I would suggest that you lie about their ages (pay the hostel deposit in Euros so that they don't see the passports). If you trust your youngsters, say that they are both 18 or if you think a bit of supervision would help, say that they are both under 18. Tignes was fabulous. This was my 4th holiday with UCPA (I lie about my age too as I am 44) and I wouldn't ski any other way!
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I have some suggestions but you have to have a proficient adult level of spelling, e.g. Words such as "unaccompanied"
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SuburbanSkier, Great question- let us know what happens...
I have lots of smaller kids 11-4. Eldest a tidy skier alpine and now getting down steep stuff telemark, middle fine on piste and baby a maniac in the making.
I would worry about a few things on and off the slopes. All that said I went on a fair few outdoor holidays 16-18 and they may have been some of the most important things I have ever done in terms of long term interests. Could they stay in a youth hostile / hostel?
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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.
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Given the OP was in 2010, the boys will both be adults now!!
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I'd give UCPA a call, or at least Action Outdoors, the UK partner, and ask about the sharing thing. I found them VERY flexible and helpful with the trip I had booked last season when I couldn't take it.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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Elizabeth B, hmm yes 
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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.
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I'd think UCPA was perfect. All in holiday. Every standard of skiing. Instant community. The coach trip is horrendous but then they can stand that at that age. My first ski trip was La Plagne UCPA.
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I reckon they're old enough by now (3 years later) to be making these decisions for themselves...
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You know it makes sense.
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Perfect, so now UCPA is clear favourite
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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| peanuthead wrote: |
| I have some suggestions but you have to have a proficient adult level of spelling, e.g. Words such as "unaccompanied" |
How come you are so good at spelling and still manage never to post anything informative? Pseudo clever troll?
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Poster: A snowHead
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| peanuthead wrote: |
| I have some suggestions but you have to have a proficient adult level of spelling, e.g. Words such as "unaccompanied" |
How come you are so good at spelling and still manage never to post anything informative? Pseudo clever troll?
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FAQ
