 Poster: A snowHead
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Hi, newbie here, short introductions: Canadian, female, 30, been skiing my whole life but always on this side of the pond. This year I've decided that I'm tired of waiting for flaky friends to decide to go with me, and I'm just going to live out my dream of a ski vacation in Europe. Am thinking about doing a UCPA in Tignes for Christmas/New Year's week.
So... a few questions: One, am I crazy? Two, is it mostly school groups and the 18-21 set, or are there likely to be other people my age? Three, how's the snow likely to be at that point in the season - given that it's early and whatnot? Four, anyone else going / going to be there around the same time / interested in meeting up / feel like having a pint at the apres-ski?
Cheers from Montreal
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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segacs, Age range of people staying in UCPA varies, but genreally the average seems to be about 25-35. They are simply great for skiing, socialising and grub. Go for it!
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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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Segacs, Welcome to SHs!
If you don;t mind sharing a room and socialising with complete strangers, you're not crazy. If you want a 'dream' holiday, spend the extra supplement and book a twin en-suite room (if they have any) as you could end up sharing with 4 or 5 people which can get crowded.
While i haven't been to UCPA Tignes, earlier this year i did attend UCPA Chamonix and i saw a good mix of ages. There were a few males who looked around 40+ and certainly most folks were in their 20s to mid 30s - so you should fit right in.
Tignes is high altitude resort, so you shouldn't have a problem with snow for New Years...especially as Tignes has a glacier. There are a few Snowheads who know Tignes and can give you more accurate info on this. I was at Tignes in 2008 and while it's not the prettiest place and the apres is not the best, the skiing is very good.
Have fun. Do write and let us know how you got along as i'm sure there are others who would value your input.
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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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segacs, welcome to Snowheads.  If "off piste" is your thing, you might find limited opportunities that early in the season - good ski-trashing conditions. It will also be very busy - you would probably get better conditions later, if you are flexible on dates.
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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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segacs,
Tignes UCPA is pretty good. Staraight across the road from the lifts, good food & good tuition, if you take it. The snow in Tignes at xmas new year is normally pretty good with lots of off piste available.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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segacs,
I've stayed at the Tignes centre and had a blast. As described above - you will be sharing a room with around three other UCPAers. Tignes will be quite popular over New Year as they have one HUGE party outside with some pretty hot DJs. It will attract more of a 20 something crowd than a 30 something I think. The Tignes rooms are mostly quads with two sets of bunks - the picture shown here on the accommodation tab is very accurate - http://action-outdoors.co.uk/resort_tignes.aspx . In my experience, however, you spend such little time in your room at a UCPA holiday that it really doesn't matter that much! It looks like there is still availability for the Xmas / New Year week so go for it.
Or, if the outdoor party isn't really your thing and you are looking for a slightly older crowd, try Flaine for a more comfortable centre and great snow or Val D'Isere for a great atmoshere with slightly bigger rooms of between 3 and 6 people. I'm thinking of going to Val D for new year this year (again!). If you decide to book through Action-Outdoors use the code SP2010 for a £10 discount - and have fun!
Last edited by You'll need to Register first of course. on Thu 9-09-10 12:54; edited 1 time in total
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sarep, linky no worky - there's a spurious dot at the end of the link
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holidayloverxx, cheers - should work now 
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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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Wow, thanks for all the replies. I backpack a lot and am used to staying in hostels and dorm rooms, so not concerned about the room sharing thing. This is exactly the info I was hoping for, and now I'm psyched for the trip. Unfortunately, not flexible on dates - stupid North American limited holiday time - but everything else sounds like a pretty good deal.
If anyone else is going to be there this winter, drop me a line or a PM and say hello.
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