Adventurous Training?

Transcription

1 Adventurous Training? Prices start from just 377 and with centres in top resorts, such as Tignes, Val Thorens and Les Deux Alpes, why wait? Action Outdoors provides the easiest way to organise a week s adventurous training. We facilitate around 2000 military personnel each year to attend UCPA centres for their ski expeds. We therefore understand the process that you need to go through to authorise your expedition and will do our upmost to make sure that it is as hassle free as possible. We believe that the Expedition Leader should be able to look forward to the week rather than dread anyone even mentioning its name! Expedition Planning The various stages required when organising an expedition are explained in more detail through the following pages: Deciding on accommodation, dates and numbers to attend Determining method of travel Arranging finances Who are Action Outdoors? Action Outdoors is the UK partner to a huge non profit French organisation called UCPA. UCPA run activity courses similar to the Joint Services Adventure Training Centres. The UCPA centres are large - the majority sleep around 350 people in multi share rooms (normally 4 people to a room but this does vary between resorts), with shared bathrooms, dining facilities, social areas and a bar. To keep the cost as low as possible, dishes are to be cleared away after eating plus rooms are to be cleaned at the end of the week (this never seems to be an issue for military/uotc groups) thus it isn't a luxury way to go skiing just a very cost effective one as everything is included in the price. ACTION OUTDOORS PROVIDED AN EXCELLENT SERVICE TO ENABLE THE EASY ORGANISATION OF THIS EXPEDITION. THEIR IN DEPTH UNDERSTANDING OF THE MILITARY AT SCHEME MEANT THAT THEY UNDERSTOOD THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE EXPEDITION PLUS ANY EXTRA NEEDS. PAGE 1

2 Action Outdoors GBP Price Grid for Winter 2018/19 Dated: 17th April 2018 Centre / Date 8 Dec 15 Dec 22 Dec 29 Dec 5 Jan 12 Jan 19 Jan 26 Jan 2 Feb 23 Mar 30 Mar Chamonix Argentiere Deux Alpes Flaine Les Lindars Les Arcs Les Contamines Plagne Plagne Le France Serre Chevalier Tignes (Espace Killy pass) Val D Isere (Espace Killy pass) Val Thorens The price per person includes: Accommodation for 7 nights Sat to Sat Full board from Sat dinner to Sat breakfast Lift pass for 6 days On piste equipment hire for 6 days (skis, boots, poles) 1 UCPA Instructor when over 30 pax book Free places for groups of 40 or more, on application Tourist tax (payable for any French holiday accommodation) is the only additional cost at 5.39 per person. Optional Extras: Helmet hire: 20 pp per week SF2 product: Ski touring equipment and skins 99 pp (with an extra deposit required on arrival) Available at: Argentiere, Les Contamines and Serre Chevalier centres only SF2 product: Security equipment (bag, avalanche transceiver, shovels, probes): 80 pp (with an extra deposit required on arrival) Available at: Argentiere, Les Contamines, Serre Chevalier centres PAGE 2

3 Why choose Action Outdoors? We offer major ski resorts, but at a minimal price. UOTC groups have access to a specific programme offered at various centres across the French Alps. Prices The prices* provided are for a minimum of 10 pax and include: 7 nights accommodation Full board Lift pass 6 days 6 day on piste equipment hire (skis,poles and boot hire) 1 UCPA instructor for groups of 30 or more *The prices will fluctuate according to the Euro / GBP exchange rate. The prices will be amended accordingly and a new price grid issued. The contracted price will be based on the most up to date price grid on the date the contract was requested. Please note that the centres do have limited capacity and from your initial contact through to when your deposit is received, places may no longer be available. However, all of the centres are in major ski resorts and they all offer a very similar set up. Unique to UCPA Apart from the great price you also get : SF1 and SF2 product which manages all of the equipment needs for both levels. Everything is on site (ski shop, restaurant, lecture rooms, bar), making the administration very simple. Plus the majority of centres are walking distance from the main lift and town. By eating together, you can be assured that everyone is having 3 meals a day plus you don t need to worry about admin runs to the local supermarket for food. Everyone has a proper bed rather than being squeezed onto tiny sofa beds, which are normally found in the 4(6) person apartments common in ski resort accommodation. The UCPA instructor can provide guidance to those new to the resort with regards to the best slopes for teaching particular activities, best areas for snow conditions, where to go on bad weather days etc. They can also be used to instruct, when authorised in advance. Your UOTC chief instructor will be put into contact with the UCPA instructor one month before travel, in order to help you plan delivery and assessment. YOUR SUPPORT WAS IDEAL THROUGHOUT AND YOU WERE EXTREMELY UNDERSTANDING OF THE FRICTIONS THAT WE FACE WITH ORGANISING EXPEDITIONS. I WILL DEFINITELY BE RECOMMENDING THAT ACTION OUTDOORS IS USED AGAIN. PAGE 3

4 PAGE 4 ACTION OUTDOORS UOTC EXPEDITIONS WINTER 2018/19

5 ACTION OUTDOORS UOTC EXPEDITIONS WINTER 2018/19 Accommodation The accommodation is in purpose built activity centres that are designed to be both practical and functional but provide a social environment where people can relax after a day s skiing. They offer a very international experience with people coming from across the world to stay and ski in the French Alps. The centres tend to be centrally located minimising the use of vehicles when in the resort. Bedrooms Groups will be accommodated together in dorm style rooms. The size of the rooms do vary but in the majority of resorts they are 4 man with shared shower and WC facilities. Each bed has a corresponding locker for individual belongings. Twin rooms may be available for an extra supplement. Males and females can be kept separate if required. If there are any odd numbers, then individuals may be accommodated with other UCPA customers of the same sex staying in the centre. Individuals are required to strip their beds and clean the rooms at the end of their stay. Dining The food is similar to that in the junior ranks mess where there is a large buffet selection catering for different tastes. Breakfast tends to be continental in style - cereals, breads and jams, not the most luxurious but plenty of it. Lunches can either be hot and / or packed lunch depending on the resort. There is often cake on offer after skiing and then evening meal - soup, salads, pasta dishes, meat, pizzas, deserts and cheese, though this will vary on a daily basis. It is eat as much as you like and never the worry about there not being enough food! The tables do need to be cleared and wiped down after use. This is all part of how UCPA manage to keep prices so low. Your CILOR allowance can be deducted from the price of the week and a separate invoice provided for Food Supplies. PAGE 5

6 ACTION OUTDOORS UOTC EXPEDITIONS WINTER 2018/19 THE ACCOMMODATION WAS IDEAL FOR THIS TYPE OF EXPEDITION AND ALLOWED TEAM COHESION THROUGHOUT WHILST LIMITING COSTS. PAGE 6

7 Facilities All centres have a large social area, games room, TV lounge, lecture rooms, WiFi and ski shop onsite. Some even have a pool or spa. They are for adults only * (18 45 yr olds, though groups can take pax above this age) so the staff are aware of what individuals require but do prefer that any drunken antics are not brought back after a night out. Lecture rooms, where available, can be reserved on your arrival. Equipment The equipment is provided according to the individual s ability level, with the ski shop hosting a huge range of equipment and boots to suit everyone. Helmets cost extra (around 20 per helmet though price will be confirmed on contract) to hire from the UCPA centre and must be ordered in advance as part of the contract. Some of the UCPA centres (Argentiere, Les Contamines and Serre Chevalier) are also able to offer SF2 touring equipment for a small supplement. Dates Often, students don t have flexibility with dates. Unless you are booking early, this can limit the choice of centres available. Early January is the cheapest time to go skiing, but late season/easter is becoming popular and recent years have seen decent snowfall much later on in the season. Obviously the more expensive periods relate to the more popular weeks. Numbers Your ratio of instructor to students will often limit the numbers that you plan your expedition for. However, it is better to have a good idea of numbers interested before you book. Any reduction in numbers may result in cancellation charges (depending on numbers changed and number of days from departure). Numbers can be increased for no extra charge but this is dependent on availability. We advise increasing pax as the preferred option. Evening entertainment Each centre employs a person to co-ordinate the evening entertainment. It ranges from live music to quiz nights to karaoke. If your group would like to have some influence in the program, then please send your ideas at least a week in advance. * Some centres do allow school groups PAGE 7

8 ACTION OUTDOORS UOTC EXPEDITIONS WINTER 2018/19 PAGE 8

9 The Centres Resort Accom Nightlife Piste Lifts Runs Fact Webpage Argentiere 3 star A few bars 160km 63 18G 27B 30R 11Bl World famous off-piste located minutes from the brand new centre UCPA Argentiere Chamonix 2 star Fantastic 160km 63 18G 27B 30R 11Bl Slap bang in the centre of a very lively town with world-famous off piste UCPA Chamonix Flaine 3 star A few bars and clubs 265km 78 17G 64B 45R 15Bl Brilliant beginners area but plenty for all and accommodated in a fantastic centre UCPA Flaine La Plagne 3 star A few bars and clubs 225km 81 10G 69B 33R 18Bl A piste runs underneath the beautifully renovated centre UCPA La Plagne Les Arcs 2 star Walking distance to a few bars 200km 57 11G 53B 32R 19BL Huge centre with great atmosphere. Great for big groups to keep them together UCPA Les Arcs Les Contamines 2 star A few bars 120km 26 8G 12B 19R 9Bl Quieter ski area but plenty to explore and popular with military UCPA Contamines Les Deux Alpes 2 star Fantastic 230km 51 14G 26B 14R 8Bl Lively ski resort with a huge range of pubs and clubs. UCPA Les Deux Alpes Serre Chevalier 2 star A few bars 250km 63 23G 31B 39R 14Bl A sun sure resort that offers a huge range of skiing and a swimming pool to relax in after a day on the slopes UCPA Serre Chevalier Tignes 3 star Good 300km 80 23G 66B 40R 27Bl A newly renovated centre (Autumn 2016) with a huge ski resort (Espace Killy) UCPA Tignes Val d Isere 1 star Fantastic 300km 80 23G 66B 40R 27Bl A charming village and superb ski area linked to Tignes to form the famous Espace Killy area UCPA Val d Isere Val Thorens 3 star Walking distance but good 140km 30 9G 28B 23R 7Bl Fantastic modern centre in an area that offers a huge range of pistes UCPA Val Thorens PAGE 9

10 I VE NOW RUN 5 EXPEDITIONS TO VARIOUS UCPA S - I CAN HONESTLY SAY THAT IT MAKES NO ODDS WHERE YOU GO, THEY ARE ALL FANTASTIC! PAGE 10

11 Travel Options We don t tie you in to travel; UOTC groups are completely free to arrange their own, but we are also very willing to help plan the logistics for your exped too! Self drive Vehicles are not usually required at UCPA centres. The majority of centres are either ski in / out or just a short walking distance to the slopes (Chamonix and Les Contamines are exceptions but there are regular bus services to link skiers to the lift stations). Some centres may have their own private car park (sometimes with a small charge) or use of a public one within walking distance. Please contact us to find out more information. Flights Most of the airlines do accept group bookings with a small deposit. We can advise on routes but request that groups arrange their own flights due to the rate that flight prices change, the amount of personal administration involved and any costs incurred through name changes etc Airport Transfers We can arrange low cost transfers from the airport to resort. Transfers can be arranged for the individual through to the main body. The cost is dependent on location and numbers. Coach Action Outdoors are partners to a scheduled coach service, Snow Express. We can offer individual seats with departure either from London or Folkestone for prices from 99pp which is a particularly cost effective way to travel in smaller groups as there are no additional costs for carrying ski equipment. Alternatively, we can organise a private vehicle for your group that will pick you up from your campus. The price for a private coach averages around 7000 depending on your location and date. They seat 49 pax but larger vehicles can be arranged. This includes the channel crossing, tolls and drivers accommodation whilst in location. AS THERE WERE ONLY 18 IN THE GROUP, THE GUYS JOINED THE SNOWEXPRESS COACH AT DOVER. MUCH LESS HASSLE THAN A SELF DRIVE AND NO DAILY WINTER CHECKS ON THE MINIBUS. PAGE 11

12 Finding Instructors Your expedition instructors will have guidance from the allocated UCPA instructor regarding weather, avalanche danger and suitable slopes for the required lesson. We highly encourage the groups to make the most of this individual and gain as much of their local expertise from them as possible. Although this instructor has civilian qualifications, they can be authorised to instruct within your ratios, but this will need to be done in advance. Please contact us for details of how to arrange this. If you don t have access to sufficient military instructors for your expedition then contact us for options. The UCPA instructors all hold the necessary civilian qualifications, but authorisation to use them must be given through the JSATFA. Prices for additional instructors can also be quoted on application. PAGE 12

13 Arranging Finances To reserve your beds for an expedition, a 10% deposit will be required. We can arrange a payment plan for the payments that follow to correspond with the authorisation of funds. Payment Plan The standard deposit payment is 10%, however, different deposit amounts can be agreed as part of a payment plan. Although, ideally, the full balance would be paid 3 months in advance, we are happy for the balance to paid in instalments with the dates mutually agreed. These can be agreed to correspond with authorisation of grants and collection of personal contributions. The per person cost is fully inclusive (accommodation, food, lift pass, ski hire), however, to help with different grants (in particular, CILOR) we can separate the costs. We can do this as one invoice with separate amounts (as below), or two separate invoices: one for CILOR and one for accommodation/equipment/lift pass/transfers. Or we can provide invoices according to your specific requirements. Expense Cost Total Food 20 x Accommodation 20 x Equipment 20 x Lift Pass 20 x Transfer or Coach TBC TBC Insurance We highly recommend that you take out a ski specific insurance policy. Unfortunately we hear of plenty of accidents from working in the ski industry and the need for urgent piste rescue. The insurance companies will immediately cover the cost for a helicopter rescue if required. There are many travel insurance providers out there. You will need to check that they pay out for travel disruption, lost ski rental equipment and personal belongings, cover off piste without a guide (anything out of the marked piste area is classed as off piste which is covered as part of your ski foundation syllabus) as well as pre-existing medical conditions, medical rescue and repatriation. PAGE 13

14 Further Correspondence We will keep in contact with you regarding payment and numbers. We will also be able to answer any specific questions about the resort (medical facilities etc for your admin instruction) Administrational Deadlines We will send out s requesting the following information: Nominal role 1 month before travel. Any changes are to be notified immediately Name and contact details of UOTC instructor 1 month before travel in order to communicate with the UCPA instructors Suggested room layout at least 2 weeks before travel Emergency contacts and dates of birth of participants at least 2 weeks before travel Expected time of arrival and departure at least 2 weeks before travel That s all that we will need to know until a brief chat afterwards to check that all went well! PAGE 14

15 Your Next Step If you are interested in booking your expedition through Action Outdoors and know when you would like to go (with an idea of numbers), then please let us know as soon as possible so that we can give you a quote. We will then send over a contract and invoice. We can often reserve the places through UCPA for 10 days by which time we would need to have received a deposit from your Unit and a scan of the signed contract.. Alternatively, please keep in contact until the necessary paperwork has been authorised. We are here to help make your ski trip as smooth and simple as possible, so please call or to discuss your requirements. groups@action-outdoors.co.uk Phone: For the latest travel advice from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office including security and local laws, plus passport and visa information please visit PAGE 15