 Poster: A snowHead
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Hi folks, I'm heading to Tignes with the UCPA next week (from the 4th) for the intro to off-piste week.
Looking like the stars are aligning and there should be some stunning conditions, with snow from the 1st/2nd and then through the weekend (at least...) It's my first trip with the UCPA and my first time in Tignes and I have a couple questions which I figured people might be able to help with: in terms of the rental skis, what can I expect? I have two pairs of skis (Armada Declivity 92s and Faction Mana 3s @ 112mm), it would be a bit of a pain to bring both but considering there will likely be fresh snow, both could come in handy...the best option is probably to bring whichever is further away from the rental stock I'll get and complement with a rental pair. What sort of skis do they normally give out for the off-piste courses?
Second question, I see that the first day (so, Sunday the 4th) is free to ski without an instructor. Seeing like it looks like it will be a powder day from the forecast, and potentially poor visibility if its snowing more, where in the resort is the best bet for pretty mellow off-piste or tree skiing? Looking at the piste map, looks like Tignes has very limited tree skiing and might be better off heading towards Val d'Isere? Any suggestions much appreciated! Also if there is anything important to bring with me/keep in mind for UCPA.
And of course, if anyone else is also in Tignes at the same time would be lovely to meet up  23M and half Irish/French.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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| aper0 wrote: |
| Looking like the stars are aligning and there should be some stunning conditions, with snow from the 1st/2nd and then through the weekend (at least...) It's my first trip with the UCPA and my first time in Tignes and I have a couple questions which I figured people might be able to help with: in terms of the rental skis, what can I expect? I have two pairs of skis (Armada Declivity 92s and Faction Mana 3s @ 112mm), it would be a bit of a pain to bring both but considering there will likely be fresh snow, both could come in handy...the best option is probably to bring whichever is further away from the rental stock I'll get and complement with a rental pair. What sort of skis do they normally give out for the off-piste courses? |
Three seasons ago I was given Rossignol BlackOps Senders (178cm/104mm), which I'd not used before, and with which I was very happy. I'd expect you'll be given something between 100 and 110mm underfoot.
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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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It's all Rossignol skis because UCPA is sponsored by them. They replace half the stock each year so the worst you will get is something that has been used for one season although last season was a bit bare in terms of snow so it might have been a tough year on skis. They usually have a couple of different models of off-piste skis (at least the advanced/expert groups tended to get given slightly wider skis). Plus they usually have a more limited number of skis that are 'on trial' although they probably won't give them to anyone unless you have a particular need for them. I'm not a ski brand expert but looking at pictures it seems to be the Sender 94 and Sender Soul 102 skis that most people ended up with.
My guess is that your Faction skis will be more different to the rental skis that you get so probably bring those.
Go as soon as the ski shop opens if you arrive early enough on the Saturday to make sure there is as much stock left as possible. Overstate your ability and speak French to them about skis and they might give you something fancier.
If you are going on your own just be sensible and stick to the slopes on the Sunday. You will learn during the course why that is important. Your instructor probably won't be impressed on the Monday if you tell them that you already went off-piste on the Sunday on your own without the gear.
Yes you are right, Tignes can be a bit grim in a whiteout and when it is windy. Trees you will find more over the Val D'Isere side although you can also go over to Tignes Les Brevieres which is lower down and has trees. The snow might be more variable down there if it has been dry and windy though. It's still forecast to be dry until Friday and New Year skiing will be rough for the slopes.
La Daille is ok in low visibility and has trees. There is easy bit of tree sking that you can do through 'Le Village Perdu' which is controlled. It's sort of below where the Orange and Criterium slopes meet. Although you might need to keep your fingers crossed for that top up of snow, things do look quite thin at the moment, it might not even be open yet.
One thing to bear in mind is that some of the Tignes-Val d'Isere links can close in high winds, especially the up and over one (Leissieres). Tommeuses is the other key lift for getting back to Tignes so don't miss last lift for that one if you end up at Folie Douce. You don't want to get stuck in Val d'Isere as the shuttle bus has a long route back to Tignes (and you might have to change buses twice to get back to Val Claret if the lifts have already closed).
General UCPA tips:
- Bring a towel and ear plugs.
- UCPA bar takes card only so no need to bring loads of Euro notes.
- People are friendly and it is a good vibe although it sometimes take a couple of days to find your social group. If you speak French that will probably help but there is usually a reasonable sized contingent of British and other English speaking people (especially Swedish). The entertainment in the evenings is very....French....but it is worth getting involved.
- If you get there before your roommates make sure you grab a bottom bunk because it gets ridiculous warm on the top bunks.
- The rooms are pretty basic and cramped even by UCPA standards but you don't spend that much time in them. The showers are tiny and shared between 8 people so don't snooze if you need a shower and it is free. It's a bit pot luck what your roommates will be like but if you booked through Action Outdoors they usually will put you with other English speakers of a similar age range.
- It's not quite ski-in / ski-out and the 5-10 minute walk to the lifts in ski boots on icy pavements sucks at first but you get used to it. You can cross the road and skate on the flat behind the Club Med building if you prefer, or be really lazy and take the shuttle bus for one stop. There is an 'illegal' shortcut to get back to the centre which involves crossing one of the roads in the village and then dropping down a sketchy slope behind the UCPA building (UCPA staff will tell you not to do it, there might not even be enough snow for it this year anyway).
- People generally go to UCPA because they enjoy skiing/boarding rather than going partying. They don't serve spirits at the bar so if you want anything stronger you will need to go out of the UCPA (or make friends with the Swedish people who usually bring supplies).
- The centre is in the village so you can go out. If going to Cocorico (a bit overrated but you probably need to do it at least one) go early because the queue gets stupidly long from even early in the evening.
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FAQ
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