Last week, Class 8 DJ went to Flaine, France. They flew into Geneva, and took a coach transfer to Flaine.

The class arrived at the UCPA Flaine Altair centre, a purpose-built centre for children and young people. UCPA is a French NGO, that is chartered to promote and grow a sense of enjoyment through outdoor sporting activities, whilst making the activities accessible to all young people. Thus, they offer affordable packages, which, as a school group we were able to access.

Upon arrival, the class had to make up their beds and then go to the equipment room to be sized up for their skies, ski boots, and helmets. A hot buffet dinner and evening activities were provided by the centre. The class was one of four schools at the centre, with the other three, all being French schools with children of similar age (+/-2 years).

On Monday the class was split into ability groups based on prior skiing experience and later that day, the beginner group was split again into two groups. Our instructors (Anna, Solal, and Romeo) taught the class and the adults new skills and techniques to help develop our skiing ability according to where we were at. Over the week, everyone got to ski on many green slopes, and some blues and others reds.

Every day there was a buffet breakfast, hot buffet lunch and dinner, with plenty of food choices, and an eat as much as you need policy! There was a range of activities every evening as well, which included avalanche rescue training, and of course the end of trip all school dance!

Everybody, including the adults, made great progress and the class all received a esf (French Ski School) ski passport and metal pin badge of their achieved level (snowflake, snowflake 1 star, and snowflake 2 star). On our half day off, we all also ascended to the top of the mountain at 2,500 meters and took in an outstanding view of the Grand Massif, which include a clear view of Mont Blanc. Whilst at the top, the class all also had French fries, before descending in time for lunch and afternoon skiing. All in all, the class received c.20 hours of instruction on the slopes from qualified esf ski instructors.

The trip was a huge success and every single person on the trip had a wonderful time and all want to go back as soon as they can!

UCPA Flaine | Affordable all-inclusive adventure