UCPA is a training centre for mountaineering and high mountain activities. We strive to adapt our training to each course participant, teaching them to practice mountaineering in a responsible way both during and after the programme. This approach sometimes involves climbing in "independent" roped parties where participants practice safety techniques learned beforehand.
Supervision
A guide supervises these climbs and determines what methods are to be used, depending on the level of course participants and the conditions of the terrain. Fully trained or trainee high mountain guides only. Groups from 3 to 8 .
Equipments
All technical equipment is loaned: boots (leather or plastic shell), crampons, ice axe, harness, helmet, rucksack, quick draws, rope, etc. All equipment is up-to-the-minute and complies with safety standards. A minimum level of physical fitness is required. Our principal objective : Safety, is always present. Everything is organised to have the maximum of security, and our guides are always on training. Centres : LES ARCS, ARGENTIERE, CHAMONIX, SERRE CHEVALIER
UCPA is a training centre for mountaineering and high mountain activities. We strive to adapt our training to each course participant, teaching them to practice mountaineering in a responsible way both during and after the programme. To achieve this objective, our courses focus on learning the necessary techniques and principles of mountain climbing.
A guide supervises these climbs and determines what methods are to be used, depending on the level of course participants and the conditions of the terrain. All our guides are qualified. There 3 objectives are : pleasure, progress and safety.
All technical equipment is loaned: boots (leather or plastic shell), crampons, ice axe, harness, helmet, rucksack, quickdraws, rope, etc. All equipment is up-to-the-minute and complies with safety standards. Our equipment providers : Petzl, Béal, La Sportiva, A minimum level of physical fitness is required. Centres : ARGENTIERE, CHAMONIX
Rider or not you would enjoy these programme adapted to your needs. Our team will do the best to organise your stay.
All the guides are qualified. Group : a maximal of 12 riders.
Horses & Equipments
Horses are selected for their kindness. They are adapted to the different level and ground. The equipment is adapted to your level and programme. Helmet are also provided. Centres : BENODET, BOIS LE ROI, VERDON
In open air and contact with the country, our programme are based on relaxation, flexibility, cardiotraining development … Group form 12 to 20 people. Good physical fitness is required. For all levels.
All the technical equipment is provided. Don't forget to bring you sport shoes and clothes. Centres : LES ARCS, BOMBANNES, HYERES, SAINT-CYPRIEN
From the rookie to the expert we propose different programmes adapted to your needs. Since the first day the beginner is guided step by step on a route.
Our instructors are qualified. Group of level from 8 to 10 players.
Equipment : You'll have the loan of a bag and a "half-serie" throughout the programme. Practice balls will be provided for taught sessions. At the start of the programme you'll be given three playing balls. Any physical effort is necessary. All levels. Centres : BENODET, BOIS LE ROI, JUMIEGE, PORT D'ALBRET, SAINT-CYPRIEN
Walk 1 day (or half day) , staying in the same area or hike for more days ,changing accommodation every night. It's up to you ….
A state-qualified instructor, specialised in hiking, leads all treks, and hikes. Familiar with the terrain and the environment, they are experts in safety and logistics and will do everything possible to ensure you get the most out of your stay. Groups of 12 people. 6 to 8 people for Mountaineering hike.
All technical equipment is loaned: hiking boots, rucksack if required. No contra-indications for physical efforts or altitude. Except for Mountaineering hike (see level on the detail). Not recommended if you are undergoing any serious medical treatment. Safety always present in our trek : each of our guides, instructors and leaders are trained to First Aid and are equipped with an emergency First-Aid kit. Centres : LES ARCS, ABER WRAC'H, ARGENTIERE, BENODET, CHAMONIX, ARGENTIERE, DORDOGNE, HYERES, SERRE-CHEVALIER, VERDON, TRIU
You'll take pleasure and progress playing with other participant of the same level as you.
Instructors are fully qualified and have a high level of practice (French 2nd Serie Level) Maximum of 4 players per court.
Material : Greenset, synthetic grass or indoors courts. Rackets (Head) and balls provided. We use radar and video. All levels but good physical conditions if you practice 4 hours per day. Centres : LES ARCS, BOIS LE ROI, SAINT-CYPRIEN, SERRE-CHEVALIER
Learning safely all the mountain bike techniques with our instructors. Group of 12 people.
Equipment provided : mountain bike, helmet. Bring your own bike pants, gloves, flask and raining coat. All the material is on norm and well maintained. The instructors are very carefully with security. Whatever is the situation they are able to activate the rescue. They also are trained on First Aid and got a First Aid kit. Centres : ABER WRAC'H, BENODET, BOMBANNES, PORT D'ALBRET, HYERES
We provide you with Inline Rollers, adapted to your level and the environment. All the protections are provided including helmet.
Objective
Our courses include an emphasis on safety, fun and social interaction. You will learn the basics of inline skating including how to stop, glide, and turn. Strength and balance will improve with challenging tricks, skills and drills.
Activities
Some hikes in the nature or in urban environment (bicycle paths or skate-parks) Groups of 10 person maximum. Centres : BOMBANNES, PORT D'ALBRET
IMPORTANT : For all water sports you must be able to swim 25 metres and swim under the water. At your arrival at the centre a certificate from a qualified authority may be required. If not, or if there is any doubt, the UCPA staff may have to assess your ability to show that you can swim and that you are confident in water.
Beginner to expert you'll find the adequate formula. UCPA is the first diving school in Europe. All our instructor are recognised all over the world.
All the diving equipment is provided : Tank, Fins, wet suit, valve, mask, (Scubapro, Imersion) Except : diving shoes, gloves and decompression control instrument.
Conditions
All levels : if you're a beginner you'll learn all the rules and foundations to progress safely with the maximum of pleasure. If you want to improve diving deeper or without instructor you can have a special training and obtain a diploma. Physical conditions : You have to know how to swim. No respiratory (asthma), cardiovascular or hearing problem. A medical certificate (available 1 year) is required at your arrival at the centre. Centres : ABER WRAC'H, HYERES, TRIU
"Canyoning", or coming down canyons, involves following the beds of the steep-sided watercourses. These routes are only accessible by foot and by swimming. They take you off into particularly unusual places, deep within a wild natural conservation area.
Leaders, guides and instructors all hold official Canyoning qualification. 1 instructor for 8 participants. Even canyoning seems easy safety is always present. Our team know each route and can adapted the programme. Each group has his own safety equipment and first aid.
All technical equipment is provided : neoprene suit, harness with safety tethers, rucksack, helmet, life jacket, watertight flask, etc. Important! Shoes and gloves are NOT provided. Bring non-leather footwear with good ankle support and cycling-type gloves.
No contra-indications for physical efforts or altitude. Not recommended if you are undergoing any serious medical treatment. Ability to swim essential. If you have weak ankles or knees, then bring suitable supports. experience is not necessary. Centres : LES ARCS, SERRE CHEVALIER, VERDON
At UCPA 90 % of the participants are beginners. Our aim is to help you to acquire autonomy, to be familiar with the waves. Groups from 8 to 10 people. Qualified instructors.
Material : neoprene suit, and for surf beginners, board of 2,4 meters, for expert, Thruster Surfs of 2 meters. For bodyboard, a board of 1,10 meter is provided as well as fins. Centres : BOMBANNES, PORT D'ALBRET
With our team you'll discover the pleasure of gliding over the water in total security. Qualified instructors and groups of level.
We provide the equipment : isothermal clothes, life jacket and helmet. All the material is on norm and our instructors are equipped with a VHF radio or GSM. Centres : SERRE CHEVALIER, LES ARCS, TIGNES
Kitesurfing is the newest, most exciting sport related to wind and surf. UCPA is now the first French Kitesurf School.
Steps
After testing body dragging, you will learn water start and planning techniques. After improving your techniques, or if you already know kitesurf, will you go upwind and do your first jumps ? Kitesurf is easier than you think.
All our centres are stocked with the latest boards and kites (Bic or F-One boards, Wipika or Cabrinha kites from 3 to 11 sq. mt) Centres : ABER WRAC'H, BENODET
Let us teach you to windsurf, or improve your windsurfing : courses to suit All levels. For the absolute beginner who wants to spend some time having fun and why not, discover a new passion, UCPA is the place to be !
Bonus
For the not so new into windsurfing, we provide expert sessions which includes tuition on more precise ways of controlling a windsurf and some more tips about safety, some freestyle, some fun and some more fun!!
Material : New light-short-large boards, trendy design, performing sails. All the material is adapted to your level and the winds (providers : Bic, Hifly, Tiga, Mistral Rivo, Blue Velvet, Starboard, Neil Pride or Hi-Tech sails). Centres : ABER WRAC'H, BENODET, BOMBANNES, HYERES, SAINT-CYPRIEN, TRIU
For those who like salted waters, warm climate or just nice coasts, SEA KAYAK will allow to visit a region from the sea. You will be rowing for a day, or half a day depending on the weather conditions. Centres : ABER WRAC'H, HYERES, SAINT CYPRIEN, TRIU
It is an alternative to SEA KAYAK for short distances excursions or just play with the waves on the beach. Centres : BENODET, HYERES
UCPA is partner of the French Sailing Federation (FFV) and all our centres have the government agreement to teach this activity? You will be sailing on lakes or on the sea :
Lakes
Advantage of Lakes (Atlantic centres, such as Bombannes) Safety : you'll be sailing under the eyes of the instructors. That means you can expect rescue boat cover at all main sailing times. This makes it much more popular for beginners. Easier to learn - without the distractions of tide you can practice your sport in a relatively safe environment.
Sea
Advantage of Coastal Sailing (Brittany, Mediterranean coast) Test yourself against the elements - once you've got the hang of sailing, you may want to test yourself on the tide and surf. Also, coastal waters tend to experience stronger winds and greater variations. You get to experience the real excitement of the sea .
To assure your safety : motor boat, radio contact for the instructors, equipment on norm.
The two of you aboard (or one ?) will have to lean out as far from the security of the boat as possible - just to keep the thing upright.
Safety
Aboard our new boats, you seek to harness rather than fight the force of the wind. SPEED AND ADRENALIN ! To assure your safety : motor boat, radio contact for the instructors, equipment on norm. Centres : BENODET, HYERES
You'll improve with qualified instructors.
Condition
All levels. High top equipment is provided, adapted to the level of practice. We recommend you to bring sailing gloves and shoes. You have to know how to swim. To assure your safety : motor boat, radio contact for the instructors, equipment on norm.
Material : Hobbie Cat 15 or 16 or 16 easy, Newcat 16 Centres : ABER WRAC'H, BENODET, BOMBANNES, HYERES, TRIU
Towed from the back of a motorboat, water-skiers use two skis while wakeboarding (a hybrid of surfing and waterskiing), relies on a single board. The key to the sport is mastering balance and keeping your weight evenly distributed.
If you've never waterskied before or have just had a taster session whilst on holiday, it is a good idea to have some lessons with UCPA.
Advantage
You can save yourself a lot of time, money and wasted effort by learning correct methods from a good, qualified instructor.
Course
We teach you the basic techniques of waterskiing allowing you to progress and develop your balance and performance. Courses vary, but the first lesson will generally include a basic onshore introduction to balance, stance etc followed by either a tow from a boat or practice from a boom attached to a boat. Centres : BOMBANNES
Crazy about snow, you can't wait winter to do it ! You'll start early in the morning till 01 :00 PM to get the best snow. On the afternoon we propose a large panel of different activities.
IInstructors are qualified and experimented adapting the programme to each situation. Groups of level. CONCERNING THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE IN EACH GROUP : On average, 11 people per group. Our interest for regrouping people according to their level, leads to some changes concerning the size. Otherwise, the size of the group is not blocked at 11. It can be less or more as 8, 9, 10 or 12 people… Anyway, 15 people should be the maximum. In that case, no worries, 2 instructors will be with the group (1 qualified instructor and 1in training). CONCERNING SAFETY INFORMATION - THE SKI OFF-PISTE : For safety reasons, at the UCPA, off-piste is practiced only in optimal conditions, evaluated by our qualified instructors.
All the equipment is provided : skis (new school, X-trem carve …) , shoes, snowboard (free-ride, free-style), snow-parks. Centres : TIGNES, DEUX ALPES.
Paragliding is the purest, simplest and easiest form of aviation, the original dream of personal flight and the fastest growing air sport in the world.
Sites
Our sites in Le Lachens (Provence), Samoens (Alps) or Saint Lary (Pyrenees) are recognised as ones of the best all-round training sites in France England and where many well known Paragliding pilots took their first steps. Our centres are recognised and approved by the French Government as Paragliding licensed schools with the best facilities available for paragliding from the beginner to advanced pilot.
Courses
Our courses offer excellent value for beginners, including flights from the top of the hill, turning, spot landings, site and weather assessments, flight planning and theory.
Material : helmet, radio, Nova sails or equivalent "school material", fully tested and officially registered (DHV or AFNOR Norma) Centres : DEUX ALPES