Ski touring- hiking in high alpine terrain - is an overwhelming experience of nature! High up among snow-capped Alpine peaks and deep valleys, the silence and sense of freedom are total. Here you are at the mercy of your own and nature's forces in a very tangible way. We organize about ten tours of varying difficulty and intensity. Below you will find some of the best in the French Alps!
Typical day
We offer two types of hiking trips. One type consists of day trips or morning and afternoon sessions. The ski group meets in the morning to go over the day's program. After completing the activity, you return to your center. In the other type (Adventure), you are away all week, going from mountain hut to mountain hut.
Touring with UCPA
Please note that there is a difference between Ski Touring programs and off-piste touring programs, with the latter focusing more on downhill skiing. These programs are listed under the off-piste category.
What is Ski Touring?
Ski Touring, known as "Ski de Randonée" in French, is a form of skiing practiced in untracked terrain outside the ski system. Randonnée is a challenging and physically demanding activity. At the same time, it is a great way to explore different mountain areas and get closer to nature!
Instead of using the lift system, you use crampons, a harness that prevents you from sliding down, to climb the mountain. Depending on the terrain and slope, you may sometimes have to put your skis on your back and climb using crampons, a type of spiked boot that attaches under your ski boots.
Unlike off-piste skiing, randonnée is more about the climb up, in the untouched areas among the stunning views, than the skiing down. Downhill skiing, on the other hand, offers the same thrills and sense of freedom as off-piste skiing.
Safety first!
Activities outside the ski system are associated with risks such as avalanches, crevasses and cliffs. It is important to always be informed and plan your skiing according to weather and snow conditions. It is also of utmost importance to wear your safety equipment properly and be prepared for how to handle an emergency situation.
With UCPA, you have the opportunity to undertake this type of skiing with a certified guide. UCPA guides undergo years of training and have expert knowledge to read different terrain and weather conditions. Through the guide, you will be trained to deal with different situations that may arise when hiking. They also make sure to find the best rides for the day for you and your group.
Through their years of training, they will give you technique tips and tools to become a better skier.
Choose the right Ski Touring level
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ACTIVITIES
What can you do?
Where can you go?
Destination
UCPA - Freely translated to English as "National Federation for Sports and Outdoor Centers" - has a history of over 50 years. It is, in short, a non-profit, all-French organization supported by, among others, the French state. The purpose is to give ordinary people the opportunity to learn and develop in one or more sports together, in pleasant and unpretentious forms. The organization has about 80 centers in France and the West Indies, 28 of them are located at well-known winter sports resorts in the French Alps.
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