Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included* and served as a buffet, where you can choose from French-style meals. You can choose between meat, fish and often a vegetarian option too. None of UCPA's centres can guarantee that they can adapt their meals to everyone's allergies and needs. If you have special dietary requirements, it's a good idea to introduce yourself to the kitchen staff and explain what you need.
Breakfast is usually served between 7 and 9 (may vary)
Breakfast is continental, with croissants, baguettes, yoghurt, cereal, juice and coffee. At some centres there are oats so you can make your own porridge, as well as toppings such as cheese and/or ham.
Lunch is usually served between 12 and 14 (may vary)
If you are staying at the centre in Argentière or Chamonix, you make up a packed lunch in the morning, usually a baguette or salad, which you then eat on the slopes. This may also be the case if you have a planned excursion as part of your activity. If so, you will be told in advance so you have time to sort this out.
Dinner is usually served between 19 and 21 (may vary)
Dinner is best enjoyed at a relaxed pace, where you can share the day with your fellow skiers, both new and old friends. The cheese and dessert table is usually a popular part of the dinner buffet.
* unless otherwise stated for your activity.
Special diets
Gluten intolerance
Gluten intolerance is becoming more and more common, but there is no guarantee that you can be served gluten-free food at your centre. Serre Chevalier is the only centre that promises gluten-free options in advance. If you visit any of UCPA's centres, it's a good idea to introduce yourself to the kitchen staff and explain your wishes. Be prepared to make yourself understood in French. And to be on the safe side, you should have a backup plan, such as bringing your own alternatives – especially for breakfast.
Lactose intolerance
UCPA's centres have limited possibilities to serve special diets. Some centres, such as Serre Chevalier, are able to take your needs into account. So it's always worth introducing yourself to the kitchen staff and telling them that you are lactose intolerant. Try to prepare a French translation of what you can and can't eat. But remember to always have a backup plan for your food when you need a special diet.
Vegetarian / Vegan
All centres offer at least one vegetarian option at every meal, although the selection will be more limited. If you are vegan (or vegetarian), it's a good idea to introduce yourself to the kitchen staff and tell them about your diet. Do prepare to make yourself understood in French to avoid misunderstandings. To be on the safe side, you should have a plan B in case the centre is too busy that week or can't arrange your special diet in any other way.
Other allergies
If you have a serious allergy, it's important that you contact us at the Swedish UCPA Resor and let us know. There is no guarantee that the centre can accommodate your allergy, so you need to get the go-ahead from us first. If you have a special diet, it is not always possible for the centre to provide it. We recommend that you speak to the kitchen staff yourself and tell them what diet you need. Remember that you need to make yourself understood in French to avoid misunderstandings. But, as mentioned, the centre can't always help you. It's a good idea to always have a backup plan so you can take responsibility for your own needs.
Food on arrival & departure days
If you arrive at the centre after the buffet's opening hours, the centre has no way of arranging an alternative for you. The same applies if you leave the centre early. If you leave the centre before breakfast or lunch is served, the centre will not be able to arrange an alternative.
