UCPA, with centres in most of the big name French ski resorts, provides amazing value, all inclusive, outdoor activity packages.

In winter, you can ski, snowboard or even learn to speed ride. In summer, you can try mountaineering and other activities.

Most packages include full-time coaching, the technical equipment you require, lift passes and full board accommodation.

The centres are basic, but clean and adequate as a base, while the food is outstanding and plentiful. Beer and wine is also far cheaper than in most bars or hotels.

As an introduction to an activity, the courses are ideal. Better yet, for off-piste guiding, nothing compares for value. A week will typically cost about £600 plus transport, but you needn't spend a penny more in resort.

The cheapest transport option for a group may be to drive from the UK, but bus operators also link up to London. Outside of school half-term weeks, flights to gateway cities like Geneva can also be obtained cheaply from the usual budget operators.

All information can be obtained from UCPA directly (www.ucpa.co.uk) or via Action Outdoors (www.action-outdoors.co.uk).

If flying to Geneva, try Alpybus for airport transfers: www.alpybus.com

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Highly affordable hostel which manages to still be conveniently located near the centre of town. A simple, but excellent, breakfast is included in the price. The bar (stocked with an impressive selection of scotch) is a seasonaires favourite, especially in spring when the enormous patio with breathtaking views of Mont Blanc really comes into its own. The New Years Eve party, the Boss des Bosses race weekend and the end of season party in early May are the best possible times to stay there and enjoy the atmosphere.

365 Ave Ravanel le Rouge, 74400 Chamonix Mont-Blanc
www.gitevagabond.com/
+33 450 531 543
Google map: bit.ly/b3QkRm

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A small restaurant in La Balme, recently converted from a series of old cow sheds. It's near the bottom of the Aiguilette (a short red run with a button lift). There's a lovely sunny terrace and they do great value lunches for around €10. Try the assiette de pisteurs, a huge plate of salad, rosti, goats cheese on toast and lardons.

00 33 683 33 86 61 (Booking is essential)
No website
www.snowcarbon.co.uk/ski-resorts/chamonix/chamonix-eat-drink-party

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Just got back from a week of skiing in Chamonix where we had an amazing time. We stayed in an apartment in Chamonix Sud that we rented through Ventoria.com. It was quite small, but there was enough space for us and considering the discounted rent it was a great deal. The bus stop for the lifts was just across the road which saved us the long walk in ski boots. The small pizza place downstairs is also worth checking out if you dont fancy cooking.

ventoria.com

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I booked my ski holiday to Chamonix with Blue Altitude and they were fantastic! They organised everything from our chalet and ski-passes to the transfers from Geneva to Chamonix. We had a great holiday and will definitely be using them again.

www.blue-altitude.com

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After many years of driving myself and the rest of the gang down to the alps for a week of on and off piste action, I decided to fly into Geneva for a weekend, so i booked a flight with flybe and I booked a transfer with transfer intelligence.

I couldn't believe the travel costs for the weekend were about half the costs of the normal drive out there. Great value for money, budget flights and budget transfers.

www.flybe.com/
www.transfer-intelligence.com/

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My money saving idea - lunchtimes on the Alps can cost you between £8 and £25 per day! If you're on a budget ski holiday then make the most of your half-board chalet. 1. drag yourself down to breakfast. 2. add several extra slices of french bread, ham & cheese to your plate 3. create a selection of ham and cheese rolls 4. when no one is looking, take out your serviette and wrap around (discreetly) your freshly made rolls, and hide quickly in a pocket or bag... et voila, enjoy on an uncrowded rock, with a view of your choice... ALL FOR FREE!

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This is a great two-star hotel (breakfast only - quiet bar) brilliantly located less than 100m from the foot of La Flegere so it's an easy walk even in boots. The Flegere ski area is wonderful for skiers up to good intermediate skill level, with easy access, short queues, a range of eateries and offering wonderful views of the Mt Blanc range to the south. The hotel is simple but very comfortable and cosy and a number of the rooms have balconies with incredible views of Mt Blanc and the Aiguille du Midi.

There are two ski hire shops close by which offer discounts to guests. The free bus stops right outside the hotel so access to the rest of the Chamonix Valley ski areas couldn't be easier. To top it off, there is a truly lovely tree-lined snowy walking trail between Les Praz and Chamonix central (25mins) which winds it's way along the banks of the River l'Arve and is well lit at night - a terrific way to ease those weary legs at the end of the day as you head into town to party.

If you don't want the nightlife, the Hotel Eden (50 metres walk) offers a really good restaurant with a fine wine list. Parking is easy at the Hotel Les Rhododendrons or the hotel staff can organise a pick up from Geneva.

Prices: 53 euros single, up to 118 euros for a quadruple room. Booking is easy, efficient and reliable using the web.

100 Route de Tines, Les Praz de Chamonix, - Chamonix Mont Blanc 74400 - France
Phone: 04 50 53 06 39
Fax: 04 50 53 55 76
www.planigo.com/en/AF328/hotels/planigo-407_3-booking-partner.html

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Great new hotel in Chamonix with shop for kit rental, beer garden with it's own climbing wall and a cool bar and restaurant downstairs. Open year round with regular events/parties in the bar.

964 Routes Des Gaillands, on the South side of Chamonix by the lake and climbing wall. www.verthotel.com
Tel +33 0450 531 358

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They are a really cool independent holiday company with three chalets in Chamonix. My friends and I have stayed with them for the last three years and have always had a wicked time!

They offer everything from lift passes and airport transfers to great meals and hot tubs for very reasonable prices.

www.freshtraxxx.com, 07000 794795, info@freshtraxxx.com

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