Over the past few years the vast majority of Ski Famille guests have flown into Geneva or Chambery to start their family ski holiday. However, go back ten years and driving was far more common.
As “low cost” flights become increasingly less low cost and airports become ever more hectic many families are switching back to driving. We believe that it’s a great way to get to our chalets and if you have children who travel well it’s worth considering.
Our Les Gets chalets are around 8 ½ hours driving time from the channel ports and Reberty Village is only a little further. It’s a simple drive too. Forget Britain’s congested motorway network and conjure up an image of smooth uncluttered tarmac.
Some of the positives of driving
Save money by avoiding expensive flights on peak dates.
Travel at your own pace; bundle the children into the car at 3am or set off after a leisurely breakfast. You can do what suits you.
You can make a holiday of the journey. Why not book into a budget hotel en-route and explore Reims?
With no luggage restrictions you can fill your car to the brim.
Take your own skis and boards without paying airline surcharges.
Stock up on speciality food and some fabulous wines on the journey home!
Top Tips
Before you leave have your car fully serviced, check your battery and fan belt, top up your antifreeze, and make sure your windscreen solution is strong enough to cope with the weather in the Alps (generally speaking don't dilute).
French Road Safety law stipulates that all vehicles driving in France must carry at all times at least one reflective safety jacket and one warning triangle in their vehicle. You will also need a spare set of bulbs.
Snow chains are a legal requirement if you are attempting mountain roads (even in a 4x4).
Budget for tolls. They’ll cost around £50 each way.
When in resort lift your windscreen wipers away from the front and back windscreens so they are not impossible to move if it snows heavily.
If parking your car for over an hour or so leave in gear with the handbrake off - it can freeze solid overnight.
Start working on your children's musical taste well in advance of a long trip. Picture nine hours of "Wheels on the bus" ... not nice! I already have a 3 year old who requests David Bowie and the Specials, by our ski trip next March I'm hoping to be able to get her on track with Led Zep and Gomez.
Don’t be intimidated by other drivers. Locals will often sit a foot behind you on a mountain road and swoop past if the smallest gap appears. Just stick to a speed you and your passengers are comfortable with. Accident statistics show that locals aren’t as good as they think…
Chris
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