-
Off Piste Awareness Tour – Autumn 2018 dates
Henry's Avalanche Talk have announced dates and venues for this year's Off Piste Awareness tour. If you're tempted to try the off piste, or have tried it and are unaware of the potential dangers, then these talks are an excellent way to get up to speed and learn what to look out for, what not to do, and how to prepare.
There are two different talks. The Essentials is a must-see and includes all the "essential' information for skiers/boarders of all levels. If you've already seen the Essentials talk then there is the in-depth talk, Ride Hard, Ride Safe – where Henry will go into detail on the how and why avalanches are triggered.
With the development of equipment over the last 15-20 years, venturing into off piste areas has become more accessible for the less experienced skier. Nowadays, a strong three week skier, on the right skis, could tackle an off-piste descent whereas 20 years ago, on narrow skis with no rocker, this would have been out of his/her league. However the three week skier has not had the time to learn mountain craft and what to look out for in these situations – nor do they know what might endanger themselves or others.
Henry’s Avalanche Talk (HAT) was founded by Henry Schniewind. HAT has been around for 25 years and grown into a team of off-piste professionals. They have given talks and courses to tens of thousands of people, presented at international snow science conferences and published many papers and articles, often in the British press.
There are two types of skiers they help. The first are experienced skiers who go off-piste, take risks they don’t understand and could easily suffer an avalanche accident. The second are regular skiers who are reluctant to go off-piste because they think it is dangerous and scary due to avalanche danger and the hazards of navigating unfamiliar terrain.
The talks are a great way to learn. The talks take place during late October, throughout November, and in January, at various venues across the UK. You'll find all the information on dates, venues and how to book on their website!
-
Here’s a Top Tip for your first Family Ski Holiday
The children’s book all skiers have been waiting for!
Any parent with children who ski will tell you that the first week is crucial and not without stress and worry.
Will they take to skiing? How will they cope with the equipment, the cold, the environment? What if they hate ski school and refuse to go back? The first week or two is make or break – it could either mean a future of great family ski holidays or zero family ski holidays.
A trio of British ski instructors, all ex-GB team racers, have come together to tackle this problem and have published a great little book for children called "Jacob's First Ski Holiday".
The book which is aimed at 4 to 8 year olds is guaranteed to bring extra excitement in the build up to a child’s first ski holiday.
Written by the founders of Maison Sport, they have used their experience of ski teaching and love for the sport to create a book that will increase the chances of a successful and enjoyable ski holiday for young children.
The book features illustrations and descriptions of various key techniques the children will learn during their first lesson, in a subtle and exciting way. It also aims to show how much of an adventure the children will go on during their holiday, taking away some of the unknowns that can make the experience daunting for a child.
Nick Robinson, one of the team behind the book explains:
"Sometimes the first hour of a children’s skiing experience can be quite challenging, they often have no understanding of what skiing is and more importantly why they now have to walk around in giant shoes (ski boots), with ridiculously slippy planks of wood stuck to their feet (skis). They then spend the next hour trying to walk around with said planks of wood attached to giant shoes, sliding and slipping everywhere. This can be disheartening and that’s why the book tries to show them all the adventures they will discover once they can ski.
We have huge passion for the industry and have great memories skiing as a child, we feel this is a great way to pass this on."
With beautiful illustrations the book helps to paint a picture of what a child can expect on their first ski holiday and helps to get them excited and looking forward to the experience, whilst familiarising them with some of skiing basics. The idea is to give them the book before the holiday so they can start to learn what to expect.
To find out more and how to purchase the book take a look at https://jacobsadventures.com/ !
-
Les Menuires – All you need to know about Les Bruyeres
Are you looking for a different destination for your next ski holiday? Check out Les Bruyeres, part of Les Menuires in the massive Three Valleys ski area – and a favourite with Ski Amis. Here they give us all the info!
Les Bruyeres:
The village of Les Bruyeres, situated at 1850m, can be found in the heart of Les Menuires and offers all you could need for a ski holiday – it has even been described to be its own ‘mini resort’. The Three Valleys are literally right on your doorstep, with fantastic easy access up to Val Thorens or the Meribel Valley.
Why is Les Bruyeres great for families?
- Nursery slopes and ski school meeting points right at the foot of the piste
- The gondola lift is also located near most accommodation too, so for little legs carrying their own skis and walking with heavy boots on, it’s not far to go!
- The gondola lift is also having an upgrade over the 2018 summer ready for the 2018/2019 season. There are rumours it is going to hold more people and be a lot comfier!
- There are a range of slopes to suit all abilities that are easily reached, as well as being an excellent base for high-altitude skiing
- There are plenty of non-ski activities to keep children entertained in Les Bruyeres. An Aqua Fun swimming pool and a mini rollercoaster called Speed Mountain
- For smaller children between 18 – 30 months, there is even a ‘Club Piou-Piou’, a day nursery run by ESF for you to keep your little ones occupied and looked after whilst you venture out on the pistes
How far away is the Croisette? (Town centre)
The Croisette is the main hub of activity in Les Menuires; it’s where you will find the majority of bars, restaurants and local shops and amenities. The walk to here from Les Bruyeres will only take you around 15 minutes, and if that is too much after a full on day of skiing then there is a free shuttle bus from Bruyeres to the Croisette every 20 minutes.
Places to eat and drink
There are plenty of choices for you to enjoy that traditional French cuisine you’ve been dying to try; ‘La Marmites’ in Les Bruyeres has some excellent reviews – this is the place to try! It offers traditional Savoyard dishes such as fondue and raclette, along with other hearty dishes such as steak or duck breast! Perfect for refuelling after tearing up the piste! Another fantastic restaurant would be ‘Les Marmottes’ – again, it has been highly praised in reviews and offers a quality French menu created using as many locally sourced products as they can.
Why Ski Amis love this mini resort
- Great views
- Excellent location
- Speedy access to slopes
- Snow Sure and great access to high altitude skiing
- Fun for all
Where to stay in Les Bruyeres
Ski Amis offer quality catered accommodation within their very own ‘Chalets des Bruyeres’. There are 5 chalets for you to choose from, all very similar inside but 3 different sizes to choose from depending on your group size. They are located just opposite the Bruyeres Gondola lift and are all ‘Ski in/Ski out’, so the location couldn’t get much better!
For the month of June Les Menuires is their ‘Resort of the Month’ and they are offering a fantastic promotion of £50 off per adult for any Les Menuires catered chalet booking made before the end of the month. Contact them now!
So there you have it! For more options in Les Menuires click here!
-
Weather update for the Half Term getaway
Families up and down the UK will be gearing up for skiing today as the February half term holidays begin!
It's one of the most important weeks of the year so we thought we'd give you a little half term heads up for what to expect weather-wise.
It looks like 10-17th Feb is going to be a very mixed weather bag in the Alps. There's a dusting of snow forecast in many places, both at the beginning and towards the end of the week – although mountain weather can be notoriously changeable and will not always adhere to what is expected.
It does look like it's going to be cold – we're talking seriously sub-zero at least for a few days. The good news is that there is also some sunshine in the mix.
Summing up then – the outlook so far is for some sunshine, possibly some snow and pretty cold.
Make sure you pack lots of layers, especially for the kids. Thermal long johns and long sleeve base layers will be extremely useful for all the family. If you have thin inner gloves which can be worn under ski gloves these will really help to keep little fingers warmer during the hours of ski school.
Don't forget hats too that can be worn when stepping out to go sledging or skating after skiing!
Wherever you're heading piste conditions are excellent – the cold temperatures have the kept the snow pristine and the regular top ups of snow we've been having this season have meant that you won't be seeing a rock on piste anytime soon!
… and if you've left it a bit late and are tempted by a February holiday then there's still time to get something booked! Check out our last minute offers here!
-
We’re all set for February skiing – fresh snow, blue skies, great conditions!
But don't just take our word for it – here's the latest report from TDC Ski. If you're heading out for half-term holidays you're in for great snow.
This week is set to remain cold too!
Snow Report 5th Feb 2018 Val d'Isere Tignes from tdc – the development centre on Vimeo.
There's still time to organise a last minute Half Term break check out our Half Term offers!
-
After the sun – there’s more snow on the way! The latest snow report from TDCSki
Snow Report 29th Jan 2018 Val d'Isere Tignes from tdc – the development centre on Vimeo.
Here's the latest report from TDC Ski from Val d'Isere. It's a good summing up of conditions so far this January.
Yes it's been an up and down month with a series of storms bringing LOTS of snow, with swinging temperatures meaning that the rain-snow limit has varied enormously, and with strong winds which has accentuated the avalanche risk at higher altitudes and led to lift closures.
This last week however has brought some sunshine, clear blue skies and excellent piste conditions.
As if on request Mother Nature will be dumping more snow on the Alps for the start of February – stay tuned for up to date info and photos.
There's still time to book if you're looking for a last minute break – and with the snow accumulations we have now, skiing is sure to be good for Easter and beyond!
-
This week’s snow report from TDCSki from Val d’Isere
Snow Report 21st Jan 2018 Val d'Isere Tignes from tdc – the development centre on Vimeo.
There's been more wild weather across the Alps – and loads more snow. Yes it's turning out to be an incredible winter in terms of snowfall with January bringing us a series of storms and snow dumps measuring in the metres.
It's not all been rosy – the snow has come with high winds and temperatures have been very up and down – resulting in high avalanche risk and lift closures. However the skiing that has been available has been great! At this rate we'd say it's unlikely that you'll see a rock until at least April.
Mountain weather is changeable and the large accumulations of snow will inevitably bring risks. Lift companies will be pulling out all the stops to make sure that areas are secured and once they are you can be sure of great conditions. From tomorrow there will be a respite from the stormy weather and sunshine and warmer temperatures before temperatures plunge again at the weekend.
If you're tempted to go skiing it's certainly not a bad idea to escape the winter wet and head for the snow! Check out our Last Minute Offers!
More about TDCSKI
The old style of ski school, and ski lessons where you follow around your ski instructor needed a revamp. So TDC have adopted a much more dynamic and personal program of ski coaching and ski improvement. Experience the difference with small, high quality ski coaching clinics, which allows your coach to concentrate on you.
Gone are the days of "bend ze knees" – they have the philosophy that you can improve with greater success when you are presented with intelligent, clear and well presented information. Do this in a positive and safe learning environment and the results will be easily seen.
TDCski are a group of highly motivated ski instructors who hold the highest international qualification with full French equivalance. Having all qualified through the British system and with English as a first language, they specialise in high-quality, focused and rersonalised ski coaching.
With centres in Val d'Isere, Tignes, Meribel and Courchevel. why not get in touch with them to take your skiing to the next level! See their website: TDCSKI
-
Packing for your first ski holiday!
Ski Magic ski holidays, based in the Three Valleys, have come up with this handy guide to help beginners pack for their first trip to the mountains!
If you’re wondering what to pack for a ski trip as a beginner, here’s the Ski Magic packing checklist for your first skiing/snowboarding holiday:
For skiing
Outer layers need to be waterproof and breathable. If you’re coming skiing for the first time, it makes sense to try and borrow these things from a friend rather than splashing out on buying your own, or try looking for second hand in charity shops or online. Ski gear is made specifically for cold temperatures and snow, so it’s ideal to choose a ski jacket rather than a hiker’s raincoat.
- 1 ski jacket (you can get a ‘shell’ which is a thin waterproof layer, and wear this with a down ‘midlayer’ underneath, or you can opt for a ski jacket which has padded insulation)
- 1 pair of salopettes
- 1 pair of ski gloves/mitts
- 1 midlayer – skiers tend to choose a fleece or a light, technical fabric jacket or thin down jacket
- 1 neck warmer – better than a scarf
- 3-4 pairs of ski socks (handwash if you need to)
- 1 pair thermal pants/long johns
- 2-3 thermal tops
- 1 pair UV protection sports sunglasses
- 1 pair ski goggles (much better than sunglasses on a snowy day)
- 1 rucksack packed with high SPF suncream, lip balm and refillable water bottle – big enough to hold a spare layer or to carry anything you want to take off!
Around resort
It’s pretty casual around a ski resort; think practical rather than swish unless you’re planning to go to really swanky places! Whilst it’s chilly outside, it’s always very cosy inside chalets, bars and restaurants. So – as always – layers are key! You’ll also be spending quite a lot of time dressed in ski gear during the daytime, so you won’t need quite so many clothes as you’d think, unless you have a habit of getting covered in beer every night…
Thinking of taking your favourite winter coat? Most people walk around resort in their ski jacket which saves on luggage space, especially if you wear it to travel in!
- 1 pair boots – ideally waterproof and grippy enough to cope with ice or slush. You could wear trainers or heels, but you’ll probably slip over or get very cold feet!
- 2 pairs trousers (or thick tights/leggings)
- 3-4 tops
- 1-2 jumpers
- 1 hat & a pair of woolly gloves
In your accommodation
Inside, you’ll probably be toasty warm so don’t think you’re going to need loads of knitwear! Most likely you’ll be fine in a single layer in the chalet. In the mornings you’ll probably have breakfast in your thermal undies or PJs, then get dressed to go skiing. Once you come back from skiing you’ll change into normal clothes for going out or for dining in.
- Slippers – you won’t want to wear snowy, wet boots inside
- Swimming things – if your chalet has a hot tub, sauna or swimming pool
- Pyjamas
- Underwear – take extras as you’ll be showering and changing after skiing
- TLC kit – some painkillers (for achey limbs and/or hangovers), plasters in case your ski boots rub, moisturiser for dry skin on cold days
- Entertainment: games, books, music etc. although our chalets have board games, a music system and WiFi.
Things you can rent or buy in resort
- Skis, boots, poles – you’ll rent these as a beginner
- A helmet, which we strongly recommend hiring
- Ski gloves, goggles, ski socks, thermals, neck-warmers, hats, ski jackets and salopettes are all available to buy in resort shops
Don’t forget!
- Passport plus driving licence if you’re hiring a car
- Wallet – best to tell your bank you’re going abroad before you leave
- Insurance – please ensure it covers winter sports
- Phone/camera plus chargers, cables and adapters
- Straighteners – hairdryers are available in the chalet, but you might want these to sort out your hat hair!
- Glasses wearer? Take spares if you have them. For skiing it’s a good idea to wear contact lenses and goggles, or prescription sunglasses. Some goggles are big enough to take a pair of glasses underneath but you’ll suffer with steamy lenses!
What to book in advance
- Ski lessons – it’s best to book this before you arrive in resort so that everything is organised for your first day
- Ski passes – order these through us for the same price or cheaper than you can buy at the lift pass office
- Ski hire – you can reserve this in advance
- Got any dietary requirements? Advise us before you travel so that your chalet host can make sure they have everything they need. More about Food & Drink…
And finally…. What NOT to pack for a ski trip!
Over-packers, watch out for these things which you really won’t need out on the slopes:
- A big fluffy, woolly scarf – too bulky for skiing and it’ll get covered in snow and won’t ever be the same!
- A hoodie – the hood will really get on your nerves and cotton isn’t a great material for warmth or ‘wicking’ = taking the sweat away from your skin, so it’s not a great choice as a midlayer.
- Don’t wear everyday socks inside your ski boots for the same reason – you’ll sweat then end up with cold, damp feet which will make you miserable!
- Too many pairs of shoes – you’ll really only need one pair of boots for walking around resort; those waterproof, grippy ones we mentioned above.
- Wax for your skis? Only serious pros would consider taking wax on holiday… You don’t need to worry about that yet!
- Makeup and jewellery – learning to ski is not a time for heavy makeup, what with getting hot, getting cold, eyes running etc, and you don’t want to be worried about losing jewellery when taking gloves and helmet on and off. Bring minimal for the evenings.
- A big SLR camera – unless you’re a pro photographer, stick to your phone or a small camera as you’ll find a big one stays in your bag all day as it’s too tricky to get in and out in the cold!
Got any more questions on what to pack for a ski holiday? Do feel free to contact us – don’t be embarassed, we’ve heard it all before!
Ski Magic have beautiful chalets in La Tania and Courchevel! Check them out!
-
Taking a Baby Skiing!
Ski Magic's top tips on taking your smallest member of the family away to the mountains. Follow their advice and it will be child's play 🙂 !The Ski Magic Guide to taking your baby skiing
First things first: This is going to be easier than you think!
In fact, babies can make charming travel companions, and taking a baby skiing is no exception. It may sound like a mad enterprise but there are ways and means to make your first ski holiday with a baby smooth and (mostly) hassle-free if you do your research and make sure you’re organised.
When to go?
If you’re worried about cold January weather, then perhaps its best travel in March or April when the weather will be warmer: great for walks with your little one and making the most of the fresh mountain air! Christmas is also a magical time to be in the mountains, with all the twinkly lights around the resort: ideal if you’re looking at a 3G family holiday with grandparents.
Where to go?
Skiing in Europe is the obvious choice if you’re coming from the UK. Not only is the skiing amazing, but importantly, the travel times aren’t too daunting with a small person in tow. Also it doesn’t experience such harsh winters as eg. Canada.
Which resort?
Of course we would say this, but La Tania should be at the top of your list of potential resorts. Here’s why:
1) It’s a pretty and pedestrianised village – not too large, not too small
2) It’s part of a huge ski area (the Three Valleys)
3) There’s lovely, gentle sledging at the base of the slopes
4) It’s easy to get around on foot and using the free buses
5) Using the lifts it’s easy for whoever is on baby duty to meet up with the rest of the group for lunchHow to get there?
If you’re nervous of taking a baby on a plane then consider the train: being able to walk around is a great advantage! Driving from the UK gives you the freedom of being able to take a break whenever you need to, perhaps even planning an overnight stop or two during the journey to make a road trip of it.
Taking a baby on a plane
Travelling on a plane with tiny people is not as horrendous as it sounds. In our experience, airline staff are generally very kind to people with little children. Younger babies will love the opportunity to be sitting on your lap for an hour or so, and if you can time your flight for nap time then a quick feed and the hum of the engines make perfect conditions for a doze!
For older babies (the wrigglier ones), it’s worth popping some distractions into your changing bag, but think carefully about what to take – anything with small parts that will drop onto the floor are a real nuisance! A brilliant idea is to take a piece of cord and thread or tie smaller toys onto it – ones with lights (not sounds!), buttons, switches etc. – something that is easy to keep on your lap and be interesting for more than 2 seconds, eg. a bottle with a screwcap, something with a zip, even your own cardigan with buttons… Think creatively! And for when all else fails, always have a stash snacks…
Airlines generally allow car seats and buggies to be checked in through excess baggage (on top of your baggage allowance) which is really useful, but if you think that you’re going to find it difficult to manage a long walk carrying your baby on your hip then you can usually take a buggy or backpack carrier to the gate with you. This is also a great way of keeping all your bits and bobs together!
Ski Magic transfers can provide age-appropriate car seats for the transfer, just let us know in advance. Click here for transfer times.
Top tip no. 1: Don’t wear warm clothes and be prepared to get hot and sweaty (especially if you end up buying a bottle of gin in the duty free that you’ll have to carry as well as your baby!)
Top tip no. 2: Some airlines will allow you to board the plane in front of everyone else. Don’t! Minimise the time you have to be strapped down and wait for everyone else to get on first. That way the plane will be ready to leave not long after you’ve sat down.
Top tip no. 3: Laugh. It’s probably not going to be the most enjoyable of journeys, but when you look back, it’s only a very short period of the holiday – grit your teeth and giggle on through!
Where to stay?
A catered chalet is by far your easiest option if you’re travelling with a baby. Not only is your food prepared and cooked for you, but your little one can have their own tea-time earlier and go to bed before you relax and unwind with the grown-ups and enjoy the experience of having someone cook and wash up for you!
Read more about how Ski Magic chalet holidays work and what we offer for families.
When will I get to go skiing?
If you’re travelling with family then it’s easy to swap so that you all get to spend some time on the mountain, doing what you love!
If you’d like to, Ski Magic offer full or half day childcare so that you can enjoy a few precious hours on the slopes without worrying about your little one.
We also provide lunch if required, so that you can rest assured they’ll be well fed sensible meals to keep those all-important energy levels up!
Our nannies are qualified childcare practitioners and we adhere to strict UK child:carer ratios. The childcare team visit the chalets on arrival day to meet the children and discuss your requirements.
The movable service accommodates children within the chalet environment; our nannies will bring play equipment to whichever chalet has most children. We’ll organise a programme of indoor and outdoor play, taking the ages of the children into consideration. Activities could include: snowman building, sledging, piste picnics, treasure hunts, baking, face painting, model making, bubble ride and trip to the soft play centre on the local bus. We also have loads of arts and crafts equipment!
What to pack?
Remember those days when you chucked a toothbrush and some clean pants in a suitcase and off you went? This is a WHOLE different board game… (And it’s the reason that some guests prefer to drive: no baggage allowance!) But it’s not unachievable, and doubtless you’re already used to carrying kilos of ‘stuff’ whenever you leave the house.
Here’s the link for a general ‘what to pack’ list for anyone going on a ski holiday.
Here’s what else you’ll need for travelling with a baby:
- Milk – if your baby is bottle fed then you can purchase formula from the local supermarket but bear in mind that it may not be the same brand as you usually buy.
- Bottles –steriliser in the chalets??
- Nappies and wipes – again, these can be purchased at the local supermarket but possibly not the same brands or as cheap as you would usually buy. You could use cotton wool and water though.
- A warm suit – we’d heartily recommend the Columbia Snuggly Bunny Bunting suit which has a long zip which makes it easier to get your baby in and out, and fold over hands and feet which are SO MUCH easier than struggling with gloves and bootees!
- Something to carry your baby: a backpack carrier gives you freedom to go up on the lifts and take walks around the village. If you don’t have one, hire one. Some of the local shops have them available or you can hire from this brilliant local service: www.holidaybabyhire.com and they’ll be delivered to your chalet.
- Things to protect your baby from the sun: suncream, hats, sunglasses – bring it all! The combination of sunshine and reflective snow can be vicious for grown up skin, let alone for babies!
- Favourite books/toys/comforters. But you only need the absolute favourites, we can happily provide a few toys to keep your little one entertained in the chalet.
- Your baby’s usual paracetamol, just in case (and probably some for you too!)
Important to remember:
Keep your baby hydrated – the mountain air is dry so can mean that your baby is more susceptible to snuffles.
If your bedroom is too hot then put a vessel of water on your radiator or in corner which will help humidify the room.
It’s great for babies to be outside in the fresh air, just ensure that you cover your baby when out and about: sunshine and/or cold air can damage their skin.
Ski Magic have a great selection of chalets in Courchevel and La Tania, including two luxury chalets with swimming pools and spas. Check out their great range of chalets!
Thanks for the excellent advice! -
Top Tips for Driving to the Alps
Tempted to avoid the airport crush and take your car to the Alps instead? Those alpine experts, Powder White, have some great advice and top tips for you.
Driving to the alps is a great way to enjoy the beautiful scenery, reduce your carbon footprint, avoid the busy half term airports, ludicrous prices of flight tickets and get a few boxes of the good stuff… wine. The Alps are easily accessible via an excellent network of motorways and it's by far the most flexible way to travel.
Benefits of Driving
1. No luggage restrictions.
Ski holidays always involves a lot of bulky equipment such as ski boots, coats, salopettes etc which mean you have to decide whether to take less or pay the extra weight costs.By driving, you can fill the car to the brim and purchase goods to bring home. That could be French wine, Swiss chocolate, new equipment or smelly cheese that the kids always complain about.
2. Save time, that’s right!
In your head, you will always initially think flying only takes the time are up in the air flying. However, it is easy to forget the time it takes to get to an airport, check in, wait due to delays, wait for your luggage and get to the resort at the other end.
If there are two designated drivers you will be able to drive through the night at can get to resort within 12-14 hours (depending on where you come from and where you are going too).
You can check the duration, distance and estimated costs of a medium size petrol car from www.mappy.com . If you have a medium size diesel car you will save an extra 30 euros on fuel.
For example:
Calais to Verbier: duration 8h39, distance 875km, fuel & tolls approx €200
Calais to Val d'Isere: duration 9h26, distance 1002km, fuel & tolls approx €210
Calais to Meribel: duration 8h50, distance 961km, fuel & tolls approx €210
Calais to St Anton: duration 9h52, distance 1035km, fuel & tolls approx €160
3. Save money
Over half term flights can cost a family around £250 per adult (15+) and that is before you have paid for the parking at the airport and costs to get to the airport.
Yes, you can get some get some great deals on flights and save money but key dates such as Half Term or Easter won’t be the time to save money.
Powder White understands how annoying it is for family booking a holiday over Half Term. Prices go up, resorts are busier and you are set to those dates. However, we are offering special Half Term deals to try and get you out in the Alps and enjoying a well-deserved family holiday.
4. Travel at your own pace
When driving you can leave the night before or at 3 am, whatever suits you, it is completely flexible. If you are not in any rush, you can break up the journey and stop off at charming local villages or convenient cities and enjoy a well-deserved rest. Some great stopping off places include Reims, Dijon, Strasbourg (for St Anton).
There are also great inexpensive hotel chains which have locations close to the motorways for easy access. If parking overnight it's a good idea to look for somewhere with secure parking and remove valuables from your car.
Other benefits to driving…
- With your car you can avoid the expensive resort supermarkets by taking your own staples from home and/or shopping in the cheaper supermarkets on the way or at the bottom of the valley.
- Take your own skis and boards without paying airline surcharges.
- And finally, one key point that everyone kept saying was… you can stock up on excellent quality, good value, wine, champagne and French food on the way home.
HOWEVER…
If you are thinking about driving to the Alps there are these key factors you MUST remember…
- Parking – Make sure you have a parking space. If you book with Powder White, we have specific parking spaces in each of our resort.
- French Driving Law – When driving through France you must have:
- Driving licence – yes, we have heard of people forgetting the driving licence after leaving it in their wallet back home.
- Proof of vehicle ownership & Insurance – Print it out as it will speed up your process if you get pulled over.
- Headlamp beam deflector – Remember you are driving on the right side of the road.
- Breathalyzer kit – This is by law! Don’t forget it.
- Hazard warning triangle – This is by law! Don’t forget it.
- Spare set of car keys – because we have that scare when we lose a set of keys.
- High-visibility waistcoats-This is by law! Don’t forget it.
- It is also worth getting snow chains and winter tyres as you never know what the conditions are going to be like.
Check out Powder White extensive list of properties in the top ski resorts of Courchevel, Meribel, St Anton & Val d'Isere!
Still looking for Half Term, Christmas, New Year?
Avoid the airport crush!
