Has anyone ever driven to the Alpes from the UK to ski?

Question

Might be driving from the UK (dover to calais) and then down to Les Gets (Morzine). Has anyone done it, if so what are the important things to consider (when driving as opposed to flying). IE: Ferry vs Tunnel, Snow Chains, French rules on car lights. insurance, overnight stop off.

Don't really want to miss anything out, and then regret going, as skiing can be an expensive pastime, to say the least! Thanks!

Answer 1

Road tolls through France are very expensive but you can avoid them by taking wee detour through Belgium and on down through Alsace region. Nice drive. Beware of switzerland though cause they charge a one off annual motorway fee around 50 euros. Costs about that much again if you head through any of the tunnels to Italy. Check out Ibis hotels web site. They have accomodation all over continent and not too expensive.

Answer 2

if you have uk plates and get flashed by a speed camera you cant get fined!! but still remember they are in KM/h not miles.

tolls are a pain if your on your own cuz of being left hand drive and make sure you know how to use snow chains and have them, winter tyres are useful to cuz you can put them on before you leave and forget about  them. the ferry is way cheaper than the tunnel but book ahead they get filled up. Remember when lookngi at the cost to include insurance and tolls etc, sometimes its cheaper to fly but the car can be a good option.

Answer 3

There are tolls all over france's roads so have plenty of euros for that.   Have driven from Nice to the Alps but flew to Nice.  The roads are fantastic to drive on in France.

Answer 4

My parents do this all the time, they go off in their camper van and just park up at the best ski resorts, where it's allowed (many) free parking. Stay as many days as they want then drive to another resort, follow the snow! They tend to go for a few weeks, lucky them!

Answer 5

I haven't personally (I always fly) but a mate has.

(a) tunnel - faster.

(b) headlight deflectors, spare bulbs (law), European breakdown cover

(c) snow chains should be taken just in case.

(d) I'd go for the overnight stop myself. My mate didn't and ended up fitting snow chains at 1am and arriving at the hotel at 4am. He's slightly mad though.

Answer 6

Why bother ? Flights are cheaper than the cost of petrol, unless you want to go on a road trip I'd say it isn't worth the effort.