The ski season officially kicks off in December, but it might be a gamble as to whether or not your preferred resort in the French Alps has a decent covering of snow, especially if it is of lower altitude. The best snow is often found in February, along with the highest prices and biggest crowds, but there may be cheaper alternatives for travel than jumping on a plane to Chamberry.
A quick online search using Skyscanner I carried out on the 11th February reveals that flying from London to Chamberry can take up to 38hrs with two stops, although direct flights are a lot quicker at 1hr 35 mins.
Let the train take the strain
You might think that taking the train to the French Alps would be slow and a lot of hassle, but in fact it can be a smart alternative to flying. The Eurostar ski train operates between 21st December 2012 to the 13th April 2013 and can whisk you from St Pancreas International or Ashford International to Moutiers, Aime-la-Plagne and Bourg Maurice from under nine hours. Places are filling up, but there are still deals from around £100 to be had, so it’s not too heavy on your pocket.
Once in the Alps, it is just a matter of hoping onto a coach to your chosen resort. The resorts served include Meribel, La Tania, Courchevel, Val Thorens, Les Menuires, Valmorel, La Plagne, Les Arcs, Val d’Isere and Tignes. Coaches will be scheduled to coincide with the arrival of trains, but separate tickets are required which can be pre booked at Altibus.com.
Options are also available for a night time journey, meaning that you can get on the slopes straight away, fresh from a few hours kip on the train.
Drive yourself
For the ultimate in flexibility, the easiest option is to take yourself off in a car. Avoid busy airports, luggage restrictions and take your own food with you or buy from the cheap hypermarkets on the way. Â Either take the Channel Tunnel, or hop on a ferry from your most convenient port.
Image source: ernalow.co.uk/
Average journey times are roughly 10 – 12 hours, depending on traffic and the weather. If you are taking your own car, it is advisable to ensure it is fully serviced and all fluids are topped up. Also make sure you are up to date with French Road law as they are quite strict; compulsory items to carry include a breathalyser kit, reflective safety jacket, warning triangle and snow chains (for mountainous regions). It is also prudent to carry items such as a shovel, tow rope, heavy duty gloves, spare headlight bulbs and de-icer for windscreens and locks.
The French road network is excellent and if you are not in a hurry to get on the white stuff, you can easily take yourself off to explore towns on the way. If you’ve got any room on the way back, you can also stock up on some excellent wine & champagne from a hypermarket.
Whatever your preference, have a great time on the slopes!
