Motoring expert STEVE LOADER takes us on a journey through the advantages of driving yourself to the Alps
They say it’s an ill wind that doesn’t blow somebody some good and ski drive holidays may gain from the chilly blast of Covid.
Many experienced skiers and snowboarders are already ski drive fans – going by car is flexible and economical, whether travelling as a family or a car-load of ‘skiing nuts’.
But there will surely be more converts this season as airlines cut back in the face of passenger health precautions and chaotic quarantine rules between the UK and Europe.
In the case of the ferry, a break from driving and a meal on board can mark the start or the finale to a holiday or break.
And Continental motorways are good, – although you will need to pay tolls – so access to the Alps is fast and direct to whatever ski region is your target. Once in resort, you also have the car available to take you to other ski areas, a nice restaurant or leave at the disposal of any non-skiers in the party.
Most make an early start and drive through the day to arrive in resort by evening, others start later and include a night in a hotel and a good meal to break up the journey. Others maximise their holiday with a later departure and drive through the night by swapping drivers. You can be in the resort for breakfast and have a ski before you even check-in to accommodation. Likewise, you can ski after check-out, before heading for the Channel.
Remember too that the car is your only limit on luggage, while airlines tend to charge for skis and extra baggage, and that’s on top of airport parking.
But it is the flexibility of ski drive that will pay the biggest dividend this winter. Many fans already keep dates open and book last-minute crossings and accommodation according to snow conditions – they can keep a check on Covid-precautions too.
Prepping the car in good time is crucial though. You must now have winter or snow tyres fitted to your car – of the Alpine ski nations, only Switzerland has not made them mandatory, but you will almost certainly need them to access that country by car. Besides, it is the UK that is behind the curve on the safety benefits of having a set of ‘winter boots’ for your vehicle.
They might also be good enough to avoid the onerous task of fitting snow chains en route, but it is illegal across the Alps not to have a set on board the car. Practice fitting them on the drive at home before you go.
Self-catering will be extra popular this year so that people can minimise exposure to Covid, but don’t wait to shop in the resort where prices can be ‘Alpine-high’: Google a major supermarket and stock up there before the final climb.
PHOTO: Helena Hilton
France is still the number one with British skiers, but Austrian, Swiss, and Italian resorts are still well within driving distance.
Prices for a car and four people (at time of writing):
DFDS ferry Dover-Calais (90 minutes) from £140
Channel Tunnel Folkestone-Calais (35 minutes) from £260
Where to go?
France is still the No1 with British skiers, for ease of access and the sheer range of skiing, from beginners and families, right up to keeping experts happy with crack resorts like Val d’Isere/Tignes and Chamonix.
Austria is popular, particularly as the unofficial ‘Queen of Après Ski’, where re-telling the thrills and spills of a skiing day adds to the holiday experience.
Switzerland commands a loyal following for breath-taking scenery and status as the ‘Mother of Skiing’: the sport’s modern popularity arose from madcap Brits starting ski races in the village of Wengen in the 1920s.
Don’t overlook the charms of Italy’s La Dolce Vita though: terrific food and a fun atmosphere are a big draw and it’s not so far as many think; the excellent resort of Courmayeur nestles against the French border, just eight hours from Calais.
Covid-19
Before starting your drive to the Alps, check the latest travel and quarantine updates for the UK and all countries you will travel through.
Cross-Channel routes have been operating subject to certain conditions: ferries are restricting numbers due to the need for social distancing and masks must be worn as on shore-based public transport. Hand sanitisers are widely available on board and there are dining facilities, albeit with less choice than normal.
By its nature, the Tunnel means that travellers are isolated in their vehicles anyway and deterred from leaving them – the trains’ toilets are closed so ‘go’ before boarding.
Prices for a car and four people (sourced at time of writing):
DFDS ferry Dover-Calais (90 minutes) from £140
Channel Tunnel Folkestone-Calais (35 minutes) from £260
Snow & Ice driving – top tips
- Dip your headlights – snowflakes, like fog, will simply reflect light back at you.
- Watch your speed – things happen fast on slippery surfaces. Keep a stopping distance equivalent to what is visible and clear ahead of you and do not follow the vehicle in front too closely – stopping distances can be up to 10 times longer in snow and ice.
- Gently does it – careful use of accelerator, brakes, clutch and steering prevents loss of control. Avoid wheelspin when pulling away by selecting 2nd gear and easing in the clutch. If you have selectable modes on your manual or auto ‘box then use the economy or least sporty setting.
Right gear – try to anticipate gear changes. Be in the right gear at the start of climbing rather than risk loss of control with a hurried change halfway and select a lower gear on descent. In a 4×4, make use of the lower set of ratios, ‘low’ drive or ‘terrain control’ options if fitted.- ‘Think higher’ on the flat – low gears work on gradients, but higher is best on the level as a lower gear boosts the torque or pulling power of the vehicle and, therefore, the chance of a skid from clumsiness with the accelerator.
- Clean feet – knock snow and ice from your boots/shoes to avoid slippage on the pedals.
- Clear before you go – clear the mirrors and windows for maximum visibility and remove snow from the bonnet and roof to avoid it sliding onto the windscreen and suddenly obscuring your view.
- Snow chains – pack them or risk a fine from local police and make sure which wheels need them fitted. Don’t think a 4×4 can do without them if the going gets really tough.
- A 4×4 won’t make you invincible – yes, extra driving wheels and weight means more traction when conventional cars are losing grip, but 4x4s can still skid and that extra weight and height can then be a disadvantage.
Driving will be one of the safest ways of travelling to the Alps says Erna Low
Erna Low is a huge advocate for travelling by car to the Alps. With close to 90 years of experience the holiday company is well placed to advise on where to stay, and which resort to choose.
All Erna Low clients travel with Eurotunnel Flexiplus (equivalent to travelling Club or First Class on a flight) with access to the new Flexiplus lounges in Folkestone and Calais and benefit from priority boarding which is especially useful over busy periods such as New Year, Half Term and Easter.
Jane Bolton, Managing Director, said: “We believe self -drive ski holidays will be the safest way to get to the Alps this winter. By taking the Eurotunnel you can stay in the car during the crossing and the benefits of the Flexiplus that our clients enjoy, mean you can avoid the busy terminal if you wish to.
“Once in resort, a self-catering apartment offers the ideal solution for social distancing with your family. You can also take supplies in your car minimising the need to venture out too much, although of course eating out is possible and it is great to try some local specialities and support the resort you are staying in.
“Once you are on the mountain, we wait to see what resorts will be providing in terms of social distancing solutions, but perhaps resorts with doorstep skiing or access by chair lift where you can upload with your family will be more popular.”
Erna Low has launched their new website which includes the following booking incentives: offering very low deposits, a delayed final payment plan [from 10 weeks to 6 weeks]; in addition, the option to cancel and receive full refunds up November 1st 2020. If the FCO advise against travel, as with season 19/20, full refunds will be given on all package holidays booked.
Erna Low suggests the best and most popular ski resorts this winter to access by car: Flaine, Les Menuires, Val Thorens, Tignes and Arc 1950:
Celebrate in Arc 1950 during New Year
Many clients love the convenience and safety of Arc 1950. The village is truly car free, all guests arrive and park in a huge car park under the village. Erna Low offers 7 nights in ski in-out Arc 1950, France, for New Year with a saving of 20% on the accommodation price. A 2 bedroom apartment for 6 people was £4,390.50 and is now £3,501.80 (£584pp) including Eurotunnel with Flexiplus. For the week commencing 26 December. All apartments have access to a pool, hot tub and fitness facilities and the resort offers a programme of activities for children during the week, and a creche for younger children.
For more info, CLICK HERE
Save 20% during January 2021 in Les Menuires
Les Menuires is a family resort located in the heart of the Three Valleys. It gives access to hundreds of kilometers of pistes. Erna Low is offering 20% off accommodation in Les Alpages de Reberty, in a 2 bedroom apartment sleeping up to 6 people. This residence offers doorstep skiing, spacious apartments and features a pool and spa complex.
For more info, CLICK HERE
Flaine for Half Term
In the popular resort of Flaine in the Grand Massif, Erna Low can provide a 2 bedroom 6 person apartment in the 5* Les Terrasses d’Helios at a cost of £3,807.06 including a flexiplus ticket on the Eurotunnel – £635 per person based on a family of 6. This is for the week commencing 13 February 21 and includes a 10% discount on accommodation. This residence offers ski in-out access, an indoor swimming pool and spa facilities as well as in house childcare facilities and a ski school meeting point.
For more info, CLICK HERE
Early Easter in Tignes
With many schools finishing for Easter in March this is a perfect time for families to go skiing. Tignes has a huge variety of accommodation and activities as well as being a ‘snow-sure’ resort. Erna Low can offer a 2 bedroom 4/6 person apartment in Le Nevada at a cost of £2070.56 – £346 per person with the Eurotunnel Flexiplus ticket. This includes a 10% saving for the week beginning 27 March 21 when booked by December 1st. This is a well positioned 4* residence in the centre of Val Claret with a swimming pool and spa facilities. It is also just 150m from the slopes.
For more info, CLICK HERE
Easter Val Thorens
Val Thorens’ high altitude, means you are almost guaranteed snow. It is part of the largest connected ski area in the world. Erna Low has many accommodations in resort but a popular choice is Le Hameau du Kashmir Residence. TA 2 bedroom 4 person apartment including a Flexiplus ticket on the Eurotunnel is available for £2,361.50 or £591 per person based on 4 people sharing this 4* ski in-out residence with a relaxation centre, restaurant, lounge and playroom for children.
For more info, CLICK HERE
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