Main menu:
Driving can save you money, especially if you have 4 or 5 people in the car. Rising petrol and diesel costs have made this option less economical, but as it is possible to travel from the Midlands to the French Alps and back on 3 tankfulls it is still a good option, particularly when combined with cheap accommodation deals and free lift passes. One of our favourite destinations is Chamrousse as it is a very easy drive, only 45 minutes from Grenoble.
You will need to consider:
Insurance -
Two drivers on the policy in case of accident.
Breakdown Cover
Snow chains -
Warning Triangle and reflective vest -
Headlight Adaptors
Ferry or Eurotunnel booking and costs
Overnight accommodation to break the journey
The advantages of driving include:
Door to door
No checking in your baggage and paying for carriage
Use your car while you are in the resort -
Use your car as a ski locker if you park near the slopes
Freedom to leave the resort at a time to suit yourselves
Bring back as much Duty Free as you can fit in
The disadvantages of driving include:
Strenuous on the driver -
Can be cramped, but wise packing can minimise this
Can take longer
Cost of overnight stops
All in all considering the freedom and combining it with excellent accommodation deals and no airport delays, this has become the method of choice for us here at 'First Time Skier' for 2 week Ski Holidays.
* If you drive abroad a lot it is possible to get breakdown and insurance cover that will cover you in Europe as well for little extra cost. Some companies will charge you a lot extra for adding this to your policy if you are not already covered.