 Poster: A snowHead
|
|
|
|
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
|
Key thing is timing as February half term will be exceptionally busy. Ideal situation is to leave on Friday and get as far down into France as possible. Have a quick sleep in a cheap hotel (F1 etc), get up early Saturday and get up to resort ASAP. This leaves time on Saturday to do all the things like passes, ski hire, register at ski school. If you are setting off on Saturday seriously consider getting to resort later on Saturday although this means getting ready for ski lessons will be a bit of a panic on sunday.
Also get a doofah from Sanef so you can get the peage booths as quickly as possible. 
|
|
|
|
|
|
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
|
|
I know I'm in a minority but I've done the drive three times from Leeds straight through (Les Carroz). I always find audio books make the time fly! The one time I drove down at half term the Channel Tunnel waiting area was a bit apocalyptic so I'd look at stopping before Dover. Once on the road its about 8.5 hours from Calais to Flaine.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
|
| normama wrote: |
Key thing is timing as February half term will be exceptionally busy. Ideal situation is to leave on Friday and get as far down into France as possible. Have a quick sleep in a cheap hotel (F1 etc), get up early Saturday and get up to resort ASAP. This leaves time on Saturday to do all the things like passes, ski hire, register at ski school. If you are setting off on Saturday seriously consider getting to resort later on Saturday although this means getting ready for ski lessons will be a bit of a panic on sunday.
Also get a doofah from Sanef so you can get the peage booths as quickly as possible. |
Speaking of doofahs from Sanef, do these provide a discount on the normal tolls?
If so would be very interested to know more!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
|
|
I dont think they do, in fact there is a small service charge. They do however let you pay your outstanding balance upto 2 months after the trip. The smug feeling of driving past large queues paying by cash/ credit card is priceless IMO . Go to sanef uk website for details
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
|
+1 Doofer
+1 Audiobooks (though these have been somewhat superseded by pod-casts of Radio4 programs)
DVD player in the back for the kids.
We drive through the night, have a quick kip in an aire (remember to take a blanket for the driver!) and are in resort by ~ 09:30 The year we went to Flaine we were on the first lift by ~ 10AM and had a great first day.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Telepeage can make tolls smoother, but there is no discount for using it
Audiobooks are great for kids - Harry Potter has seen us through many a trip
Make sure you have snacks and water in the car
Make sure you have wet wipes and a rubbish bag in car
If a possibility some sort of bag in case anyone is travel sick!
Be aware the smaller Aires can be hole in the ground loos
Everyone stops at 12 for lunch! We usually stop early and buy bread and cold meats from larger service area and then have a late picnic in a quieter Aire after 1.30
When you stop for fuel everyone goes to loo
Make sure coats etc are accessible if required for walking to service station
Don't forget all the advice from AA about requirements for driving in France
Check oil and screenwash before going - we keep a small supply in boot
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Quote: |
Check oil and screenwash before going
|
Remember to get -30 screenwash it can get quite cold in the resorts
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
|
| Quote: |
Once on the road its about 8.5 hours from Calais to Flaine.
|
it could take significantly longer at half term if you are driving up to the resort between about 1030 and 1800. Not to speak of snow.
If you can't arrive in your resort before 11 am it's better to wait till much later.
Lidl and Aldi sell good screenwash (the ones in Halfords are hopeless) but they don't always have it in stock.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
FAQ
