 Poster: A snowHead
|
It's Wednesday, 15 of December 2021 and the big getaway commences this Friday, so let's cautiously begin our traditional live chat.
Please, please, please! No politics, speculation or your personal opinions on testing, vaccination, lockdowns, quarantines and other topics which are sufficiently covered in over 9000 threads on this forum. Report the facts as you see and experience them first hand.
Checklist:
+ Check doofer battery
+ Passports and copies
+ NHS vaccine certificates
+ Pre departure LF test certificates (including u12 in case French regulations change before Saturday)
+ EHIC or GHIC cards
+ Pre return LF and day 2 PCR test kits for the return to UK
+ Component bags for certificates, carre neige receipts, contact information for kids, and for almost 12s to carry a copy of passport, in case proof of age is requested
+ Check tyre pressure
+ Antifreeze
+ Low temp screen wash
+ a bottle of AdBlue
+ winter kit - chains, socks, scraper, deicer, showel, etc
+ Travel Insurance and breakdown cover paperwork
+ UK Sticker (not GB!)
+ Beam convertors, if electronic adjustment isn't available
+ Crit Air, if planning to drive through certain towns
+ Spare bulbs
+ Gilets jaunes
+ Download Netflix and audible content
So far our plan is:
Wednesday - a bit of shopping (mainly medicines, snacks and drinks for the road) and start loading the car. Stuff that is not going to be needed before the departure goes first - skiing clothing and gear, winter car kit, etc. Mount the ski rack and do a dry fit. Test fit the chains and socks.
Thursday - do the pre departure LF tests (Randox) and upload the certificates to Eurotunnel account. Randox App is already installed, profiles created and ready to go. More packing and loading. Refuel the car.
Friday afternoon - finalise packing, mount skis, last minute shopping if needed. Decide who drives when, stuff everyone into the car and around 10:00 head to the tunnel for 1:20AM crossing.
First big stop in France - ayre with Burger King on a31 near Dijon. Have breakfast, relax, refuel. Decide on whether to take A6 or A39.
2nd big stop - Lunch. Somewhere, depending on what route we take.
Final big stop - Carrefour in Moutiers. Big shop for food and essentials, refuel.
Plan is to arrive to VT around 17:00, pick up the keys, unload and head out for a meal and drinks with friends.
Last edited by Poster: A snowHead on Wed 15-12-21 20:54; edited 11 times in total
|
|
|
|
|
|
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
|
| Quote: |
So far our plain is
|
Hate to be that guy, but… 
|
|
|
|
|
|
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?
|
Wow, Oleski, you sure have stamina.
After driving through the night (with kids) and shopping you're up for an evening out with friends.
Presumably you are able to sleep while partner drives - I can't.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
|
So we leave on 25th. Checklist so far.
Folder for each person with copies of all paperwork.
All tests booked and delivered, randox app downloaded. In person LFT booked for 14YO on 24th, vidéo LFT booked for 25th to get us in the hotel.
In resort tests pre- booked at La Plagne pharnacy
Travel insurance sorted, Ghics ordered.
Car had a service last week
Snow chains here
14yo has created a 7 hr playlist on Amazon music - could be painful.
Still need to update car and breakdown cover.
Pick up hired roof box on 19th.
23rd December
Go to hairdresser
Shopping for food for journey
Load roof box with skis etc.
Fuel car
Plan route as first time drivers to mountains. Plenty of summer driving through Europe.
Work out how snowchains work
Do C19 LFT tests
Upload all documents to eurotunnel, print copies and put in folder for each person
24th - see family for christmas
14yo pre departure test
25th - 9am video LFT.
9.30 leave home
11. 20 tunnel departure
Stops to be planned
6.30ish arrive in Mâcon, North of Lyon.
26th. Leave Mâcon for 3 hour journey to La Plagne.
LFT for 14YO booked 14.30 and can get into hotel at 16.00. So time to get there have a late lunch.
Will be checking the driving threads to make sure I haven't missed anything
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
|
This is an awesome thread. We are due to arrive in La Plagne on 2 January so all a bit more complicated with it being public holiday time / weekend but love this thread. Never thought of the 1.30am tunnel option and a drive through the night. We always just get a 6am tunnel and just drive all day and keep stops short. This time, we have a hotel in Chambery on the 1st so hopefully a drive down to there and then a short 90 minutes or so in the morning and a cheeky ski in the afternoon. Can’t wait.
You have reminded me though that I need to get new snow socks for the car!
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
|
|
@Oleski, Not sure that winter car kit should be in first - shirley it should be easy to get to?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
My usual problem was converting the beams on my ford focus which wont use the standard beam converters so large quantities of very sticky tape used to stop the light throw in the wrong direction. Somewhere I made myself a set of templates for the areas that needed blacking out. But for various reasons I have not driven on the continent for 4 or so years.
I bought, but from various comments, they are (not) required the breathalyser kits and, of course, you need the spare bulb set (would anyone check if they really were for your car?)and reflective jackets etc
The other A1 priority is making sure, if you are of an age, you have a set of reading glasses in the car - I remember once trying to find a hotel in Calais in the middle of the night with a map I could not read.
Which comes on to satnavs - fine if you set the right destination. I always like to have a piece of paper with principal waypoints on it to validate
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
I love an actual map book, nothing more satisfying than getting to the edge of a page and moving to the next one 
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
Order late tomorrow any LFT/PCR tests we need for journey in both directions for the 5 of us, daren't leave it any later than that.
Finish work at 7.30pm next Thursday, dash home, throw everything in the back of the car, inc three kids, 18, 16, 13.
Head to the tunnel for our 23.20 crossing
Drive to Reims for a few hours sleep in a cheap hotel (not yet booked)
Brekkie somewhere then continue on to Chatel, need to be there by 17.00 at the latest so my youngest can have her pre booked LFT at 17.45 (booked same time everyday)
Staying one nights Xmas eve at hotel in town centre, then checking in to our main hotel for the next 7 nights 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| MorningGory wrote: |
| @Oleski, Not sure that winter car kit should be in first - shirley it should be easy to get to? |
Sure, it will all get reshuffled at the end. I do it not to forget the chains it in the shed
|
|
|
|
|
|
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
|
@Oleski, One thing to add to your check list: fill up with -30 windscreen washer fluid. A mucky journey there and back can easily consume 5l of washer fluid and you do not want it to freeze when you are in the resort.
Interestingly we never plan who does what section of the drive though we do discuss (that is a euthenism) who does the really bad stretch to the tunnel in the UK. Who does what depends on how the driver is feeling. Usually, we will alternate every 3 hours but if the driver is tired we swap earlier.
We are heading to Les Arcs next Wednesday, setting off for an 8:30 crossing and intending to get there before Charlotte Pizza closes at 22:00.
Thanks for the reminder to start downloading issues of more or less and talking books.
|
|
|
|
|
|
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
|
|
@Jonpim, driving through the night with kids is easy. Our son always slept from the moment we left home to Albertville. Even now in his 20s and driving through the day he'll sleep most of the way. Once again, even on a day drive one's wife and one will sleep while the other drives.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Jonpim wrote: |
Wow, Oleski, you sure have stamina.
After driving through the night (with kids) and shopping you're up for an evening out with friends.
Presumably you are able to sleep while partner drives - I can't. |
2 of us can drive, but I normally end up driving most of the way. Mrs. O will probably just do the UK stretch and may be a couple of easy motorway stretches in France when it's daylight. For me it's sufficient to have 2-3 power naps around an hour each to feel fresh.
Kids sleep through the night, which makes the drive a whole lot easier - less fighting for who uses which tablet
|
|
|
|
|
|
You know it makes sense.
|
| johnE wrote: |
@Oleski, One thing to add to your check list: fill up with -30 windscreen washer fluid. A mucky journey there and back can easily consume 5l of washer fluid and you do not want it to freeze when you are in the resort.
|
Good point, also radiator antifreeze and AdBlue, but I always have those in the boot anyway
| johnE wrote: |
Interestingly we never plan who does what section of the drive though we do discuss (that is a euthenism) who does the really bad stretch to the tunnel in the UK. Who does what depends on how the driver is feeling. Usually, we will alternate every 3 hours but if the driver is tired we swap earlier. |
Yeah, we discuss it and then end up winging it anyway
Last edited by You know it makes sense. on Wed 15-12-21 11:23; edited 1 time in total
|
|
|
|
|
|
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
|
Favourite bit of kit for the car is a lithium jump starter. It's just nice to know if the kids leave a light on, or the car battery just doesn't like being at -15 C overnight, then you don't need to call roadside assistance.
Can also use it to charge phone/laptop, if need be.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Poster: A snowHead
|
We went through the tunnel last Saturday. Be aware that it can take significantly longer to check in. We had uploaded all the required stuff, but were still told we had to go into the terminal to have our docs re-checked before they would issue us a boarding card. When we got into the terminal there was a queue of about a dozen people, and only two desk open to do the checking. Then when we did get out ticket/hangar we got singled out for (drug/explosive?) swabbing so that added another 10-15 minutes.
We were booked on the 05:50, and I think we did make that in the end although it didn't actually leave till 06:10. No further checks on landing in France though.
If they do the same things at a busy time then there are going to be big delays.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
|
We head through the tunnel Friday lunchtime with the motorhome, everything is in place but just waiting for confirmation of the dogs AHC being ready to collect.
Will be taking the LF tests later today and doing the uploading this evening.
I won't bore you with our packing list for a 2 month ski trip because it's seven pages long but is perfectly honed after 10 years of use!
No charging down the peage for us, we will cruise down the D roads making a couple of overnight stops at nice little aires we know and arrive Monday morning.
Snowing for Christmas I see.
edit. ps. When we travelled in November we were quadruple swabbed with the explosive tester  thought we were in for a strip down.
The queues were longer than usual but really were due to the one in ten without the correct documents and being turned away.
Last edited by Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person on Wed 15-12-21 11:34; edited 1 time in total
|
|
|
|
|
|
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?
|
We are driving down to Newhaven on Friday for the 11pm ferry to Dieppe which docks around 5am.
Husband has planned his routes and stops on the way down to La Tania. I am hoping to get to resort by 2/3.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
|
| HilbertSpace wrote: |
Favourite bit of kit for the car is a lithium jump starter. It's just nice to know if the kids leave a light on, or the car battery just doesn't like being at -15 C overnight, then you don't need to call roadside assistance.
Can also use it to charge phone/laptop, if need be. |
Which one do you have? I've long wanted to get one, especially after someone left AC on at the camping site
Last edited by You need to Login to know who's really who. on Wed 15-12-21 11:38; edited 1 time in total
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
|
| Susang73 wrote: |
| I love an actual map book, nothing more satisfying than getting to the edge of a page and moving to the next one |
+1 for an actual map
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
|
| james75 wrote: |
| Susang73 wrote: |
| I love an actual map book, nothing more satisfying than getting to the edge of a page and moving to the next one |
+1 for an actual map |
+1
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Though I love maps - my computer is full of them - for driving I use the technique carried over from my motorcycle touring days - before setting off plan the route and write down a list of key towns and villages on the way and stick to the fuel tank. Ignore road numbers they have no significance in France. Mind you for a simple drive to Les Arcs this is easily carried in the head.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
out of interest wheres the 1st services with mountain diesel in the way to Tarentaise valley?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Oleski wrote: |
Which one do you have? I've long wanted to get one, especially after someone left AC on at the camping site |
Mine is from DB Power, but I don't think they make it anymore. There are loads on Amazon, and TBH they all look good. Some double up as compressors, if you need that. Just make sure you get one powerful enough for your engine: e.g. if you have a big V8 diesel then you'll need a higher-power model.
|
|
|
|
|
|
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
|
I’m so jealous of you guys getting to drive down, we have so many backed up EasyJet flights to use we are flying & with the added hassle of Geneva I’d much rather be driving, I’d also feel far more Covid safe in my own car with my family who I know.
Add in the fact I could take the kitchen sink if I wanted & it’s a no brainier.
Decision has been made in our house, unless it’s a weekend trip, we’re driving from now on.
|
|
|
|
|
|
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
|
| BoardieK wrote: |
No charging down the peage for us, we will cruise down the D roads making a couple of overnight stops at nice little aires we know and arrive Monday morning.
|
Maybe for another time, but be interested to hear your D road route for time in the future when we're not in a hurry!!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Quote: |
I’m so jealous of you guys getting to drive down, we have so many backed up EasyJet flights to use we are flying & with the added hassle of Geneva I’d much rather be driving, I’d also feel far more Covid safe in my own car with my family who I know.
Add in the fact I could take the kitchen sink if I wanted & it’s a no brainier.
Decision has been made in our house, unless it’s a weekend trip, we’re driving from now on.
|
We always drive. By the time you’ve added in the wait at airport, wait to get off etc etc I think flying is maybe at best a couple of hours quicker if you don’t take long stops. Plus you have the option of longer stops if you fancy it and as you say taking way more stuff than you could need!
|
|
|
|
|
|
You know it makes sense.
|
| Warnergb7 wrote: |
| Quote: |
I’m so jealous of you guys getting to drive down, we have so many backed up EasyJet flights to use we are flying & with the added hassle of Geneva I’d much rather be driving, I’d also feel far more Covid safe in my own car with my family who I know.
Add in the fact I could take the kitchen sink if I wanted & it’s a no brainier.
Decision has been made in our house, unless it’s a weekend trip, we’re driving from now on.
|
We always drive. By the time you’ve added in the wait at airport, wait to get off etc etc I think flying is maybe at best a couple of hours quicker if you don’t take long stops. Plus you have the option of longer stops if you fancy it and as you say taking way more stuff than you could need! |
Not from Scotland, it’s a 2 day trip
|
|
|
|
|
|
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
|
| Quote: |
for driving I .......write down a list of key towns and villages on the way and stick to the fuel tank
|
Sounds bloody dangerous. What happens if you get overtaken whilst hanging upside down out of the driver's door peering desperately underneath the car?
|
|
|
|
|
|
Poster: A snowHead
|
|
@Jonny996, in normal times we like to use Newcastle Amsterdam ferry. Leave Edinburgh at midday, 2.5 hours to Newcastle, relaxing overnight on ferry, and a day (admittedly a long one) through Germany and CH to Chamonix. Too many border crossings for current situation - tomorrow we’re setting off to St Gervais but with an overnight in Calais. It’s a long way however you slice it but the overnight ferry is best way we’ve found.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
|
Given the grief the airlines are giving changing/cancelling flights, I Googled the drive to Arraba.
Best part of 1000 miles and 17 hrs.
No thanks!!!
|
|
|
|
|
|
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?
|
|
@MorningGory, I've only done it once non stop from Venice. Now I tend to overnight in Saarbrucken
|
|
|
|
|
|
You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
|
|
@johnE, Looks sensible - Still 4 days travelling though.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
|
@MorningGory, I only do it for long climbing trips to the Dolomites where I need a car to get around anyway.
@Mother hucker, I think the first place you can get winter diesel in France is Calais. Unlike Italy, where you may get problems, all the diesel sold in France is the same.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
|
|
We’re driving overnight on Saturday, just checking all paperwork and breakdown cover & see that, since Brexit, we now need a UK car sticker not a GB one…just when I thought I had everything…
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| johnE wrote: |
| i think the first place you can get winter diesel in France is Calais. Unlike Italy, where you may get problems, all the diesel sold in France is the same. |
OK I was always under the impression it changed in the mountains. Maybe I was wrong
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Quote: |
We’re driving overnight on Saturday, just checking all paperwork and breakdown cover & see that, since Brexit, we now need a UK car sticker not a GB one…just when I thought I had everything…
|
Thanks! ordered for delivery tomorrow as leaving on Friday. Also ordered the headlight adaptors, which I had forgotten to do!
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
| Inboard wrote: |
| @Jonny996, in normal times we like to use Newcastle Amsterdam ferry. Leave Edinburgh at midday, 2.5 hours to Newcastle, relaxing overnight on ferry, and a day (admittedly a long one) through Germany and CH to Chamonix. Too many border crossings for current situation - tomorrow we’re setting off to St Gervais but with an overnight in Calais. It’s a long way however you slice it but the overnight ferry is best way we’ve found. |
I used to get terrible travel sickness, even being passenger in car so I’ve always avoided ferry & gone tunnel but looking at your route I may try it for summer.
Enjoy StG, we’re hopefully getting there Boxing Day
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Leaving tomorrow afternoon now, a day early, we were hanging on for the dogs health certificate but that is now ready to collect in the morning.
I couldn't bear the thought of anything changing in the last 24 hours.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
FAQ
