 Poster: A snowHead
|
It's just over a week away now.
Check your peage beeper, brakes, tyres, bulbs, wipers, stuff the high vis vests under the seats, top up the screen wash and adblue (if you drive a diesel) and get your snow chain practice fit in.
We are off on Friday the 20th, chunnel booked for 11:00, overnight stop around Troyes and then to Les Arcs.
Drive safe 
|
|
|
|
|
|
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
|
We are on the 11pm overnight from Newhaven on Thursday. Hoping to make it to Annecy on Friday and then drive up to Courchevel early on Saturday morning.
Drive safe all!
|
|
|
|
|
|
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?
|
|
A long time away yet, but I'm driving out early April in my >2m high van so tolls are doubled and I'll be taking the non toll route.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
|
Two weeks on Saturday (28 Dec): Scottish Highlands to Hull, then Rotterdam to Martigny.
New car, the winter wheels arrived last week so need to get them swapped over
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
|
@Oleski, where are you staying in Les Arcs? And do you fancy a meetup?
We are heading off next Wednesday on an 8:30 tunnel and should make Les Arcs about 20:00 that evening. Your message made me realise to top up the screen wash with -30 stuff, if they have any in Halfords. Other things that need doing are topping up the SD card with some more or less and in our time podcasts and to download a talking book or two onto my phone.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
|
January 4th.
Scottish highlands to Bozel via tunnel.
Vw van with some brand new winter tyres fitted. I’ve done it it in one hit a few times but it kills me for a day or 2 after.
So it’s a case of early start. Tunnel at around 8pm. Then a few hours into France and I stay on my van over night. (It’s a camper style van)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
We cross late, on Sunday evening, get our heads down for the night in Calais, then travel down to Bourg on Monday.
First day on the slopes will be Tuesday all being well..Adblue & screenwash are today's job.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
@johnE, we are in 1950, where are you? I don't mind a couple of drinks with a fellow
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
Heads up.
Operation Brock comes into force this weekend on M20 between J8 and J9. M20 likely to be closed this Sunday (15th) evening for the barrier to be put in place.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
|
Something I've not seen mentioned on here before - apparently some insurers (might) require roof boxes to be declared. No press article or internet forum comment that I've seen on this every says which specific insurers actually care, so it could all be FUD - certainly for me, Direct Line didn't care when I spoke to them.
I can see a logic for premium loading - I know two people who've driven into height restrictors with things mounted on their roof.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
@Oleski, We are in 1600. Yes let's meet up
@James77, Don't worry about the drive. Last year we did the drive 3 times to Les Arcs and another to Alleghe in the Dolomites
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| knackered knees wrote: |
Heads up.
Operation Brock comes into force this weekend on M20 between J8 and J9. M20 likely to be closed this Sunday (15th) evening for the barrier to be put in place. |
Oh FFS, just when we're traveling to the tunnel. Any idea what time they'll close it?
|
|
|
|
|
|
You know it makes sense.
|
|
@Gilly76, no as they never say, but would think front 8 or 9 pm based upon previous.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
|
If you are using a Big and Go telepeage account please go to your account on line and input your vehicle registration number. My relatively new 'badge' last used in August appeared dead at Calais so I went to the big and Go office in Reims and on checking the badge they asked for my reg number and then issued me with a new badge. On checking my Bio and go account today there was an old message saying I had to enter the reg and confirm legal use etc
Not sure if lack of reg number had stopped it working but a little bit of a co-incidence.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Poster: A snowHead
|
|
We are not going for a while but this thread has got me drooling over the food we load the car up with, a better breakfast and lunch than we have day to day.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
|
|
|
|
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 leave home on Boxing Day for a night in Folkestone, then cross over early in the morning of the 27th. Another night in Chambéry before arriving in Les Arcs on the Saturday morning for new year week! Super excited now!
|
|
|
|
|
|
You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
|
|
Drove out Tuesday morning. Detour via Oxford to pick up daughter and 11:46 Eurotunnel got us into Albertville by 22:00. Good to be back….
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
|
| tangowaggon wrote: |
| A long time away yet, but I'm driving out early April in my >2m high van so tolls are doubled and I'll be taking the non toll route. |
The vehicle classification changes at 3m not 2m. The toll "bipper" is the same as a car.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
|
|
Trying to get the packing finished - leave tomorrow morning. Fortunately the tunnel is only 45 minutes away, so shouldn't have any traffic problems. Ibis budget just south of Dijon tomorrow night then up to Arc 1950 on Saturday. Trip to Bluewater to buy new helmet this morning - previous one well past recommended use-by date.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Not heading to Ste Foy until mid March, but will enjoy following this thread.
Safe travels everyone.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| NickYoung wrote: |
| tangowaggon wrote: |
| A long time away yet, but I'm driving out early April in my >2m high van so tolls are doubled and I'll be taking the non toll route. |
The vehicle classification changes at 3m not 2m. The toll "bipper" is the same as a car. |
Calais to Val Thorens
Toll guru says €97.40 for a car, €222.40 for my 2.2m high/3t van
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
We're not leaving until January 23rd. Newport (south Wales) to Bethune. Bethune to Karlsruhe. Karlsruhe to Zell am See.
Done the drive to Zell a few times, but this is the first time in winter. I love a good road trip!
|
|
|
|
|
|
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
|
If the via Michelin site works well? It gives hybrid options of fastest, lowest emission (part toll) and cheapest. But even the fastest option for a Fiat ducato is only €80.90
Can anyone confirm from experience, that class2, 2-3m high vehicles are just the same tolls as cars?
I know from experience that the Mont Blanc tunnel is a lot more expensive for a >2m vehicle
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
From the Emovis site -
"Do I need to notify you if I change vehicle?
Liber-t tag (for France) - No, you do not need to notify us when you change vehicle. The tag works in any vehicle up to 3m in height and 3.5 tonnes."
So if you don't need to change the class of vehicle, the charge must be the same, when using a tag(???)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
How exciting.. never really considered driving. I live in north east so a bit of a trek just to leave Uk! Plus I have an EV and it costs a small fortune to charge out of the house which would upset me greatly. 
Safe travels everyone!
|
|
|
|
|
|
You know it makes sense.
|
Spoke to another Brit here who had an eMail from Bip and Go reminding him to enter vehicle registration number on his account and he had no problems, shame they didn't tell me 
Last edited by You know it makes sense. on Fri 13-12-24 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:
|
|
Delays of 1-2 hours at Folkestone.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Poster: A snowHead
|
| Quote: |
How exciting.. never really considered driving. I live in north east so a bit of a trek just to leave Uk!
|
Yes - on both counts. It is exciting. I've done it lots of times, but it's still exciting! But yes, it's a long way if you start from the north east! I'll not be driving this time, dozing in the back of a Peugeot Expert van driven by daughter and son in law. Can't leave till after work Friday, so will be very busy. Have booked Flexiplus on tunnel - expensive, but not so bad if mentally divided by 5 passengers and my grand-daughters can hoover up an impressive amount of stuff in the lounge, to entertain them all the way down the road. Staying in St Quentin Friday night, then to Les Saisies on Saturday. We can expect some traffic jams along the way and huge queues for the Ladies in the aires. My son is driving from Lyon, where they live, to Genoa to pick up his Italian-based son (would be simpler by train, but still no trains on that route.....) and my daughter in law on train from Lyon to Albertville with two little girls, then coach up to Les Saisies. 5 bedroom apartment booked.
So, complicated logistics. Fingers crossed that all will arrive safely in time to share the meal which will be in the back of the van - home made cottage pies, lots of veg, lots of wine. I must remember to add kids drinks. If there's snow on the ground outside, as we hope, the 5 kids (from 4 - 14) will be out in it till dragged in.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
|
| v1cky24 wrote: |
How exciting.. never really considered driving. I live in north east so a bit of a trek just to leave Uk! Plus I have an EV and it costs a small fortune to charge out of the house which would upset me greatly.
Safe travels everyone! |
We are Yorkshire-based and use the Hull-Rotterdam route - highly recommended.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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?
|
|
Having a Christmas at home, and heading out on 3rd Jan. Trying to find a nice hotel for our overnight stop is proving more difficult, as many of our favourites take a short break after the festive period.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
|
| tangowaggon wrote: |
If the via Michelin site works well? It gives hybrid options of fastest, lowest emission (part toll) and cheapest. But even the fastest option for a Fiat ducato is only €80.90
Can anyone confirm from experience, that class2, 2-3m high vehicles are just the same tolls as cars?
I know from experience that the Mont Blanc tunnel is a lot more expensive for a >2m vehicle |
Not from experience but if you visit the various motorway company websites you will see your vehicle will be a class 2 vehicle ie above 2m but below 3m and as such pay a different rate to standard cars.
As an example taken from the APRR tariffs - travelling from Dijon Sud to Reims Sud is 335kms and €32.60 in a standard vehicle or €49.50 in a class 2 vehicle.
https://voyage.aprr.fr/sites/default/files/2024-09/TARIFS_APRR.pdf
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
|
| NickYoung wrote: |
| v1cky24 wrote: |
How exciting.. never really considered driving. I live in north east so a bit of a trek just to leave Uk! Plus I have an EV and it costs a small fortune to charge out of the house which would upset me greatly.
Safe travels everyone! |
We are Yorkshire-based and use the Hull-Rotterdam route - highly recommended. |
I've looked at this in the past, driving from Stockton-on-Tees, it never added up from a time, convenience or cost point of view
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
|
From Emovis - "The toll tag lane equipment automatically detects the vehicle class based on its height and weight as you pass through. This ensures that you are charged the correct toll rate for the vehicle you are using, whether it is a Class 1 or Class 2 vehicle."
So same tag, but different billing.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| tangowaggon wrote: |
I've looked at this in the past, driving from Stockton-on-Tees, it never added up from a time, convenience or cost point of view |
Time-wise, we go Thursday evening, so driving fresh and relaxed on Friday morning. Cost wise, it's no more expensive than a channel crossing/tunnel, plus you save on 10 hours of fuel and driving time.
We just see it as part of the holiday - using it again at Easter en-route to Saalbach.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
| NickYoung wrote: |
| tangowaggon wrote: |
I've looked at this in the past, driving from Stockton-on-Tees, it never added up from a time, convenience or cost point of view |
Time-wise, we go Thursday evening, so driving fresh and relaxed on Friday morning. Cost wise, it's no more expensive than a channel crossing/tunnel, plus you save on 10 hours of fuel and driving time.
We just see it as part of the holiday - using it again at Easter en-route to Saalbach. |
Hull - Rotterdam £803 12hr crossing 2:15/108miles to Hull
Dover - calais £278 2hr crossing 5::00/311miles to Dover
Calais - val Thorens 9:40/601miles
Rotterdam - val Thorens 11:40/670miles
Dover-calais 912 miles ~16hrs travelling time £803
Hull - Rotterdam 778miles 26 hrs travelling time £278
Dover vs Hull =
134 miles more driving
£500 cheaper (allowing for fuel)
10 hrs quicker
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hmmm, I certainly don't pay £800 for the Hull route.
Yes, there is an extra night on the boat to factor in, but it's laid in a bed, not driving.
It's all swings and roundabouts. We've done the tunnel too and agree it's perfectly fine.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
FAQ
. Currently two hotels booked somewhere in France, reminds me I need to cancel one. Praying next week warm spell gives way to cooler temperature really fed up of double digit ski holidays. Volvo XC60 will be cruising down to Les Sybelles using considerable amounts of fuel as she goes.
