Love the magic of arrival thread - just reading it has got me in the mood for skiing. However even the best holidays have to end, what's the worst bit then?
For me it is Friday night loading up the car and knowing that's the skiing done, closely followed by getting on motorway north of Reims and having miles of dull scenery and that's it finished and it's just dull travel.
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Driving home from the Alps sucks.
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?
Driving home from the Alps after a good holiday with everybody intact is not so bad. But Saturday morning cleaning up apartment is the worst bit - how could we possibly have got through so many BOTTLES?
@Origen, the secret is to get drop them at recycling on way to lift each morning
@rob@rar, I like the drive as nice scenery, until north of Reims
The only bit I like is ordering a curry for delivery on M40 so have it arriving as we're unpacking car
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
I find the drive OK. Comfortable, music or stories, easy driving (generally) and you could be in an airport. Yes, the scenery north of Reims is uninteresting but it beats the M5/6 interchange. And you could be in an airport......
and I completely agree (never grow up, it's boring).
I always find departure sad but then I always fly which might be a factor. However last year I shared a car trip to Serre Chevalier and we took the opportunity, both on the way there and even more on the way back, to visit some lovely old French towns and cathedrals . That definitely extended the holiday beyond skiing time, and having good company helps a lot.
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
@motyl, yes am hopeful come retirement we can take a few days to get home. At the moment it’s just flat out dash to have a day at home before work again
After all it is free
After all it is free
Driving through the village towards the Col du Lauteret and seeing the mountains around me and knowing I won't bee seeing them again for a good few weeks or months.
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.
I have clear memories of my last drive down the mountain after I'd spent days of v hard work, leaving our apartment for the last time after it was sold. It was very snowy - snow on every branch and twig, quite beautiful, though it had complicated my departure. The path up to the car was so slippery I was terrified of falling and knackering myself - I was alone and had to drive. So the entire Zafira which was very roomy, was full of stuff I'd towed up on a sledge. I had an appointment with the notaire in Albertville to sign the power of attorney so he could sign all the remaining sale documents so there was a deadline on leaving.
I was VERY conscious both of the sense of loss of the place, and the immense gratitude and awareness of all the wonderful times we'd had there. It was like a bereavement: a moment of very heightened awareness. Saw the notaire, about 5pm, tried to understand all the stuff about the tax (he only spoke French) then drove home to Hampshire.
Ski the Net with snowHeads
Ski the Net with snowHeads
The worst bit for us is definitely the queue for the Dartford Tunnel and the awful M11. Somehow it’s at least 10 times as bad going north as it is coming south.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
getting up at 3AM for the TO coach to the departure airport
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.
@albob, why do you think I don't fly any more? The misery of getting kids out of bed at daft o'clock, being ferried by minibus to a cold bus shelter in Aime then waiting for 90 minutes in the cold while the main coach is delayed in bad weather leaving Tignes was the last straw. I was sure we would have hypothermia by the time someone turned up.
So if you're just off somewhere snowy come back and post a snow report of your own and we'll all love you very much
So if you're just off somewhere snowy come back and post a snow report of your own and we'll all love you very much
Origen wrote:
I have clear memories of my last drive down the mountain after I'd spent days of v hard work, leaving our apartment for the last time after it was sold. It was very snowy - snow on every branch and twig, quite beautiful, though it had complicated my departure. The path up to the car was so slippery I was terrified of falling and knackering myself - I was alone and had to drive. So the entire Zafira which was very roomy, was full of stuff I'd towed up on a sledge. I had an appointment with the notaire in Albertville to sign the power of attorney so he could sign all the remaining sale documents so there was a deadline on leaving.
I was VERY conscious both of the sense of loss of the place, and the immense gratitude and awareness of all the wonderful times we'd had there. It was like a bereavement: a moment of very heightened awareness. Saw the notaire, about 5pm, tried to understand all the stuff about the tax (he only spoke French) then drove home to Hampshire.
That was sad!
On a happier note, last few DIY trips to the Dolomites, I've driven away from the mountains with something to look forward to before the flight home...a winery tour in Prosecco country, the hilltop poets village of Asolo, the wonders of Venice, the colourful fishermans cottages of Burano, Malcesine on the shores of Lake Garda, the historic centre of Verona....
I don't even mind the flight, Venice & Verona airports are a breeze in winter and you get one last glimpse of the mountains under a moonlit night as you fly over them back to the UK.
OK, waiting for the parking shuttle bus outside Stansted Airport is the worst bit...but personally I'd rather do 2hrs on a plane than 20hrs in a car!
You know it makes sense.
You know it makes sense.
@luigi, having another trip to look forward to is a must. Mrs B and I once booked an Easter ski trip on the way home from our Xmas trip
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
I can certainly get behind the misery of departure.
With me, it starts with getting up on the Friday, knowing it's the last day. I have a strange cognitive dissonance, where my skiing is really coming together, but at the same time I don't want to hurt myself on the last day - so take it easy.
We end the day a bit early, to leave time for packing up, drying off the skis and putting them in the ski bags. The room is tidied and any uneaten food dumped.
The last meal in the hotel is a bit more solemn, as we reflect on the week past and the forthcoming homeward bound trip. After dinner, one last drink in the bar before heading up a bit sooner than usual. The phone alarm is set to "Sparrow-Fart".
I lie there awake for what seems like hours worried that I'll sleep in, or have set the alarm wrong...and when the ringer does go off, feel like I've only been asleep for 10 minutes. One last scout around the room for chargers or adapters that might have been missed before the luggage is hauled into the lift and down to the foyer...where there are a few other "Sleepy Wasps" in various states of repose.
At some point, a Minibus driver shouts our names from the front door and we solemnly stump out into the cold dark night to get our connecting lift to the main coach.
We then arrive at the point where we get the coach to the airport...which isn't there. So we wait impatiently while complaining it's effing freezing. When it does arrive, we are the last stop, so the coach is nearly full of both people and luggage....to the point where getting seats together is unlikely and the driver has to play Tetris with our bags and skis.
It's a relief to walk up the steps of the coach and feel the heat.....so the process of thawing out can begin. The excited chattering of the outward trip is totally absent....and replaced by tired bodies, with heads leaning against windows or a partner's shoulder, trying to catch up on missed sleep. There might even be the odd leg or arm in plaster to be seen - a somber reminder of the potential dangers of skiing when things go wrong.
The silence on the way back is almost palpable....only broken by the odd snore or rustle from a pre-prepared snack. We are all resigned to the fact that the holiday is over and it's back to the grey skies of the UK....and for those not retired - work on Monday (where you know the emails are piled up waiting for you).
Due to dozing off, the trip to Geneva seems shorter. The coach stops at its designated spot outside the airport and we all troop out like battle-worn soldiers after a long march, collect our luggage and join the long queue at passport control. As the coach is taking people on different flights, another long wait ensues.
One more flight followed by a 3 hour drive and that's it for another year.
Last edited by Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name: on Sat 22-11-25 9:52; edited 5 times in total
Poster: A snowHead
Poster: A snowHead
The worst bit.. knowing your back in work on monday.. or tuesday!
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
I think (as someone with time) the trick is to have trips long enough - in the last decade most trips have been six weeks plus. Did have a one week early season trip to Kaprun, but that was okay as we were only at home for four weeks then off to Austria for another eleven weeks - after that you don't mind going home
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?
While we do use TO for our trips we have only once been dumped of a mini bus to wait in the cold for main coach.
Never booked with them again
My preference is for late flights home as usually most of the airport madness has calmed down.
We used to ski on the Saturday mornings before departure but we were never that relaxed about getting back ok.
Weather permitting we now have a relaxed breakfast a walk and if there is time a bite of lunch.
Main reason I choose to drive so that I can choose when I leave and how hard want to get home. Last trip of the year is always the hardest reflecting upon past season and wondering what next season will hold….
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Working for myself in Blighty when I determine, I don’t have that added sad feeling of ‘back to the rat race’. Plus almost every time we travel it’s independently with deliberately chosen sane flight times, so we never suffer a fitful micro-sleep on the final night. I used to hate that on cheap packages back in the day. We calmly pack for an 11am departure from hotels. All in all making it less stressful or knackering.
One emotion is jealousy of those lucky sods arriving in resort, especially if a blizzard’s coming to an end with a week of sun forecast.
Last edited by Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do. on Fri 21-11-25 21:07; edited 3 times in total
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One emotion is jealousy of those lucky sods arriving in resort, especially if a blizzard’s coming to an end with a week of sun forecast.
Been there and got the T Shirt.....I especially remember scraping around on ice and patchy runs over Christmas and then having a hairy coach ride down the mountain followed by a delayed departure as a result of a snow storm.
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
brovert wrote:
Main reason I choose to drive so that I can choose when I leave and how hard want to get home. Last trip of the year is always the hardest reflecting upon past season and wondering what next season will hold….
If I drove, I would probably leave friday night & get a good headstart!
After all it is free
After all it is free
Quote:
OK, waiting for the parking shuttle bus outside Stansted Airport is the worst bit...but personally I'd rather do 2hrs on a plane than 20hrs in a car!
It must be nice to have your own private plane from Coucheval. Those of us using scheduled airlines take much much longer.
I actually used to quite enjoy the couchettes on the train back from a ski holiday; everyone totally exhausted but making plans for the future over picnics and wine.
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.
The sadness of leaving, especially if driving down the hill on a glorious Saturday morning, is tempered by the thought that every day that passes is one day closer to being back in the mountains.
As my time is my own since retiring a few years ago, I generally now do an overnight stop on the way home rather than rushing back. I sometimes leave late Friday afternoon so as to avoid the expected queues of traffic coming away from Bourg St M on Saturday, though more likely to do this in Spring so as to be driving in daylight. Northern France is rather boring, but I do have the advantage that I drive off the train at Folkestone knowing that home is only 45 minutes away.
Ski the Net with snowHeads
Ski the Net with snowHeads
I hate the drive on the British side of the tunnel. 50mph limits and middle lane hoggers galore on the drive back to south Wales. Doesn't seem to bother me that much on the way out
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
I used to properly get depressed when we left our place in LG. Sulked all the way to tunnel. When we sold up it was even worse although to be fair it was 3 weeks before lockdown and on the way back I began to feel iffy and by the time I got home I was out in isolation with the bot ! Still don’t enjoy leaving if I’ve had a good time. And that M20 drive off the tunnel is always depressing, 4am and 20 cars in the middle firkin lane
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.
You guys haven’t skied hard enough. For me the glorious anticipation of three hours’ sleep on the bus, a doze in the terminal, 90 minutes sleep on the plane, and a good night’s sleep in my own bed is a treat.
Glad not to drive back, mind.
So if you're just off somewhere snowy come back and post a snow report of your own and we'll all love you very much
So if you're just off somewhere snowy come back and post a snow report of your own and we'll all love you very much
Majority of my trips, I skied the last day. So no time to feel sad or what not. Just a hurried packing up of gears trying to catch my flight somehow.
On those few trips I didn’t ski the last day, it felt luxurious to have my gears tidily in the bag before going to bed. Whatever the hour of the departure, I looked forward to some form of “rest” on the couch or the plane, or even in the car!
James the Last wrote:
You guys haven’t skied hard enough. For me the glorious anticipation of three hours’ sleep on the bus, a doze in the terminal, 90 minutes sleep on the plane, and a good night’s sleep in my own bed is a treat.
Same here.
brovert wrote:
Last trip of the year is always the hardest reflecting upon past season and wondering what next season will hold….
For me, the end of ski season means the beginning of the biking season. So no sadness. Instead, my head is filled with anticipation of the cycling trips I’ll be doing, as soon as I recovered from the last ski trip of the season.
Back in the days when i run white waters in spring time, there’s no gap between the end of ski season and the start of white water season. I’ve had in many years having my skis inside the car and kayak on the roof rack.
You know it makes sense.
You know it makes sense.
We extend our drive back by leaving Friday (have to get the dogs tapeworm and driving down the mountain to drive back up on Friday to leave Saturday is pointless) and then having two nice stop overs - places we know/ spa type hotels. It still sucks to be leaving but it takes the sting out somewhat, and means we can get home Sunday afternoon, not too knackered and still have time for a couple at the pub! And take Monday off for unpacking! But we do a two/ three week holiday in all, don’t think I could leave Friday after just a week
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
abc wrote:
.....I’ve had in many years having my skis inside the car and kayak on the roof rack.
.
Pah, "That's nothing" a la Monty Python.
In t'afternoon, drive round t'hidden valley, up t'snowline, leave van, get bike out, cycle 40km back.
Next day, get lifts up circa 11:00 to 2,450m then ski off the back down t'hidden valley back t'van.
Quite often in late Spring it's ski touring in the morning and cycling in the afternoon as temps can hit mid 20's.
Then there's usually one last hurrah which can be a mixture of everything
Then after the ski season last couple of years down for a couple of weeks to the lake, for more water based activities.
Then the big departure back to the UK for the Summer is more like moving house with the van packed with all the toys and final garden maintenance etc and locking up the place until we return 4-5months later, then have to repeat the process the otherway round.
Last edited by Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name: on Sat 22-11-25 8:58; edited 1 time in total
Poster: A snowHead
Poster: A snowHead
Worse but for me is the check in at GVA (or any other airport) for the flight home and then security.
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
No longer something that we have to consider….
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?
This year we are in Tignes 13-20th December. When I booked our flights in May I somehow managed to fat finger the date on the return flight to the 21st. It got noticed about a week ago when my wife compared our flights with her sister. Unfortunately the flight on the 20th from Lyon is totally full, as is our option from GVA. So we have ended up with the full Saturday available. I've booked a hotel down in BSM for the night as of course there is absolutely nothing available in Tignes. So we get an extra day skiing! My wife is convinced I did it on purpose...
Just it being over. I always enjoy my last day of skiing, though feel a little melancholy when I know that's the last time I do a run for that trip.
Then, like Origen, it's getting sorted. Getting everything back into the cases, making sure we've left the apartment clean and tidy is the worst bit for me. I love the packing to GO skiing. I hate the packing to come home. I just have no enthusiasm for it. I just want to relax on the last night, but we usually have an earlyish train, so I can't leave it until the Saturday morning.
The recycling isn't too bad. The kids delight in lobbing the bottles into the bins throughout the week for that satisfying smash. We usually do that in the evenings as we head out for dinner.
I don't tend to mind the journey.
For our Easter trip next year, we're doing a night in Paris either side. We did 2 nights in Paris at the end of an Easter trip last year, as well as two nights in Vienna at the end of an Austrian trip in 2020 (necessity due to cancelled flight).
A city break is the perfect way to end a ski trip. It helps ease those feelings of being sad it's over as there's something else to look forward to. Then after that, we're ready for home and our own beds.
For our Christmas trip to Andorra this year, we have a late flight back, so will ski until mid afternoon. We did the same in Italy last year and it definitely kept away the blues as we still had something to look forward to even whilst packing. I keep a small rucksack with our travel clothes in, so people can easily change in the back of the car, salopettes and base layers get jammed in, and away we go. Being a woman, I have the advantage of my base layers doubling up as leggings, so I can travel in them.
Last edited by You need to Login to know who's really who. on Sat 22-11-25 10:59; edited 1 time in total
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
The misery starts for me as soon as we leave the euro tunnel terminal and join the motorway. Its the pits all the way home via m25 and a12
The misery starts for me as soon as we leave the euro tunnel terminal and join the motorway. Its the pits all the way home via m25 and a12
Yes, that's the nail in the coffin!
So depressing, drive 1,000 km through France at 130kph and then once back in the UK down to 50-60kph if it's bad
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Yes @Weathercam, but you wouldn’t actually swap Blighty for a foreign land would you!
After all it is free
After all it is free
We always ski on the last Saturday and then drive to near the airport, flying out the Sunday morning. Much better. And I now do 4 weeks, spread through the season, so three of them I'm looking forward to another ski only 3 weeks away. After 4 weeks of skiing the actual end isn't quite so bad.
And as I get older and time passes quicker, I am consoled that the next skiing season is arriving quicker too.
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.
snowball wrote:
... After 4 weeks of skiing the actual end isn't quite so bad.
Same for me. By the time I get to late April I'm normally quite happy the winter is coming to a close. The final trip home at the end of the winter has a similar sort of feeling to the first trip out to the Alps at the start of the winter, with a bit of excitement and anticipation. The journeys in between the first and the last are normally just a bit tedious.
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Ski the Net with snowHeads
The good thing about the pre-season Snowheads Bash is that when it's over, it's only just beginning.
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