 Poster: A snowHead
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travelling to Les Menuires at the end of Feb. flying to either Geneva or Grenoble (haven't bought tickets yet, as this depends on onwards travel).
We are a group of 4 audlts and 1 baby (9 months).
transfers seems quite expensive - around £60-70 pp (return) (and we will be required to pay full price for baby).
is it cheaper, and how easy is it, to get a train from either of these airports? I think it would be train to Moutiers and bus to Les Menuires? Has anyone done this (on transfer day...)?
would renting a car at airport be a better option (looks like an "estate" will cost around £270 for the week, plus fuel and excess waiver). is there free parking in Les Menuires (croissette)?
Any help/advice and shared experience would be very helpful!
Thanks
B 
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Boardiac
It is a legal requirememt that any baby is fitted into its own baby seat and thus requires to use a seat. Afraid this is common practice for alltransfer comapnies across the alps.
You could get the train from either Geneva airport to Moutier (think this requires a couple of changes). Gremoble need to get into the city and then about 2 changes to moutiers.
Probbly best option is Lyon as station is next to the airport, however still think there is at least one change.
Would be a easier option to book the transfer. In all honesty 70 pounds return is very cheap indeed.
Andy
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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?
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We used Altibus to Val Thorens from Chambery last Jan, and it worked very well, but it was €70 each (return). You had to pay for undercover parking in VT so worked out cheaper for the bus for 3 adults. Do a search for altibus as it gets discussed often.
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
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boardiac, There is free parking in Les Menuires.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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boardiac, We took the bus up from Moutiers 2 yrs ago to Les M (where are you staying?) at €45 a head return, so the car hire option looks OK from your poit of view, although you will need to hire a car seat. Some accommodation has underground parking, but I doubt any of it is free. Just check out the Eurostar prices - we found it cheaper than flying + car hire / transfer, more relaxing (no 9 month old though  ).
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You'll need to Register first of course.
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boardiac, Hi Lyon airport may have its own station, however they didn't think to connect it to the alps, you need to go into town plus there is a change of trains, have a look at the man in seat 61 www.seat61.com, will help you with any train routes. if your looking at hiring a car you will need a snow pack if hiring from a french airport, plus of course a child seat. You could look at going to Chambery then a taxi into town and then train to Moutiers, Grenoble is another alternative but transfer costs will still be high
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boardiac, you didn't say if you had asked your accommodation provider to quote a price for the pick up
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boardiac, with 4+1 passengers perhaps you should consider driving all the way - but you may not want to open that can of worms!
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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.
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boardiac, Flights at that time likely to be a lot and risingin in price all the time! If you are intent on flying, suggest you book asap
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boardiac, That does sound cheap. Book it and enjoy!
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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Yep, £65 return for that (quite long) trip is a very good buy. You don't need to worry about weather or snowchains - or traffic (which will be VERY heavy if you are travelling on Saturday in that peak period.
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Flights at that time likely to be a lot
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not really - London/Geneva on 20/27 February less than £70 return, including a bag. So - less than £140 from a London airport to the door of your accommodation in Les Menuires - a bargain!!
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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.
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thanks for all the replies. looks like the bus then. with heavy traffic, how long would it realistically take to get to resort?
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End of feb 20th ish shouldn't be too bad traffic wise transfer times should be (assuming bus means private transfer)
Geneva 2.5h
Grenoble 2.5h
Lyon 2h
Chambery 1.5h
THis will possibly double if there is heavy snow/heavy traffic.
Most drivers know the short cuts though so yuo should be OK.
Bonne route
Andy
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You know it makes sense.
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End of feb 20th ish shouldn't be too bad traffic wise
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Why do you say that? It's the start of the Paris fortnight so probably about the heaviest traffic into resorts of the whole season. (which does invite the question of why a British group should choose that week).
b]boardiac[/b], when you say "bus", what kind of bus? Private mini bus transfer or public bus?
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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boardiac, Surely you mean "private mini bus"! Otherwise your holiday will start with so much faffing it would not be worth the hassle especially with a young one on board!
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Poster: A snowHead
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pam w, my point was that at least it wasn't the english half term as well. Forgot that it is also the Paris holidays.
Take all the times I have just given and add at least an hour especially geneva (unless you go the other side of lake Annecy. Motorway will be a carpark.
Andy
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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bus=coach. Ben's bus. anyone dealt with them before?
fortunately it's not 20th, but 27th Feb (or possibly 6th of March).
if there's a chance of the trip from GVA taking 5+ h, then (with airport travel UK side, flights, time spent at check in etc etc) it might just be worthwhile actually driving from here, or taking the Eurostar.
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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?
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this is the second week of the paris holidays might be better to go on the 6th when all the chaos will be over, the roads (at least to resort) will be clear and there will be zero lift queues.
Didn't know ben's bus actually did buses thought they only did shared transfers. Now I'm sure it will be fine but remember there can be a bit of waiting around with the shared transfer system, howerver it is a lot cheaper than a private.
Andy
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
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boardiac, the 6th March would be far, far, preferable. Much quieter slopes, much quieter roads. No brainer.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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cool, cheers. think the 6th it will be then.
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boardiac, Did that week there this year.
Loads of snow very few lift q's
We drove there (twice) fine if you have 2 drivers or more.
Best plan for us was cheap hotel within striking distance of resort for Friday night. Hit Menuires for first lifts Saturday ski till 1300-1600 following Saturday get back to Calais early hours.
Hardest part is the last leg of the drive. Basically once you hit UK. If someone is good at sleeping in cars or ferries keep them fresh till the last leg.
If you dont have skis to bring fly and hire a car £270 is a good price.
Hire kit on snowrental.net or with skirepublic and book in advance its expensive here.
Grenoble might be best airport.
If self catering shop in Moutiers if not relax and enjoy.
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cheers RPF. v helpful tips.
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