Ski travel by car
If you have visited this website before, you will know that we regularly advocatedsaving money on ski trips by driving with a group of family or friends. This not only saved on travel expenses, but accommodation also.
However, due to the recent price hikes on fuel and poor exchange rate, we suspected that the goalposts may have shifted.
So we decided to check it out !!!
We chose an early January date (traditionally the cheapest time of the year) and compared the cheapest prices we could find for a DIY holiday and a package at current prices (Oct 08).
We were quite surprised with the results.
Date Chosen :- Saturday 10th Jan - both holidays from Luton to Chamonix
Best Price for Package for 4 people staying at La Riviera (3*) apartments (4 x 224) = £896
Not included:-Travel to airport/parking, carriage of skis, meals, lift pass, lessons, ski hire.
DIY Trip for 4 people staying at Les Barrats (2*) apartments
Cost of apartment £347
Cheapest Ferry (9 days to inc travel) £90
Cost of fuel (1410 miles round trip @ generous 8 m/litre) £140
TOTAL £577
Not included:- Any extra insurance needed, motorway tolls, snowchains, meals, lift pass, lessons, ski hire.
Please bear in mind, however, that the above is only a guide. Exchange rates, fuel prices, airflight prices, etc. are currently in a constant state of flux due to the global economic climate, and change on a hourly basis.
The above comparison was based on prices current on 23rd October 2008.
To see what is currently on offer check out our 'Best Deals' section in the left hand column.
Since writing the above comparison in October 08 fuel prices have plummeted. They were the £1.20 + for deisel and are now below 90p per litre. So the above calculations are EVEN CHEAPER !!!
We are sure there are still even better package bargains to be had, (generally at the last minute) but because situations change so regularly, you need to check at least on a daily basis as you get closer to your proposed departure date.
Don't forget what a young lady from the travel industry told me " Flights [& ferries ???] are cheaper if booked well in advance. Package hols. are cheaper if left until last minute."
It is impossible for websites, such as this, to be totally up to date and therefore, accurate. All we can do is point you in the right direction, and allow you to make up your own mind after considering the relevant current information.
Cheapness, however, is not the only advantage to take into account when considering driving to skiing. Bear in mind:-
* You go from door to door, whereas when you fly you
still have to arrange transfers.
* Most airlines charge for extra luggage. With a car you can
carry skis, boards, etc. on a roofrack or in a topbox.
* You have use of car for social outings or picking up
food/drink from a cheap supermarket
* You can bring back as much cheap (duty paid) booze and other purchases
as car/minibus can take.
Against
* Takes a lot longer than flying.
* Very arduous, especially if only one driver
(make sure you have at least two)
* Flying is a more relaxing way to travel
(unless you have delays!)
* Due to limited space and the fact that you tend to carry as many
people as possible. It can be very cramped in a car carrying
passengers and luggage.
* On an airplane you don't have to sit with luggage on knees
and under feet.
For more information, check out in the "Experienced" section on the left, under 'Getting There'.
FIRST TIMERS
If you are considering driving to skiing and it is your first time, here are a few tips to consider:-
a) Most novice drivers to European roads worry about staying
on the right side of the road.
SIMPLE - when coming off the ferry just follow the other cars,
BUT just in case you are first off:
switch your watch from your left wrist to your right,
or alternatively, you could put a handkerchief or car cloth
into the right hand corner of the dashboard.
REMEMBER, these items will always be on the gutter side
of the road.
b) British car lights dip to the wrong side for European roads,
so stick some electricians tape across the part of the
headlamp glass that the main beam would shine from.
(legal requirement)
c) Most French motorways (not all) are toll roads
so this will add considerably to your travel costs.
However if travelling great distances, it is generally
worthwhile using them as you save a lot of time &
fuel (due to travelling at regular speed) and they
are very uncrowded.
(The French don't like paying to use them)
Some stretches of these motorways can be used free of
charge and then you can come off them before hitting
the pay booths. You can tell when you are approaching
these as the road signs will anounce PEAGE 5 km
(or whatever the distance).
d) If you haven't been on a ferry before again just follow the
other cars (or the signs) on (and off it).
Park up, leave your car (for safety reasons you not allowed
to stay in the car) but REMEMBER
to apply the handbrake AND memorise your Deck number
AND the number of staircase that you used. (otherwise
you will have a nightmare trying to relocate your car)
e) Once in the resort, park only in designated parking areas
and follow the instructions of any attendants.
Parking in the specified zones protects your car from damage
by snow clearing vehicles - and allows them to make the roads
safer for you.
f) Leave the handbrake off as the temperature can freeze cables
and brake linings. Instead,chock the wheels - but remove chocks
when you depart as they can damage the snow clearing vehicles.
Also, leave the car in gear with the front wheels turned away from
the slope.
If you're parking for an extended period, lift the wipers off your
windscreen or place them in a plastic bag so they can't
stick to the glass.
Ferry Deals
Prices change on a day to day basis. The examples given were current in October for a January 09 crossing. Check the Companies' own website to be more accurate.
This can of course, become tedious, but by using Companies such as Ferry Cheap (below) you can take the drudgery out of this. They find the best deal for you and take their commission from the Ferry Company, costing you nothing !!!
Norfolkline - A car and 5 passengers as cheaply as £41 return
including all taxes & surcharges, if you are willing
to travel in the early hours. Maximum price
(Jan 3 - 10) £69 for mid-day crossings.
SeaFrance - Same conditions as above - from £49 return
P & O - Same conditions as above - £55 return.
The Tunnel - Eurotunnel base their advertising campaign on
the fact that it is quicker to cross over to France
using their service, - only 35 minutes - and that
it is smooth whatever the weather. Unfortunately,
these advantages come at a price; the cheapest
return fare that we could find for Jan 09 is £98!
Please note that SpeedFerries - has unfortunately become a casualty of the current financial situation and have been forced out of business.