Many skiers and snowboards now go on their ski holidays by car.
There are some benefits about driving that cannot be ignored including the cost, self drive ski holidays will be cheaper if there are a few of you.
Secondly, taking children becomes less stressful, you can just throw everything you need in the car.
Finally, against popular belief it can be fun too! Here are some suggestions to make your self drive ski holiday as smooth as possible.
1.
Consider resorts closest to Calais - good options are Flaine, Morzine or Chamonix.
2.
Choose between the cheaper ferry or a faster Eurotunnel.
The ferry will take 2 hours, whereas a Eurotunnel will only take around an hour, if traveling late or early this time saving will be noticed.
3.
Make sure you only take the toll roads.
The national routes in France will take a lot longer, a lot, lot longer, and it's just not worth it for the cost saved.
4.
Make sure you make efficient use of your stops.
If you need to get petrol, make everyone go to the loo, if you need to stop for a loo break, then you may as well fill up with petrol.
5.
If you're traveling with children, then it's worth taking DVD players, and games consoles.
Plus once in resort they can be used, to entertain them, leaving you with some relaxing time.
6.
If you're traveling with friends, then it may well be worth looking at getting everyone insured on the car, so you can drive without stopping so much.
7.
If you're not short of time on your trip to and from your ski resort, then it'll be much less stressful if you stop at a hotel en route and complete the journey in two days.
Accor Hotels is a good place to start as they run several chains of different budget hotel chains.
The cheapest is Formula 1, you'll find one of these every 30 miles or so on the motorways, they also run the Etap hotels and Ibis.
8.
Check your snow chains fit your car.
The ski resort management are pretty good at clearing roads, but you can really never be sure that you won't arrive in resort in a snow blizzard.
9.
Check out the parking at the resort before you leave.
Some resorts offer free parking, or your accommodation may well have access to parking, however some resorts do charge for parking, and it would be worth knowing in advance what your options are.
10.
If you're driving through France then don't forget the kit you are legally obliged to carry in your car.
You will need a warning triangle, a reflective jacket and snow chains for snow covered roads.
I hope these tips help you enjoy your self drive ski holiday.