Self Drive Holidays

Thinking of driving to your Alpine ski holiday? There are many advantages to doing this, including flexibility and the ability to travel with a larger group. Motoring sites like the RAC can help you plan a route, but we’ve also provided a guide below. Depending on where you’re travelling from and two, the average toll costs will be £75, while fuel costs may cost £125 to £225 - depending on your vehicle, travel time, and fuel type. Plan for around 9.5 hours of driving time, and remember to add plenty of stops for people to stretch their legs, refuel, and swap drivers. Sites like ViaMichelin will calculate your route and estimate the exact tolls and fuel costs for your specific car, plus driving time.

Planning Your Self-Drive Alpine Holiday

Planning a self-drive holiday can get stressful…but it doesn’t need to be. We’ve simplified everything for you by outlining the steps you should take.

Plan Your Route

Most people from the UK choose self-drive holidays to the French Alps because of the connecting Eurostar and ferry routes. The standard route is to take the Autoroute des Anglais from Calais, past Reims and Troyes, down to Dijon, then to Bourg-en-Bresse. The directions are available on Autoroutes. The final section from around Bourg takes you up the mountains to your resort, and may involve sections where chains are mandatory in bad snow conditions. See the ViaMichelin site for route planning and costs.

Factor in Tolls

There are 2-3 lengthy toll segments with toll stations to pick up a ticket at the start and pay at the end. These require the passenger to collect and pay for the ticket. UK customers can buy an electronic toll tag like the bip&go, which allows them to drive straight through lanes and use the express tag-only lanes.

Consider Overnight Stops

If you’re travelling with a group, have children, or live a distance from Ashford, overnight stops can be beneficial. The halfway point from Calais is between Troyes (about 4 1⁄2 hours from Calais) and Dijon (6h), and an overnight stop means you arrive in the resort early afternoon with time to settle in and hire ski equipment.

Speed Limits

The maximum speed on autoroutes is 130 kph in good weather, 110 kph in the wet, and 50 kph in limited visibility. Take a look at the RAC website on driving abroad for more information and useful guidance on road signs, speed limits, important road signs and other advice on driving in France.

Service Stations

One great thing about French autoroutes is the greater number and more regular spacing of service stations, called aires. There are many smaller but spacious areas with toilets and picnic seating, close to easy parking, which are great for a quick toilet stop, snack break, driver-swap, or just a short rest. Also useful is the signposting of the distance to the next 2-3 fuel stops, which makes it much less stressful to judge when best to refuel. It's a good idea to swap drivers every 2 hours or so, even if they say they are fine to keep driving. At a small Aire de Service, a swap-over only loses you five minutes of drive time. It's worth it to keep the drivers fresh and alert.

Shopping on the Way

If you want to shop on the way down or back, a good place is the Léclerc hypermarket at Reims Champfleury (A4 Jct.23). It's right by the autoroute. Allow 60-70 minutes before you're back on the road, especially if you plan to buy some fuel as well. But be aware that shops outside resorts are closed on Sundays.

Planning and Practical Considerations

So, you know what to expect on your journey, but don’t forget that planning for it is essential. Here are the practical things you need to factor in.

What You Need to Bring

Items you must have with you are the obvious passports and driver's licence, and for the car, the original V5C from DVLA and your insurer's Certificate of Insurance. You also need to carry hi-vis jackets for everyone, spare glasses if necessary, and a breathalyser kit. Take a look at the French Government website certificat-air to see if you want to get a CRIT'Air pollution control sticker (approx. £4.50 one-off charge) for the car.

Snow Chains & Winter Tyres

It's sensible to get a set of snow chains if you're venturing into the Alps in winter, and they're mandatory under certain conditions. Take a look at your Owner's Manual to see which wheels you have and whether they can take conventional chains; some low-profile wheels can't and require special front-fitting chains. Bringing a carpet square gives you something to kneel on, while packing emergency items like a head torch and some gloves can be beneficial. Remember to make sure that your emergency items are easy to access. If you’re unsure of whether to fit winter tyres or which chains to use, take a look at the AA Guide to Winter Tyres and Chains.

Preparations Before You Set Off

Small things make a big difference here. The more prepared you are, the easier the trip will be. So, here are some top tips for preparing for your journey:

• Top-Up Your Screenwash: You’ll need higher concentrations due to the Alpine air.
• Practice With Chains: Putting tyre chains on can be tricky - especially if you’ve never done it before. We recommend practising with the chains before you set off.
• Entertainment: Plan the types of entertainment you’ll take with you, including books, podcasts, games for children, and download movies before you set off.
• Staples: Pack staples like canned foods, crisps, and non-perishables ahead of time to save money, as luxury ski resorts can be expensive.

On the Day

Making a Thermos of hot coffee to drink en route can help the driver stay awake without having to stop at a service station. Try to arrive at Eurotunnel about an hour before your scheduled shuttle. They will try to fit you onto an earlier train if they can, but this isn't guaranteed. Arriving late on a busy day may mean a long wait before a free slot becomes available. French Passport checks are done before boarding. Once on board, keep your window sticker handy, as it will be scanned during your transit. Travel time is just 35 minutes, then about 20 min to get off and onto the Autoroute des Anglais south out of Calais… and you're on your way. Bonne Route!

Find Ski Accommodation With Snowfinders

The French and Swiss Alps offer a wide range of ski destinations, including the infamous Megeve, Tignes, and Courchevel resorts. Or if you're looking for a refined Swiss getaway, La Tzoumaz is a fantastic option. When you book with Snowfinders, our experts will help you plan the perfect holiday for your group. Whether you need budget accommodation, are looking for a luxury hotel or want to stay in a private chalet, our website has something for everyone.