For skiers and snowboarders eager to reduce their carbon footprint on their Alpine adventures, self-driving is a popular way of reaching the slopes without the flights. And with no luggage weight restrictions or ski carriage charges, it makes sense for many keen skiers and snowboarders.
Independent-travel discounts
Independent-travel discounts sometimes apply on packaged ski holidays where flights are not taken, though it does depend on the tour operator in question. In such cases, skiers can travel at their convenience by train or car, arrive into resort under their own steam, and approach the Alps in a more environmentally friendly way compared to flying.
Practical advice for self-drivers
If you require directions to your accommodation, along with contact telephone numbers of the chalet and the resort manager, please call our After Sales Department on 0203 0800 249 for details. Operators cannot guarantee that your rooms will be ready for your arrival if arriving before 4pm, as they may still be cleaning the chalet ahead of your arrival. Under normal circumstances, there will be a room available for the group to leave their bags if they arrive early.
Please notify us of your estimated arrival time and a contact number. If you will be arriving very early or very late in the day, please call the Resort Manager to advise him or her of your timings. Operators will ask that you provide them with your arrival and departure times so the chalet staff can prepare the chalet for you.
Self-drive ski resort recommendations
Across the Alps, there’s a wonderful range of ski resorts all within a 10-hour drive or less from Calais. Self-drivers keen to reach the slopes under their own steam are soiled for choice, so here’s a little inspiration for your next self-drive ski holiday.
Chamonix, France
Calais to the Chamonix Valley is a great drive, and it’s autoroute almost all the way. And with so many amazing villages and ski areas strung out along the valley, having a car with you will save bags of time waiting at bus stops. Chamonix and its surrounding villages attract advanced skiers and boarders from across the world, and the Vallée Blanche is a real highlight.
Morzine, Les Gets and Avoriaz, France
Morzine, Les Gets and Avoriaz are three wonderful resorts set within the expansive Portes du Soleil. Morzine and Les Gets are traditional Alpine towns, while purpose-built Avoriaz sits high atop a cliff with ski in/out access. With car access, you can take in all three resorts easily and the neighbouring towns of Chamonix and Flaine are also within easy reach.
Courmayeur, Italy
Courmayeur lies on the other side of the Mont Blanc tunnel from nearby Chamonix, and offers a welcome flavour on Italy to bold skiers and boarders looking for a truly international experience. Stroll along charming, cobbled streets through town centre, and hit the slopes with ease. Courmayeur offers swift lifts and a great snow-record, and lies within easy reach of Megève, Chamonix, la Thuile, and the Aosta Valley.
To find out more information on the independent ski chalets in your ski resorts of choice, please call our dedicated Sales Consultants on 0203 0800 202.