Drive to the Alps around this time of year?

[kbf1981]

Has anyone driven down to the alps around this time of year? I'd like to go for a trip maybe, I've been thinking about it for a couple weeks now, would probably take the LP550 and drive down to Portsmouth, over to Calais, then through France...maybe Paris, on to Val d'Isere, or I could go on the opposite end of the country and hit Bordeux, then down to the South.

What's a good road trip this time of year?

Haven't really thought in any great detail about this, other than wanting a holiday and looking at Google Maps.

[wineman02]

The roads are probably fine but I think it is a legal requirement to have snow chains at this time of year. Entrances to hotel car parks can be snow and ice covered so be aware. Why not drive to Kent and get the tunnel and save hours of ferry time?

[911Thrasher]

wineman02 said:

The roads are probably fine but I think it is a legal requirement to have snow chains at this time of year. Entrances to hotel car parks can be snow and ice covered so be aware. Why not drive to Kent and get the tunnel and save hours of ferry time?

+1 its only a five and a half hour to Paris from central London, and then five hours to Megeve from Paris....so you could be in the Alps in one day!

[russy01]

From somerset to val d'isere it takes us on average 12.5hrs (dozens of trips). Takes us 2 to get to London, so with a good tunnel trip you can do it one go. Or two stints if needed.

Lot of snow in val at the moment. Really want to be out there!

[LukeyLikey]

Last May I did Reims, Black Forest, Lake Lugano, Monaco, home. Fantastic. Especially if you get the Alpine passes on the run from the Black Forest to Lake Lugano. You might need to wait a bit though, the passes may be closed until about April.

Very worth the wait.

[Shmee]

I was on my way up to Verbier last week when I saw the weather forecast and turned around. I'm glad I did because then the snow came that night and the others guys who continued were snowed in up the hill. It's a complete hit and miss affair, because so long as it hasn't 'just snowed' it's not an issue getting there as they clear the roads very quickly.

[wineman02]

Well I am off to the Alp next Thursday for a weekends skiing. Sadly the f-car is still in winter hibernation and am going by coach of all things!

[kbf1981]

LukeyLikey said:

Last May I did Reims, Black Forest, Lake Lugano, Monaco, home. Fantastic. Especially if you get the Alpine passes on the run from the Black Forest to Lake Lugano. You might need to wait a bit though, the passes may be closed until about April.

Very worth the wait.

I think I'll wait till a little later - the alps are still lovely in spring....I'd love to hammer the tunnels and look at the scenery!

It's quite tempting to make it a little longer and from there go down to Italy...never been to Ferrari / Lambo / Pagani.