Driving to Méribel advice
Discussion
Hi there
we are going to Méribel for new years as a friend has a chalet down there,
looking at flights and transfers its all getting rather expensive so I thought we might just drive as we have a bit of time over xmas.
10h in one hit is a little heavy for the misses to be a passenger so I thought of stopping on the way there and doing it in one hit on the way home,
has anyone ever done this drive and could recommend anywhere to stop on the way down?
I have a 730d and im a little worried about the RWD being an issue on the roads as my BMW is rubbish here in the bad weather,
would I need snow chains there or are the roads looked after better.
cheers
we are going to Méribel for new years as a friend has a chalet down there,
looking at flights and transfers its all getting rather expensive so I thought we might just drive as we have a bit of time over xmas.
10h in one hit is a little heavy for the misses to be a passenger so I thought of stopping on the way there and doing it in one hit on the way home,
has anyone ever done this drive and could recommend anywhere to stop on the way down?
I have a 730d and im a little worried about the RWD being an issue on the roads as my BMW is rubbish here in the bad weather,
would I need snow chains there or are the roads looked after better.
cheers
I've no specific advice of where to stay, but be careful to avoid the rush on the main transfer days.
By trying to opt for a relaxed 2 day journey, you could end up being caught in the traffic on day 2 on the way up to the Alps, and end up very stressed.
Perhaps look for a 'Formula 1' or similar, if you're happy with no-nonsense motel accommodation.
I'd suggest doing most of the journey on day 1 and staying at the foot of the Alps - somewhere past Geneva. Then on day 2, get up early and get to resort before the rush. You'd be skiing by lunch time.
You'll want / need snow chains.
Winter tyres are a good idea, and often avoid the faff of putting on chains, but they're expensive for your sizes.
By trying to opt for a relaxed 2 day journey, you could end up being caught in the traffic on day 2 on the way up to the Alps, and end up very stressed.
Perhaps look for a 'Formula 1' or similar, if you're happy with no-nonsense motel accommodation.
I'd suggest doing most of the journey on day 1 and staying at the foot of the Alps - somewhere past Geneva. Then on day 2, get up early and get to resort before the rush. You'd be skiing by lunch time.
You'll want / need snow chains.
Winter tyres are a good idea, and often avoid the faff of putting on chains, but they're expensive for your sizes.
Done it loads, it's easy and much more relaxing than flying (especially with the kids) You will probably want to be there Saturday for the changeover day,so leave after work friday, get the tunnel and do the two hours to Reims where there are loads of hotels just off the Autoroute. Then get up early, have a coffee and croissant 9in the car and you'll be there for a late lunch.
On the way back, I've done it both ways, depends if your room/chalet is paid for for the Friday night. Leaving straight after skiing and getting to a lovely little Hotel in Beze near Dijon before having a cracking dinner is a good way to finish the holiday. http://www.le-bourguignon.com/en/
HTH.
On the way back, I've done it both ways, depends if your room/chalet is paid for for the Friday night. Leaving straight after skiing and getting to a lovely little Hotel in Beze near Dijon before having a cracking dinner is a good way to finish the holiday. http://www.le-bourguignon.com/en/
HTH.
BenjiA said:
Done it loads, it's easy and much more relaxing than flying (especially with the kids) You will probably want to be there Saturday for the changeover day,so leave after work friday, get the tunnel and do the two hours to Reims where there are loads of hotels just off the Autoroute. Then get up early, have a coffee and croissant 9in the car and you'll be there for a late lunch.
On the way back, I've done it both ways, depends if your room/chalet is paid for for the Friday night. Leaving straight after skiing and getting to a lovely little Hotel in Beze near Dijon before having a cracking dinner is a good way to finish the holiday. http://www.le-bourguignon.com/en/
HTH.
Stopping near Reims on the way down is a good idea we've done it plenty of times....if your accomedation runs Sat/Sat and you're at work on Friday its the way to go. If Sun/Sun then staying somewhere much futher South on Sat night works.On the way back, I've done it both ways, depends if your room/chalet is paid for for the Friday night. Leaving straight after skiing and getting to a lovely little Hotel in Beze near Dijon before having a cracking dinner is a good way to finish the holiday. http://www.le-bourguignon.com/en/
HTH.
That said we do the trip in one hit now...not to Meribel. We go to Verbier which doesn't have the mountain traffic issues Meribel has.
Have to say the advice to go with snow chains and not worry about snow tyres is poor. You're basically going to be using the car on two days and looking to cover huge mileages...you can go pretty fast very safely in snowy conditions with snow tyres...you can't do that with chains. You're limited to what speed you can do. Also when it actually comes to getting in and out of the resort you probably will be fine with snow tyres but summer tyres might not get you up a hill to your accomodation etc so after a solid days driving you might have to put chains on for the last 100 feet...very unlikely you'll need snow chains unless its snowed that day. Yes there are times you will need snow chains even if you have snow tyres but it basically needs to be a snow storm the day you are leaving or arriving for that to happen. Oh and I don't know what the French are like but if you slip off the road and block it with Summer Tyres expect zero sympathy from the local police.
Have driven to the Alps many times which involves an early start and arrival in resort mid to late evening
Its certainly do-able but is a long day, especially if you want the luxury of a nice meal on arrival and getting sorted with rental gear and/or lift passes
So an overnight around Reims would be my advice on the way down - or flying
Coming home you have the benefit of a favourable time difference so wooffing it up the Peage after brekkie with a bite for lunch is a decent option for a sensible arrival back home
We skied Meribel this year the week before half term
On the last Saturday we left the resort at approx 8AM and had an easy trip down the mountain with minimal traffic to be seen on the way to Geneva
Our chalet was in Les Alluses and involved a short drive to central Meribel each day
The roads were cleared efficiently and unless it was actively snowing winters and chains were really not necessary
However it snowed heavily 2-3 mornings and we'd have been snookered without winters, chains were not needed however I understand the Police get arsey if you dont carry them
Whilst Im a convert for winters here in the UK we have mates with a place in L2A who drive 3-4 times a year, resolutely do not fit winters and say they have only ever had to fit chains a handful of times in 10 years, admittedly their cars are exclusively front wheel drive
So Im not sure I have actually helped you
I drive to the Alps once a year, usually on the busy Christmas / Half Term changeover days.
It can then sometimes be a problem with the sheer volume of traffic.
I leave after work on the Friday, catch a 9pm shuttle, and hope to get in resort for breakfast on the Saturday morning. Skiing by 11am.
That's OK when it runs smoothly.
2 years ago on Boxing day it snowed all the way through France. I didn't have winter tyres then. What a slippery nightmare that was. I had to put on chains just to navigate the autobahn north of lake Geneva. Never used or needed chains on a motorway before! Thick snow settled on the motorway, and I just couldn't climb any gradient.
Last year I purchased winter tyres. They're great. Again had snow on the way up to resort (Feb 16 half term). No need to don chains - was able to just plough on up to resort.
Traffic can also be a problem on going home day as well. One year it took 5 hours to get out of the Alps from Tignes. (I shouldn't have delayed our departure with that second bowl of porriage for breakfast )
It can then sometimes be a problem with the sheer volume of traffic.
I leave after work on the Friday, catch a 9pm shuttle, and hope to get in resort for breakfast on the Saturday morning. Skiing by 11am.
That's OK when it runs smoothly.
2 years ago on Boxing day it snowed all the way through France. I didn't have winter tyres then. What a slippery nightmare that was. I had to put on chains just to navigate the autobahn north of lake Geneva. Never used or needed chains on a motorway before! Thick snow settled on the motorway, and I just couldn't climb any gradient.
Last year I purchased winter tyres. They're great. Again had snow on the way up to resort (Feb 16 half term). No need to don chains - was able to just plough on up to resort.
Traffic can also be a problem on going home day as well. One year it took 5 hours to get out of the Alps from Tignes. (I shouldn't have delayed our departure with that second bowl of porriage for breakfast
)When we've driven to Avoriaz (not too far away), we've always caught a midnight (or thereabouts) shuttle and then driven down through the night, swapping over driving from time to time, getting there about 11AM the next day.
You tend to miss most of the traffic that way, but of course, if you choose to an overnight will be more relaxing.
You should be OK on the autoroutes, but you will need to have snow chains if there's snow as they won't let you past certain points without them (even WITH snow tyres) and without snow tyres you'll soon find you're going nowhere you want to fast if there is snow on the mountain roads!
M.
You tend to miss most of the traffic that way, but of course, if you choose to an overnight will be more relaxing.
You should be OK on the autoroutes, but you will need to have snow chains if there's snow as they won't let you past certain points without them (even WITH snow tyres) and without snow tyres you'll soon find you're going nowhere you want to fast if there is snow on the mountain roads!
M.
I would just add that if you're doing it on cost grounds make sure you've costed it properly. The one people often miss is the tolls which do add up. Meribel is generally ok for parking but double check, Val Thorens you have to pay through the nose to park.
An alternative might be to get the train. You can go direct from London to moutier which is very close to Meribel. Or you can go to Lyon and get a longer transfer. Both have pretty quick services during the day, the former also has an overnight service.
After having similar problems with flight costs in school holidays I'm getting the train this year and looking forward to it.
An alternative might be to get the train. You can go direct from London to moutier which is very close to Meribel. Or you can go to Lyon and get a longer transfer. Both have pretty quick services during the day, the former also has an overnight service.
After having similar problems with flight costs in school holidays I'm getting the train this year and looking forward to it.
waterwonder said:
I would just add that if you're doing it on cost grounds make sure you've costed it properly. The one people often miss is the tolls which do add up. Meribel is generally ok for parking but double check, Val Thorens you have to pay through the nose to park.
An alternative might be to get the train. You can go direct from London to moutier which is very close to Meribel. Or you can go to Lyon and get a longer transfer. Both have pretty quick services during the day, the former also has an overnight service.
After having similar problems with flight costs in school holidays I'm getting the train this year and looking forward to it.
Also don't overlook the fact it will be utterly draining and will detract from a day or so if the holiday. An alternative might be to get the train. You can go direct from London to moutier which is very close to Meribel. Or you can go to Lyon and get a longer transfer. Both have pretty quick services during the day, the former also has an overnight service.
After having similar problems with flight costs in school holidays I'm getting the train this year and looking forward to it.
Ie first day on the powder how much would you really be able to do clearly not a fulll day and others in the car will be drained too.
Tolls
Ferry
Parking
Fuel
Winter tyres
Snow chains
Lots of screen wash
Unless you have through load system you'll need a roof rack to take the ski equipment
The holiday doesn't start when you arrive at the Airport instead it's at the resort.
Tolls about 70 quid when we went to annecy this summer, each way.
The train sounds relaxing but it's bloody awful, honestly the most uncomfortable thing this side of a third world gaol. Driving isn't bad but very tiring, unless you can split the driving, 2-3 hours a stretch, then it's fine.
The train sounds relaxing but it's bloody awful, honestly the most uncomfortable thing this side of a third world gaol. Driving isn't bad but very tiring, unless you can split the driving, 2-3 hours a stretch, then it's fine.
Tried all 3.
Flying - expensive, lot's of queuing and not as quick as you think if you time it door to door
Train - good with mates if you plan on drinking, not good with kids (struggle to sleep)
Driving - cheapest, very flexible with times.
We now drive through the night, tunnel on Friday at 10pm ish, usually very close to Alp's for breakfast the next morning. Kids sleep in the car, no traffic, super easy (apart form the obvious staying awake). Depending how we feel on the Sat we either chill out and sort all our gear / food or get a quick afternoon on the slopes.
After a slippery return journey on summer tires a few years ago
I invested in a set of winter wheel and tires which are superb and take all the potential stress out of it.
Flying - expensive, lot's of queuing and not as quick as you think if you time it door to door
Train - good with mates if you plan on drinking, not good with kids (struggle to sleep)
Driving - cheapest, very flexible with times.
We now drive through the night, tunnel on Friday at 10pm ish, usually very close to Alp's for breakfast the next morning. Kids sleep in the car, no traffic, super easy (apart form the obvious staying awake). Depending how we feel on the Sat we either chill out and sort all our gear / food or get a quick afternoon on the slopes.
After a slippery return journey on summer tires a few years ago
I invested in a set of winter wheel and tires which are superb and take all the potential stress out of it. We're driving down for a week's skiing on 2nd...plan was to do a 7am Eurotunnel which gets us to Verbier at about 6pm.
Never done it before but having read this now thinking we might get the last shuttle on New Year's Day around midnight. Our kids travel really well (Ages 8 and 6) but they'll travel even better if they're asleep! I normally do all the driving but think if we go through the night SWMBO would need to do an hour or two.
Never done it before but having read this now thinking we might get the last shuttle on New Year's Day around midnight. Our kids travel really well (Ages 8 and 6) but they'll travel even better if they're asleep! I normally do all the driving but think if we go through the night SWMBO would need to do an hour or two.
Cheib said:
We're driving down for a week's skiing on 2nd...plan was to do a 7am Eurotunnel which gets us to Verbier at about 6pm.
Never done it before but having read this now thinking we might get the last shuttle on New Year's Day around midnight. Our kids travel really well (Ages 8 and 6) but they'll travel even better if they're asleep! I normally do all the driving but think if we go through the night SWMBO would need to do an hour or two.
Assuming you're OK with driving at night it's much easier, no traffic, kids asleep, no hassle Never done it before but having read this now thinking we might get the last shuttle on New Year's Day around midnight. Our kids travel really well (Ages 8 and 6) but they'll travel even better if they're asleep! I normally do all the driving but think if we go through the night SWMBO would need to do an hour or two.
Services on the Peage are pretty frequent, I usually stop every 2hrs or so for a bit (everyone stays asleep in the car) of fresh air and a cup of crap coffee which keeps me awake.
CrutyRammers said:
Tolls about 70 quid when we went to annecy this summer, each way.
The train sounds relaxing but it's bloody awful, honestly the most uncomfortable thing this side of a third world gaol. Driving isn't bad but very tiring, unless you can split the driving, 2-3 hours a stretch, then it's fine.
Are you talking about the overnight service or the day service? I can't see how the day one can be that bad but I'll guess I'll find out. I'm getting it to Lyon then taking a chalet transfer, leave London at 7am and should be in resort late afternoon which seems pretty good. The train sounds relaxing but it's bloody awful, honestly the most uncomfortable thing this side of a third world gaol. Driving isn't bad but very tiring, unless you can split the driving, 2-3 hours a stretch, then it's fine.
WestyCarl said:
Assuming you're OK with driving at night it's much easier, no traffic, kids asleep, no hassle
Services on the Peage are pretty frequent, I usually stop every 2hrs or so for a bit (everyone stays asleep in the car) of fresh air and a cup of crap coffee which keeps me awake.
It really is crap coffee isn't it! Well the stuff from the machines is. I stopped at one last year which had a "Paul" franchise...decentish coffee! I was in heaven. Services on the Peage are pretty frequent, I usually stop every 2hrs or so for a bit (everyone stays asleep in the car) of fresh air and a cup of crap coffee which keeps me awake.
I've never driven through the night before. Quite fancy it. Although I'd be keeping a closer eye on the speedometer as easy to hide in the bushes in the dark!
My 'usual' trip now is feb half term to Avoriaz with my son. We get the tunnel at 6:30 and then stop in Dijon for the night, usually getting there about 1am. The Premiere Classe hotels are basic but comfortable and allow an automated check-in from their 'kiosk' machine. I find making that extra push to Dijon means you're ahead of the usual Saturday changeover traffic in the morning, and should be in-resort by noon.
Your best option is to fly to Chambery and rent a car with Winter tyres and chains for the final ~75min journey to Merihell.
If you are going to drive all the way from the UK, with an antsy partner or family, your best option is to leave home around 6pm Fri (after rush hour), drive to somewhere south of Paris, like Troyes, to knock the back out of it, and then depart early about 8am to arrive lunchtime'ish Sat. You can then spend the remaining daylight hours having a leisurely unpack and rest (or brief ski).
Three (very) important things to keep in mind:
1. You will need snowchains. Either to get the RWD Bimmer up a steep snowy hill, or just to placate the local gendarmes (who police snowy roads). Repeat, you must have snowchains, for snow or the law. Practise fitting them before leaving -- they are a pain to use.
2. Xmas / NY has seen some huge traffic chaos in the French Alps in recent years. There has been very little snow so far this season -- if it dumps snow on the day of your arrival, be prepared for potentially huge queues. See "Snowmageddon" from Xmas 2014 for an example:
http://pistehors.com/snowmageddon-leaves-thousands...
3. There is a high risk of robbery on the motorways and service stations on the way to the French ski resorts. It is France's little secret. Be very careful of cars trying to pull you over, and do not sleep or rest in quiet areas:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-185885/Fre...
If you are going to drive all the way from the UK, with an antsy partner or family, your best option is to leave home around 6pm Fri (after rush hour), drive to somewhere south of Paris, like Troyes, to knock the back out of it, and then depart early about 8am to arrive lunchtime'ish Sat. You can then spend the remaining daylight hours having a leisurely unpack and rest (or brief ski).
Three (very) important things to keep in mind:
1. You will need snowchains. Either to get the RWD Bimmer up a steep snowy hill, or just to placate the local gendarmes (who police snowy roads). Repeat, you must have snowchains, for snow or the law. Practise fitting them before leaving -- they are a pain to use.
2. Xmas / NY has seen some huge traffic chaos in the French Alps in recent years. There has been very little snow so far this season -- if it dumps snow on the day of your arrival, be prepared for potentially huge queues. See "Snowmageddon" from Xmas 2014 for an example:
http://pistehors.com/snowmageddon-leaves-thousands...
3. There is a high risk of robbery on the motorways and service stations on the way to the French ski resorts. It is France's little secret. Be very careful of cars trying to pull you over, and do not sleep or rest in quiet areas:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-185885/Fre...
Yipper said:
Your best option is to fly to Chambery and rent a car with Winter tyres and chains for the final ~75min journey to Merihell.
If you are going to drive all the way from the UK, with an antsy partner or family, your best option is to leave home around 6pm Fri (after rush hour), drive to somewhere south of Paris, like Troyes, to knock the back out of it, and then depart early about 8am to arrive lunchtime'ish Sat. You can then spend the remaining daylight hours having a leisurely unpack and rest (or brief ski).
Three (very) important things to keep in mind:
1. You will need snowchains. Either to get the RWD Bimmer up a steep snowy hill, or just to placate the local gendarmes (who police snowy roads). Repeat, you must have snowchains, for snow or the law. Practise fitting them before leaving -- they are a pain to use.
2. Xmas / NY has seen some huge traffic chaos in the French Alps in recent years. There has been very little snow so far this season -- if it dumps snow on the day of your arrival, be prepared for potentially huge queues. See "Snowmageddon" from Xmas 2014 for an example:
http://pistehors.com/snowmageddon-leaves-thousands...
3. There is a high risk of robbery on the motorways and service stations on the way to the French ski resorts. It is France's little secret. Be very careful of cars trying to pull you over, and do not sleep or rest in quiet areas:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-185885/Fre...
1. Disagree. Snow tires on my RWD BMW have got me to Les Arc 2000 in similar conditions to your pic with no issues at all. I do carry snow socks but never had to use them.If you are going to drive all the way from the UK, with an antsy partner or family, your best option is to leave home around 6pm Fri (after rush hour), drive to somewhere south of Paris, like Troyes, to knock the back out of it, and then depart early about 8am to arrive lunchtime'ish Sat. You can then spend the remaining daylight hours having a leisurely unpack and rest (or brief ski).
Three (very) important things to keep in mind:
1. You will need snowchains. Either to get the RWD Bimmer up a steep snowy hill, or just to placate the local gendarmes (who police snowy roads). Repeat, you must have snowchains, for snow or the law. Practise fitting them before leaving -- they are a pain to use.
2. Xmas / NY has seen some huge traffic chaos in the French Alps in recent years. There has been very little snow so far this season -- if it dumps snow on the day of your arrival, be prepared for potentially huge queues. See "Snowmageddon" from Xmas 2014 for an example:
http://pistehors.com/snowmageddon-leaves-thousands...
3. There is a high risk of robbery on the motorways and service stations on the way to the French ski resorts. It is France's little secret. Be very careful of cars trying to pull you over, and do not sleep or rest in quiet areas:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-185885/Fre...
2. Agree, I also check the forecast before going. If it looks like a large snow dump I go later or earlier. This can catch you if flying though and you can't change your scheudle.
3. Scaremongering from the DM
Driving isn't for everyone, but works for me; cheaper and much more flexible.
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