Self-Drive Ski Holidays: Five of the Best Resorts
I've picked out five cracking ski resorts in the Alps for self-drive ski holidays, taking into account all the most important elements for a week's skiing - ski area size, variety of slopes, après-ski, accommodation and dining options - as well as the car journey itself.
The resorts and directions are based on driving from Calais the quickest way possible – including toll roads. For the French resorts, begin with the A26 south via Reims to Troyes. Then the A5 and A31 past Dijon and the A6 to Macon…
1. Alpe d’Huez - At 1,860m, Alpe d’Huez is a true alpine resort in France’s Southern Alps. A lot of its fame is derived from the gruelling, mythical 21 hairpin bends leading up from the valley floor in Le Bourg-d’Oisans – one of the hardest climbs on the Tour de France. Alpe d’Huez offers an all-round ski holiday experience . 250km of pistes get steeper as you get higher (for the most part) and top out at 3330m on the Pic Blanc glacier.
Driving to Alpe d’Huez... From the A6 at Macon, head for Lyon, taking the A46 and A432 around the east of the city. Join the A43 and then the A48 through Grenoble. From the N85 the southern Alps resorts are well signposted. Le Bourg d’Oisans is the town on the valley floor and the last stop before the climb up to resort.
2. Les Carroz - Les Carroz is somewhat of an all-rounder in the Grand Massif ski area. The village sits at 1,200m and features traditional architecture, panoramic mountain views and tree-lined slopes. It’s well suited to beginners, intermediates and families and is popular with French skiers – a notable endorsement . The Grand Massif links 5 villages, of which Les Carroz is one. 265km of slopes await your skis or board. The others (maybe barring Flaine) are an achievable ski for anyone with novice or better abilities.
Driving to Lez Carroz... At Macon, take the A40 East for 190km to Balme where you exit and take the mountain road up to resort. Flaine, Samoëns & Morillon
The neighbouring resorts of Flaine, Samoëns & Morillon as well as the quaint village of Sixt-Fer-a-Cheval are all part of the Grand Massif ski area along with Le Carroz. Any of these would be a great option for a self-drive ski holiday and each destination may suit you better than the last. You can ski to all of them on your next ski holiday to Les Carroz!
3. Chamonix - A working and thriving mountain town in the shadow of the iconic Mont Blanc. As a ski area it’s considered by many to offer the pinnacle of alpine challenges, on skis, snowboard or just with ropes and harness. One of the homes of extreme Alpinism, and yet a fantastic all-round destination for ski enthusiasts too. The Chamonix valley features five ski areas and although they are spread out somewhat, if you have a car they are all within easy reach . Buses are also excellent and run early-til-late. With a Mont Blanc full area lift pass you can also hop in your car and drive to both Courmayeur in Italy and Verbier (including the full 4 Valleys) in Switzerland to enjoy skiing in another country!
Driving to Chamonix... At Macon, take the A40 East for 220km, merging with the N205 a little way past Cluses. Pass through the village of Les Houches (see below) and past the exit for the Tunnel du Month Blanc, following the signs to Chamonix.
4. Morzine - A favourite resort among Brits, and for good reasons. Morzine provides modern infrastructure around an authentic alpine village, meaning you can get up and into the mountains in a snip, but also enjoy a traditional French mountain village vibe for après too . It’s popular with snowboarders just as much as skiers as there are almost no flat-spots or drag lifts to contend with. Morzine is in the heart of the enormous Portes du Soleil ski area. In total, that’s 650km of pistes and 12 resorts at your ski tips! Enough for a lifetime of ski holidays for most people. You can also cross the French/Swiss border on your skis or board, if you head to Champery via Chatel for a day’s adventure on your next self-drive ski holiday.
Driving to Morzine... At Macon, take the A40 East and join the D9 just the other side of Geneva. Then take the D907 and D902, passing through Les Gets and following signs for Morzine/Avoriaz .
5. St Anton - The wildcard option in this list of self-drive ski holiday destinations is not only one of Austria’s best, but also one of the World’s finest ski resort destinations. St Anton is located in the Arlberg – a mountain range known as ‘the cradle of alpine skiing’. The resort is probably the ski capital of Austria and also a mecca for off-piste skiing. Whilst there are unfathomable acres of slopes for beginner and intermediate skiers of all ages, the real playground is off-piste or on the miles and miles of Itineraries and ski-tours. St Anton is well known for its après ski scene, which is lively both on and off the mountain. It’s probably true to say a trip to St Anton will best suit those looking to fully immerse themselves in the town’s full repertoire, rather than those looking for a relaxing week of cruisey-blues and early nights!
Driving to St Anton... From Calais, take the A26 south via Reims before joining the A4 east as far as Strasbourg. Join the A35 south and cross the border into Switzerland near Basel, then joining the A3 towards Zurich. Join the A1 towards Lake Constance, the A1 and briefly the A13 before you follow your skier’s instincts onto the A14 and up the valley towards the mountains.
In summary, there are loads of great resorts for a Self-Drive Ski Holiday, rest assured if you have really specific needs or wants there will be a resort to suit you which is within a 10 hour drive of Calais (non-stop) and also don’t forget the opportunity to stopover in an authentic French town on your journey to the Alps.
Why not contact me for more details and options for your next ski or snowboarding holiday.