Toll free route to the alps (1 Viewer)

[Scottyboy]

We are off to Montchavin (La Plagne) for some last of the season skiing on Friiday and am planning on staying off the tolls, I have put the route into Via Michelin website and chosen quickest route, Its showing me 2 options, 1 Calais, Lille, Reims, Troyes, Dijon etc. option 2 Calais, Abbeville, Rouen, Evereux, Orleans etc We are crossing thru tunnel in the evening and are planning on driving for 3-4 hrs until midnight before finding an Aire so any suggestion for which route or Aire would be appreciated.

 

[jonandshell]

You can get to the Alps missing the tolls but you need lots of time on your hands!
Class 2 isn't too costly and for the price of a ski pass for two, you'll be on the slopes far more quickly and less stressed!
Also consider the cost of fuel. The money saved in cruising efficiently and directly to your destination goes some way towards the extra cost of tolls.
The non toll routes really are slow!!! OK if you are retired!

Have a good trip!:thumb:

 

[Scottyboy]

I was kind of thinking this to be honest, I was just trying to offset the massive cost of the trip so far and we haven't even got there yet LOL, what with ski hire and lessons etc!

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[Sidney]

I was kind of thinking this to be honest, I was just trying to offset the massive cost of the trip so far and we haven't even got there yet LOL, what with ski hire and lessons etc!

You are not alone in trying to weigh up the toll/no toll quandary.

My thought process goes something like this...

Start off on autoroute
Get hit with a big toll
Think "b**ger me that's expensive"
Pull off for a nice lunch, walk and a bit of sightseeing
Back on Autoroute
Get hit with a big toll
Think "oh well, I've come this far"
Reach destination less stressed having saved 6 or so hours :thumb:

 

[jonandshell]

Know what you mean!

It gets cheaper as you progress. We bought our own kit in the end. The kids have their own skis, we should get 4 season from those before they grow out of them. We buy and sell kids ski boots on EBay as they grow out of them too.
Skiwear is best purchased at Lidl/ Aldi at around December time. Also keep an eye out in your local TkMaxx. The TkMaxx website also has some blinding end of season skiwear deals if you plan ahead to next season.
The beauty of a motorhome is being able to carry your own kit and avoid excess baggage charges. To avoid hire costs, you need to be clever and buy kids equipment a little too large to make it last a while.
It might be worth checking out the resort ski shops for deals on ex-hire skis for use next year.
You and the kids will love it there! Good luck again!:thumb:

 

[jonandshell]

Also Surfanic do some great end of season deals on their good quality skiwear!

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[TheDentons]

Hi we are leaving on the 16th and heading to the alps to do some skiing we are beginners and have not yet chosen a destination we are also looking to purchase some equipment. Would appreciate some pointers on destination and gear looking to purchase second hand to start off

 

[PhilandMena]

You may find this helpful.
http://about-france.com/routes-from-calais.htm

 

[Jaws]

Is there not a place you could go in Austria instead ?
Apart from the 9 € vignette there would be no tolls at all ( and Austria is such a great place to go too !! )

Sorry if this reply is completely useless as I know sweet fanny adams about skiing, but I DO know the Alps ...

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[Scottyboy]

Hi we are leaving on the 16th and heading to the alps to do some skiing we are beginners and have not yet chosen a destination we are also looking to purchase some equipment. Would appreciate some pointers on destination and gear looking to purchase second hand to start off

I found www.motorhomeski.com very helpful

 

[Yorick]

I used to be a ski instructor before I became an astronaut.

Feel free to ask for any advice

 

[Flyingscotsman2]

Astronaut

I used to be a ski instructor before I became an astronaut.

Feel free to ask for any advice

So wat are u saying your a moon man

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[Yorick]

So wat are u saying your a moon man

My missions are top secret, so not able to discuss where I've been.

 

[roamingman]

We are off to Montchavin (La Plagne) for some last of the season skiing on Friiday and am planning on staying off the tolls, I have put the route into Via Michelin website and chosen quickest route, Its showing me 2 options, 1 Calais, Lille, Reims, Troyes, Dijon etc. option 2 Calais, Abbeville, Rouen, Evereux, Orleans etc We are crossing thru tunnel in the evening and are planning on driving for 3-4 hrs until midnight before finding an Aire so any suggestion for which route or Aire would be appreciated.

Years ago used to drive HGV's down to Italy, always used route 1, in 4 hrs you could be past Reims look out for Les-Routiers where truks stop always good food, or you can park up and make your own, next day reach your destination. Also you will find large lay by's to stop in.
Have a great trip.

 

[davidbaldam]

If you use search bar for "Toll free routes to Lake Garda" you will find routes recommended by The Kontiki Kid which give some excellent advise and should help you.

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