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steadyeddieuk
steadyeddieuk Forum Participant Posts: 3
edited January 2020 in Overseas Campsites & Touring #1

Hi folks,

I know that this is bit of a general question, but .........

My family are going over to France / Austria by camper-van towards the end of February.

We are having a final family week away prior to our daughters wedding later in the year, we are looking for general relaxation, some activities, walking, après-ski etc etc., and a bit of night life !!.

We are not skiers as such, although some may have a go.

I have had a look around t'interweb, but there are obviously lots of restorts, but it is very difficult to determine whether motorhomes are catered for, and what facilities are available.

I would be grateful if anyone can recommend any suitable destinations which may cater for our requirements.

We are not necessarily looking for top ski resorts, just somewhere we can relax and enjoy ourselves. 

Hoping someone can help !!

 

 Many thanks.

 Regards, Eddie.

Comments

  • eurortraveller
    eurortraveller Club Member Posts: 6,829 ✭✭✭
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    edited January 2020 #2

    I have only been in summer but Camping l'Escale at Le Grand Bornand gets good reports for winter too - it is central to the village which sounds to be the sort of location you are looking for.  But will it be fully booked already for February? The French are big into winter sports and will be out in force - especially in motorhomes, and all the winter sports centres and campsites cater for them.

    I am sure you know you will need to winterise your campervan - insulate everything, keep water and waste water inside, fit winter tyres, buy snow chains and practise fitting them before you leave home. 

    Take care.

  • Dave Nicholson
    Dave Nicholson Forum Participant Posts: 408
    edited January 2020 #3

    As ET has said; winter tyres and/or snow chains are mandatory is many EU countries at that time of the year and it’s worth checking with ADAC or similar organisations  to confirm the details. Austria is a long way for a week but if you fancy a long drive the scenery is even more stunning in the snow. Get the CamperContact app, check the reviews for suitable campsites and ring ahead if they’re in a popular area. Motorhome Aires are not common in Austria but there will be lots of campsites open.

  • chasncath
    chasncath Forum Participant Posts: 1,659
    1000 Comments
    edited January 2020 #4

    February is high season for campsites catering for skiers. It's also still very cold in the mountains with overnight temperatures as low as -20C. By day it can be sunny with air temperatures getting up to -10 to -5.

    A campervan will be uninhabitable overnight in these sort of conditions so  hope that you have an insulated  'motorhome'. We've seldom seen a 'high top' in the Alpes in winter.

    In France if you stay on the valley floor you would not need chains, socks or snow tyres; however, every route up to resort has signs warning that specialist equipment is mandatory beyond that point.

    Bourg St Maurice in the Savoie is an excellent valley base which would allow you to combine skiing with mountain sightseeing by funicular, while being based at low level ( 810 metres above sea level). The Club lists this site.

    https://www.caravanclub.co.uk/overseas/france/rhone-alpes/huttopia-bourg-st-maurice/

     

  • Pliers
    Pliers Forum Participant Posts: 1,864
    1000 Comments
    edited January 2020 #5

    We’ve stayed at the campsite in Samoëns in the summer, but it’s also very much a caravaniege site. The ski lift and village centre are strolling distance from the site. The area is absolutely gorgeous, beautiful when we were there, but must be even more so in the snow season. Not far from the tunnel into Italy, if that’s your intended route on to Austria. 
    Sounds a good trip, enjoy!

  • steadyeddieuk
    steadyeddieuk Forum Participant Posts: 3
    edited January 2020 #6

    Thanks for the feedback folks, much appreciated.

    The decision to head down to the Alpes was taken after several beers over christmas, hadn't even considered altitude, specialist equipment etc. so valuable feedback.

    On the recommendation from chasncath, we are going to head down to  Bourg St Maurice.

    Once again thanks for your help.

    Regards, Eddie

  • chasncath
    chasncath Forum Participant Posts: 1,659
    1000 Comments
    edited January 2020 #7

    Good choice, Eddie! Free bus from site to funicular up to Les Arcs; two supermarkets just across the road; Easy walk into town for restaurants and shops; and it's a well-equipped site for winter motorhomers and skiers.

  • chasncath
    chasncath Forum Participant Posts: 1,659
    1000 Comments
    edited January 2020 #8

    Advice not to be ignored, Eddie: do not plan to arrive or depart Bourg St Maurice on a Saturday in the ski season - Friday afternoon should be avoided as well! There's only one road in and out of the Tarentaise valley with no dual carriageway after Moutier. The traffic goes at walking pace when it's not stopped. The French holiday Saturday to Saturday and there are weekenders as well. Apart from that, traffic is ok the rest of the week.

  • steadyeddieuk
    steadyeddieuk Forum Participant Posts: 3
    edited January 2020 #9

    Thanks chasncath, that will help a lot with my timing, as we are due to arrive Friday afternoon, will just have to get my foot down laughing.

  • chasncath
    chasncath Forum Participant Posts: 1,659
    1000 Comments
    edited January 2020 #10

    Camping Les Bouleaux - VIGNOLES just off the A26 at J24.1 would be a good overnight stop before heading into the mountains. You can stop at Intermarche for diesel and supplies en route to the site. We've used this site in Winter and Summer: it's a little gem, even if the Le Patron seems a little grumpy ( he's not). We've never booked. In winter, almost all visitors are overnighters and you get parked on the road in order of leaving time.

    11, rue Jaune
    21200 - VIGNOLES
    Côte d'Or

     

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