Dream of being the primary to create tracks on brand-new snow within the morning, cross-country snowboarding or snowshoeing in silent, snowy forests, enjoying on pristine powder in your snowboard? Then a tenting journey within the snow should be in your final journey checklist.
Whether or not you realize a bit about it already or it’s all new to you, we’ve got put collectively a bit of information to winter tenting within the snow for you (and don’t fear – this doesn’t imply you need to pitch a tent, you’re allowed to remain in ski chalets!)
Low cost ski vacation: be a part of the ‘caravaneige’ motion
The French – with many spectacular mountain ranges of their very own plus quick access to Italy, Austria and Switzerland for a lot of extra – are nice proponents of out of doors holidays within the snow. Somewhat than chilly climate being a cause to remain dwelling in entrance of the hearth, they appear to see pristine, white, snowy situations as much more of a very good cause to go tenting. A lot in order that they’ve invented a time period for this nice journey, which mixes the phrases for caravan and snow into one: ‘caravaneige’.
We’ve got to agree with them, there’s something magical and reinvigorating about being outdoor, at one with nature, within the silent, gorgeous, all-covering whiteness.
What’s ‘caravaneige’ precisely?
The unique that means was this: caravanning or campervanning x snow holidays. Staying in a caravan, campervan or motorhome in, or close to, a winter sports activities resort. It dates again to the Sixties, when each campsites and ski resorts first actually emerged and developed. It needs to be admitted: between ski passes, gear and meals and drinks up the mountains, snowboarding is an costly vacation, particularly for households. Not ones to be restricted of their enjoyable, the French invented this economical lodging choice, which allowed individuals with extra modest budgets to benefit from the slopes. (It’s additionally an unbelievable journey for teenagers!) Thus, the emergence and recognition of ‘caravaneige’ is an financial phenomenon. Basically, it’s an ingenious solution to have an affordable ski vacation.
However because the Sixties, sure issues have advanced, not least alternative of lodging choices. So immediately, what it means is that this: open-air lodging x snow holidays. These days campsites and open-air resorts – as a result of with a plethora of facilities and on-site lodging choices, that is what campsites have advanced into in France – provide ski chalets, bungalows and cell properties to remain in. So, you possibly can nonetheless take pleasure in proximity to nature within the very particular snow season, but additionally creature comforts like heating, dryness, an indoor lavatory and a heat kitchen!!
Think about snuggling up below your quilt at evening in your motorhome or cell dwelling close to Peyragudes within the Pyrenees, or Megève within the Alps – your muscular tissues aching pleasantly after a day of snowsports, so sleepy you possibly can hardly keep awake. Earlier than you drop off, look outdoors and soak up a panorama blanketed in white, snow-covered bushes and clear, star-filled sky. That’s the fantastic feeling that solely an outside vacation within the snow may give you!
Caravaneige has subsequently change into a part of the checklist of companies supplied by campsites in France which keep open year-round. In addition to onsite self-catering lodging, they do typically nonetheless provide snow-cleared pitches in the course of the winter season, so taking your caravan or motorhome remains to be and choice (and certainly a less expensive one). There are even some websites which open solely in winter, specialised in taking care of powder-seekers.
Hooked on the thought? Nice. Let’s have a look at how and the place to place a caravanning vacation into apply, and get you reserving a very memorable vacation with household or mates within the mountains.
What’s distinctive about snow holidays at a campsite?
Firstly, tenting within the snow tends to be in mountain areas – the place there’s most snow and most enjoyable issues to do within the snow.
Secondly, you must discover a campsite or open-air resort that’s open in winter. Yr-round and winter campsites differ from “conventional” campsites in a number of methods:
- Opposite to what you would possibly count on if you’re accustomed to typical open-air resorts in France which are inclined to brimming with actions and leisure, in winter there are typically no actions or leisure at campsites. So, no children’ golf equipment or night exhibits, however they could organise issues like snowshoe hikes or workshops on winter wildlife, so this may very well be price asking about in the event you received’t be busy on the slopes daily.
- Then again, a number of the greater resorts nonetheless present restaurant or takeaway companies, which may be very helpful after a protracted day! Others provide a coated, heated swimming pool and/or sauna or jacuzzi. So, it’s price wanting on the facilities of various websites.
- If you’re planning on snowboarding, climbing or snowboarding, it’s additionally price searching for a heated ski room. That is very sensible, because it means your gear and boots can be dry for the subsequent day’s actions and also you don’t must litter up your lodging with them hanging in every single place.
- Some institutions will provide a shuttle bus to the slopes.
Ski chalets and extra: winter vacation lodging
Listed below are the choices:
- Hire a chalet. Essentially the most snug (warmest!) lodging choice is to lease a cell dwelling, bungalow or chalet. It’s dearer than parking up on a pitch, however loads cheaper than renting an residence within the coronary heart of a ski resort. For a 100% ski vacation expertise, look out for websites with picket chalets. Conjuring up an actual journey with their conventional look and snow-covered roofs, they’re laborious to withstand.
- Courageous a tent. If you’re feeling VERY adventurous and nothing will do however the excessive tenting within the snow expertise (or essentially the most economical of journeys), you possibly can at all times lease a snow-cleared pitch and set off for the mountains together with your tent. At the least the bathroom and bathe block can be heated! However you’ll must have all the best gear for the chilly in your tent. Nevertheless well-equipped the location could also be, sleeping in a tent within the mountains in the course of winter requires preparation each mentally and logistically!
- Deliver your tenting automobile. That is the compromise choice: medium consolation, medium value. Pitching up a caravan or motorhome goes to be a significantly hotter choice than a tent, and cheaper than a chalet. You’ll admire the consolation of a house on wheels: heating, lighting and electrical energy for the lengthy nights alone. Take into account although that driving in winter, particularly on probably snowy and icy roads, requires quite a lot of precautions and legally required supplies (assume snow tyres and snow chains, particularly, above sure heights).
Towing a caravan or driving a motorhome or campervan within the snow
What precautions is it smart to take, when taking to the street in winter situations?
Earlier than setting off
- It might go with out saying, however crucial factor is to be sure to have snow tyres and chains to your automobile (chances are you’ll have to order these a number of weeks prematurely of your journey). Snow tyres are necessary above sure altitudes in France now, and in the event you get caught in snow when venturing off the street, you’ll want these snow chains.
- Additionally put together for any emergencies by having a package on board. For instance, a minimum of one good torch in working order and spare batteries, long-life meals and water, a number of sleeping luggage or blankets, maybe a small heater. (That is all along with the standard emergency tools reminiscent of hi-vis vests and triangles.)
- In winter, as a result of chilly, a automobile may be susceptible to breakdowns. E book in a winter service or verify your automobile’s battery, tyres, lights, windscreen wipers and fluid ranges your self. If attainable, set up a battery booster, or deliver leap leads. Additionally keep in mind to make use of gasoline with an anti-freeze additive.
As soon as on web site
- Take a wheel chock for leveling your automobile on the pitch. This recommendation is legitimate in all seasons!
- Within the occasion of snowfall, clear the snow from the roof of your automobile and your pitch as quickly as attainable.
- For those who don’t transfer your automobile in the course of the day, begin the engine each morning and night. If it’s a lengthy keep, verify the battery and radiator usually.
- For those who want recommendation, don’t hesitate to ask your motorhome or caravan neighbours. Caravaneige has very devoted followers and you’re positive to seek out somebody with a long time of expertise that can assist you out!
Now the snowy slopes of the Alps and the Pyrenees are yours to find, or the attractive walks of the snowy forests of the Vosges, the Jura or Auvergne.
It’s time to maneuver on to fascinated with the place you’d most wish to go. A legendary mountain vary that you just keep in mind from geography lessons as a toddler or a actual off-beaten observe spot that nobody you realize has ever heard of? There are over 100 campsites in France open in winter, most of them positioned in one of many 5 mountainous areas above.
For those who’re not able to decide to a vacation spot, browse our campsites within the mountains assortment as an alternative and see if any of them take your fancy. When you’ve got any difficulties discovering someplace to your low cost snow vacation, ship our Buyer Care crew an electronic mail telling them the make-up of your group and the kind of journey you’d wish to e-book and somebody will come again to you with recommendations. And don’t overlook to share your images with us on social media by tagging #campsited!
