Self-driving to the resort is favoured by many skiers for the flexibility and freedom it offers. Drive onto the Channel Tunnel at Folkestone and arrive at Calais just 35 minutes later.

The three valleys is approximately 600 miles from the channel ports, the journey on the quiet motorways can be taken at your own pace. With the ever-popular Ibis and Formula 1 budget hotels en route travelling with an overnight break could not be easier.
 
You can book by clicking here at an Ibis Hotel or Formule 1. 

You could stay overnight near Albertville at the start or end of your holiday. Close to the resorts approx. 40 minutes away in the right direction. A Scottish couple run this charming 19th Century Barn. Le Verger

The Eurotunnel

The Eurotunnel is not prone to bad weather delays unlike the ferries and by far the easiest choice for channel crossing, the shuttle train crosses the channel tunnel from Folkestone to Calais and takes approximately 35 minutes - with departures up to 3 per hour.  All customs formalities are dealt with at departure end so you drive off at Calais or Folkestone and immediately join the respective French or U.K. motorway.  There are only toilet facilities on board the train but the terminal at each end has shops and restaurants if you want to break your journey before crossing.  We can offer you the Eurotunnel crossing for £189 per vehicle.  This price covers a car under 2m height and up to 9 passengers.  For higher vehicles and 4 x4 please discuss this with our office.

Other Requirements

Please note when driving on the continent you must always have your full driving licence i.e. plastic photocard with the paper counterpart document and vehicle insurance documentation. Of course your passport should be with you for identity at all times.

It is strongly advised you take out a supplementary holiday vehicle breakdown cover for your trip from the time of U.K home departure to U.K home arrival.

French motorways do have speed restrictions, speed cameras and distant/time monitoring equipment at the start and end of ticket collection points and payment toll stations. Be aware E.U. laws now mean a speeding penalty can be transferred between countries.

Snowchains and Other Essential Equipment

When driving in the Alps, it is a legal requirement to carry snow chains in the vehicle in case of poor weather conditions.  If you do not have the proper equipment, the Gendarmerie will stop you from entering the mountain roads in times of heavy snow and you will not be able to reach the resort.  Snowchains can be purchased or rented in the UK before departure - they are specific to the wheel size of your vehicle so you must ensure that they fit properly. It is also necessary to carry a warning triangle, first aid kit, spare bulb kit and a luminous emergency jacket - and don't forget you need to divert your headlights!

Polar Snowchains offer discounts to all our clients for either purchase or rental of snowchains and for provision of the various kits needed to drive on the continent.  Polar Chains can advise you and offer the UK's widest choice in chains - they also offer in-car DVD players and Satellite Navigations Systems along with many other pieces of equipment.  You must mention Alpine Action when you call in order to receive your 20% discount on their public prices.