Let’s be honest, we all love the Top Gear Challenges, where the presenters race one another using different modes of transport to see who can get to the final destination quickest. Well, with this in mind, I thought I would have a look at which is the best option for travelling to Val d’Isère this winter. Every family has their preferred mode of transport and the one which they rely on to get them to and from their luxury chalet in the Alps each year, but let’s take a look to see whether a car, a train or a plane is the best method of transport for your family.
Val d’Isère is one of the most popular luxury ski resorts in the Alps, with its vibrant village, one of the best après scenes in Europe and fabulous accessible ski slopes for all abilities. It is no wonder why families, couples and party goers alike keep going back year after year to the famous L’Espace Killy ski area.
I am sure we are all in agreement that Val d’Isère is an ideal winter paradise for your luxury ski holiday, however after speaking to numerous people, it appears we are still undecided on the best way to get there. If that’s the case, let’s take a look to see whether the car, train or plane is going to be the best method to help you on your way to this winter paradise.
CAR
If you find it hard to pack light, and you like to be able to make your way to the Alps on your own schedule, stopping where you like, then the car is the best option for you and your family. Head across the English Channel and then straight onto the stress-free French toll roads and in 12 hours you can be in Val d’Isère enjoying a glass of wine. Alternatively, stay overnight in a pretty and quaint French village, enjoying the local hospitality before making your way up the mountain in the morning. You’ll be skiing your favourite piste before you know it! If you are inclined to staying in self-catered luxury chalets in Val d’Isère, don’t forget to stop off at a Carrefour to pick up the necessities. Mine are French cheese, bread and of course wine.
TRAIN
If you happen to live in London or Ashford in Kent, then the train is a fabulous option for you and your family. You can jump on the Eurostar in the UK and make your way through the French cities and picturesque countryside directly to Bourg St Maurice in 9 hours. All you have to do is find your seat, sit back, relax and watch the world go by whilst getting excited about the prospect of being in Val d’Isère in 10 hours time. With the whole family being able to wander around to stretch their legs and not having to stop for loo breaks, the train is most definitely a luxurious way to travel to the Alps. Even better if you’re scared of flying! You’ll all arrive in Bourg St Maurice feeling relaxed and refreshed before getting a quick 45-minute private transfer or jumping on the local bus up to Val d’Isère.
PLANE
With flights from London to Geneva, Grenoble, Lyon and Chambéry airport in under 2 hours, you can understand why the majority of Brits choose to fly to Val d’Isère each year. Sit back, relax and enjoy the spectacular views of Lake Geneva and the mountains on the approach into Geneva (if you’re lucky enough to get a window seat) before jumping into a private transfer to Val d’Isère in under 3 hours. Or, how about popping back into the air and getting a quick 30-minute helicopter transfer, where you can enjoy the breathtaking views of the mountains. Trust me, this is an experience you will never forget!
With some of our operators offering the whole package of a week stay in a fully catered luxury chalet with flights and transfers all included in the price, you can see why the plane is such a popular choice. As the quickest and generally the cheapest option, you can see why this could stand out as the winner for how you and your family should travel to Val d’Isère. But does it?!
We all know that if this was Top Gear the car would win every time, but on this occasion is it your winner? Which would you choose?
Personally I have flown to the Alps more times than I can remember as this is the cheapest option for a couple and I must say it’s incredible that we can be in the Alps in only a few hours, even making a long weekend possible.
I have never personally taken the train but have only heard rave reviews from friends and family. Even though it is generally the slightly pricier option, this is a wonderful and very comfortable way to arrive in the Alps.
When going with family or large groups of friends, we have driven every time and I must say I love it. To be able to jump in the car and head off on your luxury holiday with your favourite tunes blaring out the sound system, the car packed to the hilt and even the family dog squeezed in the back, it is just the perfect start. To then make your way through France, stopping along the way to pick up some delicious French food and admiring the French château’s along the way, I truly can’t think of anything better. Well, maybe if I traded in my old trusty Volkswagen Polo for a Bugatti Veyron and did it in true Top Gear style, that might make it better.
There we have it folks! You might agree with me, you might not. I will leave you to decide. But if you fancy a chat about which your favourite mode of transport is, or would like to discuss which luxury ski chalet you want to take your family and friends to next season, then give the Ski in Luxury team a call on +44 1202 230 650 or pop us an email.
