If flying try to minimise the amount of time you and your family have to be cooped up in the airport, plane and transfer coach (with other passengers to annoy) and keep transfer time between airport and resort as short as possible. Alternatively, you could Self-Drive, take the Eurostar or Snow Train (where possible), rent a car from the airport, or book a Private Transfer. Below you’ll find more details of all the options available to you:

Trains

One of the most comfortable ways to get to resort is by train, put your feet up, relax and let someone else do the driving!

Eurostar operate services from the UK directly to the Alps. Just decide whether you want to take the evening ski train on the Friday or the day one, which leaves on Saturday morning.  There is also a great TGV High Speed link, which runs from Paris.

Alternatively catch an overnight Snow Train where the 6 berth couchette accommodation provided is perfect for families who want to get a good night’s sleep and arrive fresh for a day on the slopes. Plus, you can take you skis or snowboard onboard for free.

Planes

Flying is still the most popular mode of transport to the Alps and most flights can be booked from the airport of your choice as part of the holiday package.

If you are not booking a package holiday the growth and success of the “No Frills” airlines means there is now a huge choice of carriers and departure airports serving the Alps main airports of Lyon (St Etienne and St Exupery) Geneva, Grenoble, Chambery and Turin

Automobiles

Self-Driving is a very popular mode of transport for skiing families due to convenience, price and maximum flexibility. Nothing could be easier, just pack up your own car, choose the ferry or channel tunnel, grab a map & head for the hills.

Don’t forget your snow chains!!

The roads are usually cleared very regularly but do make sure you have snow chains just in case. You will need to know your tyre size to buy the correct chains. It is worth a practice run in dry conditions too. A ski rack is also a good idea to give you more space.

Car Rental & Private Transfer

The transfer from airport to resort can be long and boring especially for children. You may want to consider renting a car at the airport, this will probably shorten the journey time and mean you have a mode of transport if you want to take any time off skiing to explore the local area. Alternatively if you are travelling in a larger group it may be convenient to book a Private Transfer from the airport to the resort.

Useful Travel Tips

All children who are not already included on a valid 10-year passport need to hold their own passport, this includes newborn babies. Children already included on an existing passport may continue to travel with the passport holder.

By  Car

Take all the old favourites: toys, blanket, pillow, drinks, snacks and wipes.

Facilities for children on board ferries are usually excellent. If using the Tunnel, once on the shuttle, facilities are very limited. French Motorway services generally have changing facilities; play areas and highchairs.

Do remember that babies and small children may have problems acclimatising to changing air pressure on the drive up from the valley to the resort - breast-feeding, bottle feeding or, if old enough sucking a sweet, may help acclimatise them to the altitude.

By Plane

If possible try to board the plane last, it is easier to get you and your children sorted, once others are seated. There is also less time to have to amuse the children before take-off. If you have brought a pushchair you may be asked to leave it at the gate, for separate loading.

Take plenty to occupy the children during the coach transfer to the resort as well as drinks, snacks and wipes. For the drive up the mountain please see the BY CAR travel notes above.

By Overnight Train

There are no changing facilities on the snowtrain and overnight sleeper from Paris. It is easiest to change children in your compartment. The compartments can get quite warm during the night so bring lightweight sleepwear. Pillows, sheet and blankets are provided.

There are limited catering facilities on the trains. Try to eat before departure and take some picnic items. If taking the snowtrain, you will be able to eat on the ferry, although it is advisable to take drinks and snacks for later. Coffee & croissants are available in the morning.

By Daytime Train

On the Eurostar there are baby-changing areas. As there is only limited snack food available from the buffet cars we advise taking a picnic.

We suggest dressing children in several layers that can easily be taken off or added to. On arrival at the station there may be little or no snow - conditions in the resort can be very different.

For the drive up the mountain please see the BY CAR travel notes above.

Holiday Bookings Thomson Holidays Going Places Thomas Cook My Travel Airtours Pierre et Vacances Panorama Holidays	Opodo Ebookers Lastminute.com Expedia Price Line Snow  Mango Ski Bed Virgin Holidays
Flight Bookings Easy Jet Virgin Atlantic British Airways FlyBe Lastminute.com	Ebookers Expedia Opodo Thomson Flights

Travel Accersories

Essentials 4 Travel