Midlands to Courchevel January 2011

[ronnie69]

A few work peeps are going skiing circa 8 January. Just thinking aloud at the mo but any reason not to take the bike at that time of year and make a trip of it rather than fly/eurostar? 2 days there and 2 days back maybe?

Obviously snow could be an issue, but do our French chums keep the roads fairly clear after fresh snow ?

As for the cold, it's just a case of the right clothes isn't it ?

Braced for ridicule

 

[Wapping]

No reason at all

 

[ChasMill]

Obviously snow could be an issue, but do our French chums keep the roads fairly clear after fresh snow ?

Depends on which day you plan to arrive at the resort.

Most holiday companies, hotels and chalets "change over" their punters on a Saturday. Therefore, local snow plough driver (how does HE get to work?) clears the main approach roads from late Friday night onwards. I have arrived in resort mid-week before and had a very interesting journey!

 

[cookie]

if it's snowing, then there is often a point towards the bottom of the mountain where 4 wheelers are required to fit chains, or turn around.

can't see them letting a bike up, even if the rider was mad enough to want to continue

 

[ChasMill]

if it's snowing, then there is often a point towards the bottom of the mountain where 4 wheelers are required to fit chains, or turn around.

can't see them letting a bike up, even if the rider was mad enough to want to continue

Not on a Thursday night there wasn't! There areas wher you can fit chains but this is only compulsory if there is a police presence!

 

[stolzy]

Mostly you should be OK, but there's no guarantee you won't get stopped by the weather. If you do, it shouldn't be for long - these resorts have to make money and if there is no access there's no profit.

if the worst comes to the worst you might have to leave the bike at La Praz on the way up.

Have you considered the practicalities of traveling by bike with ski gear?

 

[Wapping]

Have you considered that you never see that many motorcyclists riding up to the slopes, though the hairpins are crowded with them a few short months before?

You are probably looking at a dull motorway drive down for two days and the same on the way back.

Planes, trains and automobiles were invented for journeys and days just like these.

If you want heroic winter adventure, do the Elephant rally.

 

[ronnie69]

Was planning on working out a more scenic and twisty route than just motorways, but there may be fewer to choose from at that time of year.

May be a hostage to the weather also. Hmmmmmm.....

Ski gear wise, I thought I'd just have skis sticking out of a rucksack, avoid low bridges and be really careful in petrol stations and any shops I stopped at on the way.* What could go wrong?















*Or just hire all the kit again

 

[The Grey One]

Got my dates wrong?

Sorry didn't realise it was April 1st.!!!

Reality is that people get about in cars because they fit winter tyres. Here in Austria they are a legal requirement from 1st November to 31st March. Roads are cleared but in the mountains that means down to compacted snow not clean tarmac. With winter tyres (on four wheels) it's no problem but on two wheels??

Here, if you have an accident and you don't have winter tyres you have no insurance. Same applies if you don't fit snow chains as required. Plus a stiff charge to recover the vehicle. Your own recovery insurance is usually also invalid. We had a biker park his bike in a snowdrift last May, his recovery people would not collect it until the snow had gone, said he should not have been there!

Fly in, hire a car with winter tyres and save the bike, and yourself, for next summer.

John
www.hochalmspitze.com

 

[alan]

ha!

I laughed when I read this one.
I have a small ski apartment at Courchevel 1650 and I live in the Midlands.
I did travel there on two wheels one year just to try it, and yes everyone thought I was nuts but I thought it has to be done.

I got there no problem as fortunately the weather was dry, sunny but bitterly cold. The novelty wore off though and keeping one eye on the weather for the return trip was a worry.
I was lucky again but it was one of the longest dullest journeys I have ever undertaken. I guess it would have been slightly more bearable with a companion but not much.
Bikes are more fun than cars in so many ways but to destroy a long motorway journey in freezing cold conditions they win hands down. It will be a challenge and not enjoyable.

My advice, do it if you really feel like you have to, otherwise...

 

[mikeTR]

I have a small ski apartment at Courchevel 1650

Hi Alan
We have been to 1650 for the last 2 seasons. Really enjoyed it and are just planning something for this season. Do you let your place out? If yes, then would be interested in a pm from you with more details

Cheers
Mike

 

[Greg Masters]

You'd probably be OK if you were going in April, but January is a different matter.

This was the weather at midday on 20th February this year - 95 miles south of Paris (picture taken on my return from a ski-trip):

IMHO you'd be mad to take a bike.

Greg