michele Posted September 1, 2006 Share Posted September 1, 2006 Last year in Oct we visited Mont Blanc just to see what it would be like for the van . (The hills) and if we would be able to do it in the winter for real with wheelchair & children . Can anyone suggest other sites in france. Maybe not so high up. Not sure if there are two or three way's up to Mont Blanc but we seemed to take the highest ... Maybe people know of other places camper friendly . Any help appreciated. Regards Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnP Posted September 1, 2006 Share Posted September 1, 2006 Hi Michele Welcome back. I think that one of your problems in mid-winter will be pushing the wheelchair from your pitch to the lifts and back, also access to the lifts via stairs, but some use ramps. Resorts rarely clear the snow from paths etc because they are catering mainly for skiers who like to slide rather than carry them. In the morning these can be very icy. Roads are to the resorts are usually kept clear but you may need chains which on certain roads these always have to be carried in winter. Flaine (just south of Geneva) may meet your needs because it is a compact resort and there is a cabin lift which would accomodate the wheeled transport. The view from the top is stunning and looks over to Mont Blanc. You should look for resorts with large cabin lifts and not chair lifts or gondolers (too small for a wheelchair). These are continually on the move and would be impossible for your party. It's just possible that resorts have wheelchairs on skis for hire (if that make sense) They do in Norway. No doubt the same happens in France. I suggest that you contact the Ski Club of Great Britain. They must come across and help solve this problem all the time. Most of the resorts have a web site and these may also help with the information you need. Be prepared for a lot of pushing and shoving from the European natives. Most resorts quieten down after New Year. Hope this helps and don't forget, "where there's a will there's a way." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michele Posted September 1, 2006 Author Share Posted September 1, 2006 John P . Thanks for all that . Have had some good new's today . Will not have to take the two little one's they can go on respite the home is now going to organise this for us. phew............. maybe just this once we will fly to Mont Blanc and stay in a hotel. Hubby say's that by the time we have packed the camper driven all the way the week is over. This is just for our 15 year old son whom has had snowboarding lesson's . Because we fostered the children since he was 10 we have alway's promised him that one year we would take him hence the trial run. Next question do you know of any bed & breakfast sites . I was looking on the net . We have still to narrow the dates down yet . maybe end of Nov or Begining of Jan . can anyone recomend a Hotel B&B. not costing the earth. Cheers never done this one before maybe to old .....still if Jack the Goat can ski I have to have a go ;-) *-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian Kirby Posted September 1, 2006 Share Posted September 1, 2006 [QUOTE]michele - 2006-09-01 12:33 AM Last year in Oct we visited Mont Blanc just to see what it would be like for the van . (The hills) and if we would be able to do it in the winter for real with wheelchair & children . Can anyone suggest other sites in france. Maybe not so high up. Not sure if there are two or three way's up to Mont Blanc but we seemed to take the highest ... Maybe people know of other places camper friendly . Any help appreciated. Regards[/QUOTE] MicheleAre you wanting to be in the snow, or just to be able to see it/get to it? For example, if you were to go to Alsace you would find that, generally, the hills within view are snow covered after Christmas (but not guaranteed) the roads and towns generally should not be (but not guaranteed) but the ground is fairly level and flat (which is guaranteed, unless there is a subben earthquake in the area!), so good for pushchairs. The Alsation towns are a delight, full of painted Heidi houses, so should add to the pleasure, and with the Vosges one side of the Rhine, and the Black Forest the other, day trips into the snows (if present) should be relatively easy. There are also some good sites in the area with good, fully heated, services, some of which are year round open e.g Obernai (Train to Strasbourg, if you want to add a bit of city chic).If you go before Christmas, you will be less likely to see the snow, but there are wonderful shop window displays, and a totally magical shop in, I think, Colmar, that specialises in all manner of unusual Christmas decorations, many carved from wood. I believe Colmar also has a Christmas market, which should be very atmospheric. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnP Posted September 1, 2006 Share Posted September 1, 2006 In November there may be little snow so you may have to go quite high for the white stuff. If your son is snowboarding there are some good resorts for this. A cheap after New Year in mid January inclusive package with a travel company may be a good option when you could go B and B in a hotel or self catering in an apartment. The brochures have been out for some time now so check with your travel agent to enable you to compare prices. France tends to give good value and the Pyrenees are cheaper than the Alps. Try to avoid the trendy places as these are usually expensive. You really need a resort where you and hubby can also enjoy yourselves if you are not taking to the planks. Walking on "tennis rackets" is popular in some areas. Appropriate clothing is a must. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michele Posted September 1, 2006 Author Share Posted September 1, 2006 Brian & John . Thankyou . Firstly we plan to get a weekend on our own soon after the summer disaster (The Vendee) with the Disabled two & the rain hard work. Planning on just popping to Le Touquet for the weekendwith a quick stop at Bologne look at Decathalon the sports hyperU . Shop for the salapetes I think that's how you spell it?. and the other clobber as they are really very cheap there. What I did not explain to Brian was we now have no need to take the girls as they will go on respite . We will now not take the camper so cheap flight's I will search for . Brian thanks for the above, yes want to be in the thick of the snow. I only say Mont Blac because in my ignorance I don't know of any others. Never done this or had an interest before. .John also thanks will sit and have a good look on the net see what's out there . Will call into local town travel agent's pick up some brochures. Also may be able to find cheap package 1 week deals on here. will look for Alsace sorry have not a clue as to where that is always crap at Geography..... Thanks for all your assistance the reality of it is we probably would never be able to do it in the snow with the girls anyway. One won't come out of the camper if put in her wheelchair she is fine as long as your pushing the moment you stop world war three breaks loose. So it can only be the motion of the camper /wheelchair she likes . Hates stopping . The other is such a pain to take anywhere as she is not able to do for herself or see very well look up/down so really hard work . She is not Globally aware people walk into her expecting her to move . Obviously when she does not they think she is rude . little do they realise how lucky they are they can see her . Getting back to the point it will be Hubby Me & Son so would like some lively resturants night life not roudy drinking holes ... God I'am getting old. Cheers Michele Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geoff Bell Posted September 2, 2006 Share Posted September 2, 2006 Mic from Hell eeeeeeeeeeeeee, Lots of good advise in your replies, I've been about eight times now, mainly in hotels but I have learn't a few tips that make life a lot easier. Get accomodation close to a lift, Walking in ski boots is not fun if you have a long walk and remember the air is much thinner at altitude. Not so bad for boarders as they have soft boots. If at all possible for your first trip try and go with friends who have been before. Organising, ski school, skis and boots, lift passes ski buses can all be a bit daunting at first and its much better if you are with someone who knows the ropes. Remember the later you go the better the weather (Generally). I love the mountains and the snow but I prefer doing it in the sunshine, which is more likely in Feb/early April. If you don't get on with the skiing or snowboarding you can strip off and get a suntan. If you enjoy your first trip, you will go again and again, but if you don't then it will probably be your last. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keepers Posted September 3, 2006 Share Posted September 3, 2006 In throes of purchasing camper - one of the ideas is to use it for skiing but not sure that will be practical. Any thoughts gratefuly received. As to your dilema have a look at www.hucksterslodge.com. Never used them but planning to next year. the arrangements may well suit what you are looking for. keepers :-D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michele Posted September 3, 2006 Author Share Posted September 3, 2006 Keeper's I can't help you . I am not that clever you need the more knowledgeable Guy'S like Brian ,Dave &David Don& madge & Starspirit Geoff.To name just a few God the list is so long their 's is a mindful of Knowledge If you Post this again as your new thread I know they will be along to help. If you are looking to buy for that reason & are not sure which model? thank's for your E mail site .. Good Luck Regards Michele ;-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geoff Bell Posted September 3, 2006 Share Posted September 3, 2006 Jon, just put the word skiing into the search for 'all posts' and you will learn a great deal on the subject, and about what you should look for in a motorhome. If you still have any questions just ask. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michele Posted September 4, 2006 Author Share Posted September 4, 2006 Keepers, We looked at the web site you sent. Very informative I have to say impressed . Thankyou once again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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