More Brits are taking to the roads in motorhomes and campervans for ski holidays. With the pound in a slump, they make a fantastic alternative to expensive ski resorts and give you lots of freedom to boot!
In fact, motorhome breaks have become so popular that RV sales in the UK reached a record high in 2021/22, with revenues growing to around £1.15 billion.
Let’s Get Started
Excited to get started on planning your first motorhome skiing trip? You're in for a treat! In this helpful guide from the team at Salop Leisure, we’re sharing our top tips and ideas for making your first motorhome skiing holiday a success.
Here’s what we’re going to cover:
- Benefits of a motorhome skiing trip
- Ski resorts that allow motorhome parking
- Pitching on aires or campsites
- Taking your dog on a motorhome skiing holiday
- Insulating your motorhome so it's snow-ready
- Motorhome driving essentials for your ski holiday
- Tips for driving your motorhome in the snow
- Checking in your motorhome on a ski camping site
- Motorhome camping and expected etiquette
- FAQ about motorhome skiing
Benefits of a motorhome ski trip.
Most people assume that winter is the time to winterise their motorhome and get it ready for storage. But there’s an exciting alternative—you can go skiing in your motorhome!
Here are a few benefits of using your motorhome for your ski holiday:
Freedom and flexibility:
One major fear when booking a ski holiday is the possibility that there won’t be enough snow in the area you plan to visit. But with a motorhome, you can simply drive to another location if the conditions aren't ideal. Plus, you aren’t limited to staying in one hotel or chalet, so you can move around and explore more.
Save money
Ski holidays can be expensive, but a motorhome can help you save money in lots of different ways. For one, you won't have to pay for expensive accommodation, since your motorhome serves as both your transport and a place to stay. And since you can cook for yourself in your motorhome, you'll save money on eating out too.
Quality time with friends and family
Going on a ski trip is a wonderful way to spend quality time with your loved ones, and a motorhome can help make that happen. Instead of being separated by different floors in a hotel, you can all sleep and spend your evenings together in the cosy confines of your motorhome. These are the things that make your motorhome ski holiday even more special and memorable.
Ski Resorts that allow Motorhome parking in Europe
Remembering to take your skis or favourite snow jacket is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to planning a motorhome skiing trip. With motorhome skiing, a little bit of planning goes a long way and will help you deal with any unexpected bumps in the road (or the slopes). Let’s begin!
When you’re planning a skiing trip in your motorhome, you'll need to know which ski resorts allow motorhome parking. Fortunately, the awesome people at the Caravan and Motorhome Club have done all the research for you, so that’s one less thing to worry about.
Here is their list of Ski Resorts for Motorhomes and Caravans to get you started; there are others, so do your research and always try to book in advance, as motorhome skiing is more popular than you'd imagine!
- Le Champ du Moulin - France
- L'Escale - France
- Huttopia Bourg-St-Maurice - France
- L'Eden de la Vanoise - France
- Natterer See - Austria
- Grubhof - Austria
- Sportcamp Woferlgut - Austria
- Jungfrau - Switzerland
- Caravan Park Sexten - Italy
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Winter Aires or Winter Campsites?
If you're planning a motorhome ski trip in Europe, you might be wondering what's the deal with these "aires" everyone talks about. And which is better for a motorhome skiing holiday—aires or winter campsites?
We've got the answer for you.
If you're new to motorhome trips in Europe, you might not have heard of aires. In short, they’re just motorhome and campervan stopovers in France (the word aire simply means 'area' in French).
They offer basic essential services like a place to stay overnight and waste disposal.
They're usually only open to motorhomes—or "camping cars" as they're called on the continent. Depending on where you are, you might also see them called stellplatz (in German-speaking countries) or sostas (in Italy).
Aires are usually located on the outskirts of ski resorts, which makes them convenient for accessing the town's facilities. And since mountain resorts aren't usually spread out, you can typically get to the local grocery store or ski bar in just a few minutes.
A word of advice—check that the aires are open in winter!
Which is Best for Motorhome Skiing? – When it comes to motorhome skiing, there’s plenty of debate about whether aires or campsites are the way to go. Really, it's just a matter of personal preference. Some motorhome travellers like to mix and match—it just depends on what kind of experience you're looking for.
Taking your dog on a motorhome skiing holiday
Taking your pets with you on motorhome holidays is becoming more and more popular, even for skiing holidays. It's easy to see why—who wouldn't want to bring their furry friends along with them on an amazing adventure?
Top tips for taking your dog on skiing trip:
- Make sure your dog has a pet passport and microchip—and check with your vet to make sure the microchip is working properly. You'll also need to ensure that your dog is up to date on all their vaccinations, including rabies. Keep in mind that you need to wait 21 days after your dog gets a rabies vaccine before they can leave the country.
- When it comes to finding a place to stay, it's always a good idea to research dog-friendly motorhome ski resorts and campsites. Most campsites are generally welcoming to dogs, but it pays to double-check before you book. Some campsites might charge a small fee for pets, and it's worth noting that smaller resorts can be a better bet for some dog-friendly walking and hanging out.
- If you're planning on eating out with your dog, take the time to call ahead to see if the restaurant is dog-friendly. A lot of ski resorts will allow well-behaved dogs in bars and restaurants, but it's always best to check first.
- When you're out and about with your dog in winter weather, you’ll need to have some paw balm or boots on hand to protect their paws from the ice, snow, and salt. Dogs without an undercoat might also need a coat to keep them warm in freezing temperatures
Insulating Your Motorhome So It's Winterised and Snow-Ready
When you hit the slopes in your 'chalet-on-wheels', there are three main challenges to vacationing in sub-zero temperatures:
- Staying warm and not freezing up,
- Maintaining sufficient power
- Dealing with icy conditions
Ensuring that your motorhome is properly insulated is vital for keeping it warm. While your motorhome's heater will help to maintain a comfortable temperature, good insulation will help to retain more heat, which will put less stress on your heating equipment. Here are some simple fixes that will help:.
- Locate cold spots that may not have been insulated by the manufacturer.
- Use foam pipe cladding on water pipes.
- Insulate all external tanks, such as with expandable spray foam or bubble foil.
- Use the right type of insulation, such as builder's grade double layer bubble foil.
- Make sure to maintain the proper ventilation, such as to avoid issues with carbon monoxide.
- Consider extending your blown-air heating system to reach colder areas. In some motorhomes, the blown air doesn't reach the cab. One creative solution is to use Y-shaped connectors to extend the blown-air heating around a bed, and even into ski boots to dry them. This can be a clever and effective way to heat the entire motorhome.
- Don't use closed grey water containers as they make super ice blocks and can split on defrost. Take a large washing up bowl with you so you can easily tip your grey ice block away.
Motorhome Driving Essentials for ski holidays
When you’re packing for a motorhome or campervan ski trip, it's important to think carefully about which items to bring along. With limited space, you'll need to be strategic about what you pack.
To help you out, we've compiled a list of driving essentials to make sure you have everything you need for your motorhome skiing holiday:
- Snow Shovel
- Rubber Floor Mats
- Engine antifreeze at a concentration of 33-50%
- Undiluted winter screenwash
- Windscreen ice scrapers
- De-icer spray
- Squeegee and absorbent cloths
- Garden fleece to cover engine when parked
- Jump leads
- Tow rope
- Emergency kit (warning triangle, high-visibility vests and country-specific legally required items for drivers)
- Buy winter diesel that is sold in the mountains
- Winter tyres – check whether they are a legal requirement in countries you're visiting
- Snow chains must be carried by law in most mountain regions
- Mat or knee protectors plus thin gloves for applying snow chains
- Thermal screen covers
- Thermal bonnet cover
- Gaffa tape
- 2 x adjustable spanners
- Socket set
- Set of screwdrivers
- Stanley knife
- Plyers – bull and needle nose
- Cable ties
- WD40
- Electrical tape
- Foam
- Junior hacksaw
- lighter
Driving your motorhome in the snow
If you're driving your motorhome in the snow for the first time, there are some key things to keep in mind. These tips will help you navigate the snow-covered roads safely:
- Get used to rolling stops
- Leave plenty of space between you and other vehicles
- Drive slowly and carefully
- When you’re turning, take it slow and wide
Rolling stops
When you’re stopping at intersections, avoid slamming on the brakes. This could cause your wheels to lock up and your vehicle to slide. Instead, apply gentle pressure to the brakes to slow down gradually and then come to a stop.
Keep plenty of space in front of you
Always leave plenty of space between your motorhome and the vehicle in front. In good conditions, it takes longer to brake due to the weight of an RV. In snowy and icy conditions, you’ll need even more space to come to a stop.
Drive slowly and carefully
Your motorhome is top-heavy and more susceptible to wind shears than a regular car. This means it's important to avoid sudden movements that could cause you to lose control. Most roads have a minimum speed of 45 mph but, in bad weather, you’ll need to drive more slowly to stay safe.
Slow wide turning
When turning, take it slow and wide. This is especially important for travel trailers, as the weight of the trailer can cause your motorhome to skid or fishtail on ice. By taking a wide, slow turn, you can keep your vehicle on track and avoid any sudden changes in direction.
Pitching your motorhome on a ski camping site
If it's your first motorhome skiing trip, it can be confusing knowing what to do when you arrive at a campsite. Here are some steps to help you on your way.
Check in to reception
Whether you've already booked your pitch or not, the first thing to do once you've arrived at the campsite in your motorhome is to visit the reception desk. This allows you to speak to the staff, get a handle on park etiquette, and find out what facilities are available. While you’re there, get some recommendations from the team for great places to visit!
Keep in mind that most campsites have designated pitches for motorhomes, campervans, touring caravans, and car parking, and they will want to know which specific pitch you will be staying in.
Some campsites have limited opening hours for their reception. If you arrive outside of opening hours, and you haven't pre-booked, they may have a sign telling you to choose a pitch and then go back during their open hours to pay.
These campsites are trusting you to be responsible when choosing a pitch, so remember to be respectful of other campers on the site.
Motorhome Ski Camping & Expected Etiquette
When it comes to motorhome camping, it's important to follow proper etiquette—and one of the best places to start is by following the campground’s rules and regulations.
These rules are usually displayed in public areas, like the entrance, front office, or other communal zones. As soon as you arrive at the campground, find the site’s guidelines and familiarise yourself with them. In particular, you should look for:
- General campground rules
- Safety rules
- Guidelines for parking your motorhome
- Utility hook-up procedures
It's always a good idea to check the campground's website or ask the site team about any rules that might not be posted.
Here are a few things you’ll want to avoid doing while staying at ski resorts that allow motorhome parking:
- Keep outdoor items, appliances, ski equipment stored when not in use to avoid crowding your neighbours.
- Do not block roadways with your motorhome. Check with management for overflow parking if necessary.
- When checking in after hours, avoid making excessive noise while setting up to respect sleeping neighbours.
Courteous Camping
When it comes to any kind of motorhome camping, it's very important to be considerate and practise good manners. Remember that each campsite is like private property, so avoid walking through someone else's pitch and stick to the campground roads and walkways.
Respect any quiet hours, and keep your pets on a lead to avoid any issues with other animals.
If you have guests visiting or staying with you, ask them to follow the same guidelines, including respecting quiet hours and parking their vehicles properly.
Being courteous helps to ensure that everyone has an enjoyable skiing holiday.
Here are a few additional tips:
- Keep the campsite clean.
- Smoke in designated areas.
- Spray down the dump station.
- Show your kids how to be good neighbours.
- Check out on time.
Good motorhome etiquette
Here are a few extra things that will keep you on the right side of good motorhome etiquette.
The first is window blinds. Window blinds are the key to great social motorhome etiquette, so if the door or window blinds are closed, don’t knock.
Just because you are on a campsite, doesn’t mean that campfires are permitted. Not only is smoke annoying to neighbouring campers, but campfires can be a fire hazard. If there isn’t any direct signage, it’s always safer to assume the site doesn’t allow campfires.
Try not to park right next to someone if there are plenty of spaces available. It’s simply good manners to give your neighbours as much space as possible to set up and move around. And it’s better for you too!
Kill them with kindness
The golden rule of motorhome etiquette is to always treat your neighbours as you would want to be treated.
If you think something you’re doing might be bothering a neighbour, just ask them. The same applies to you—if something your neighbour is doing is upsetting you, politely inform them.
When everyone is polite, kind and considerate, you’ll all have a great motorhome skiing trip!
FAQs on Motorhome skiing
How can I ski on a budget?
If you own a campervan or motorhome, skiing can be very cost-effective, even for the entire ski season. This is because you can take advantage of cheap places to pitch your motorhome and area passes.
Which Resorts Are Best For Motorhomes Skiing? Motorhomes are popular in winter at most resorts, while others don’t so it’s important to do your research before you go. Some resorts have winter aires nearby.
Can I rent a motrohome or campervan to take skiing? Yes, but you must check that the vehicle is suitable for sub-zero temperatures. Most motorhomes are designed for a milder winter. Check that your motorhome has winter tyres, a screen cover and winter specification fluids
What Insurance cover do I Need for a motorhome Ski Trip?
You should consider a number of insurance options for your motorhome ski trip. We have listed some below.
- Vehicle Insurance
- Breakdown Cover
- Travel Insurance
- Winter Sports Cover
- Winter Activities Cover
- Piste Insurance
- Medical Cover
- Pet Insurance
- Pet Activities Cover
- Insurance for your snow sports gear
- Contents Insurance for your motorhome
- Tech Insurance for your gadgets and tech
Are you limited to which resorts you can visit depending on the size of a motorhome?
Generally, the size of motorhomes and accessibility are not a problem after all, coaches drop off skiers daily or weekly at all resorts, so size should not be an issue. (Although American RVs are frowned upon). It's worth noting that motorhomes are not 4-wheel drive, so it's a good idea to invest in good all-weather tyres. Most ski resorts in Europe have designated motorhome parking areas with varying levels of amenities and costs, and they are generally close to lifts.
Can you park up anywhere?
Motorhomers are welcomed in ski resorts, with nearly all designated parking areas positioned at the foot of ski lifts. Those that are not are, at worst, in walking distance or connected with a ski bus.
Europe has a massive network of welcoming overnight parking areas. In France, Belgium, Switzerland head for 'aires de services'; in Germany and Austria look out for 'stellplatze'; and in Italy, 'sostas'. Everything is online now. TIP: Get the Serchforsites app, which lists nearly every parking site in the whole of Europe
What are the average motorhome parking costs in ski resorts?
Costs and facilities vary wildly from no charge €0 for water, waste disposal and electricity up to as much as €20 per night including all combinations in between.
Conclusion:
Skiing holidays can be expensive and that’s where a motorhome comes into its own. Motorhome skiing offers great benefits, like the freedom to move around and explore different locations, saving money on accommodation and eating out, and the opportunity to make special memories with your loved ones.
Plus, with the option to use your motorhome for exciting and unique holidays all year round, you can make the most of your motorhome investment.
When you’re planning your motorhome skiing trip, do your research on which ski resorts allow motorhome parking and decide whether you'd prefer to stay at an aire or a winter campsite. And always take the necessary precautions like insulating your motorhome and preparing for snowy driving conditions.
If you're a motorhome owner who has experience of taking your RV on a skiing holiday, we'd love to hear your tips and tricks for a successful trip. Please share your thoughts with us and our readers in the comments below.
Happy skiing!