Just back from Skiing

[Swampy]

Great to see this data being posted. It's the sort of stuff we have been eager to ask about.

A few questions if I may?

I can't see from the photo if you have a thermal wrap or covering around the pop top. Ours is a T4 with original fabric and I have wondered whether I would need additional insulation.

Second, how would you estimate the practicality of a three or four week trip? Drying wet ski clothes etc

I am familiar with the portes du soliel but not Samoens, is campsite close to lifts or is it a lot of walking?


Lastly does anyone have experience of the Bourg St Maurice site and how close to lifts is it?


Once again thanks all this is really useful stuff.

 

[pie27uk]

How did the fridge perform?
I've noticed mine needing to be put on a higher level for the thermostat to kick in.
I think it may have something to do with little difference in temperature with it being cold outside.?

 

[bvirc]

A thermal wrap is essential for both the upper floor and the front windows. For two persons a longer stay shouldn't be a problem, wet clothes can be dried in the front. For ski boots I strongly suggest an air dryer: http://www.therm-ic.com/Care-Systems/Dryer.html
The downside of this process can be some unpleasant smells, but it is manageable.
For the water backup a foldable 10l tank is strongly recommended:
http://www.ortlieb.co.uk/water/water-bag.html
You can even hang it above the sink.
For the gas I don't use Campingaz bottle. I changed it for an ALU 2 kg bottle filled it with 100% propane. It meets all VW specifications but allows a cold weather use wel below 0C.

 

[Ma77sc]

+ Bostjan

Love the pics - some excellent skiing and great Cali practicality shots. Brilliant!

Regards

Matt

 

[bernie]

Swampy

La Versoyen in Bourg St Maurice is a good camp site with warm shower/toilet blocks even in winter. The owner drives a free mini van to the funicular for Les Arcs every morning. Once there you can use your pass to go on the funicular which takes you to Arcs 1600.
Or it's a 30 minute drive to Val or Tignes where you pay to park. I believe there is a bus also to Val or Tignes but that obviously limits your day. You can also park at Tignes Les Boisse just short of Tignes. It has a new bubble which takes you into the Tignes lift system.

http://www.leversoyen.com/#!/accueil

La Versoyen also sell reduced price passes for Les Arcs to site residents

 

[igmac]

Bostjan, thanks for the contribution, fantastic pictures, it looks like you've got a really good set-up and you made the most of it. I think I would have benefited greatly by having some external storage or possibly less occupants (dogs). Alu gas bottles looks interesting I just took the standard 907 with a backup of a 901 filled with Propane however it was not needed.

Ian

 

[briwy]

Slightly off topic, but in a similar vein, we are thinking of visiting the Lakes in February in our Cali. Thanks for the tip about an electric blanket, and home duvet. BTW, in my brief searches so far, the only camp sites open all year seem to be quite a drive from the centre of the Lakes. Anyone got any suggestions? Thanks, Debbie

You could try here near Patterdale
http://www.sykeside.co.uk/
We've used it before in winter, hook up if required and a good pub/meals on site

 

[IanE]

Or the national trust site at the head of the glorious langdale valley. The Old Dungeon Gill hotel is 5-10 mins walk away and has a splendid walkers bar (of the spit and sawdust variety).