A ski trip to the French Alps doesn't have to break the bank before you even hit the slopes. The way you get there — drive, ferry, tunnel, or fly — can make a difference of hundreds of pounds. Here's how to pick the cheapest route from the UK to resorts like Chamonix, Val d'Isère, Les Arcs, and the Three Valleys.
1. Drive vs Fly: Which Is Cheaper for Skiing?
The answer depends on how many people are in your group, where you're starting from, and when you book. Here's a rough breakdown for a group of 4 heading to Chamonix:
| Method | Typical Cost (4 people, return) | Journey Time |
|---|---|---|
| Eurotunnel + drive | £400-£600 | 10-12 hours |
| Dover-Calais ferry + drive | £350-£500 | 11-13 hours |
| Fly to Geneva + hire car | £500-£900 | 3-4 hours (door to resort) |
| Fly to Geneva + transfer | £400-£700 | 3-4 hours (no flexibility) |
Tip: Driving wins for groups of 3-4+ sharing fuel and crossing costs. Flying is better value for couples or solo travellers, especially to closer resorts near Geneva.
Compare Ferry Prices
Check live prices, timetables, and availability across ferry operators.
Affiliate link — we may earn a small commission if you book, at no extra cost to you.
2. Best Routes from the UK to the Alps
The most common driving route is Calais → A26 → Reims → A5/A31 → Dijon → A39/A40 → Alps. But your starting point in the UK changes the equation.
From South East England
Eurotunnel or Dover-Calais ferry to Calais, then autoroute south via Reims and Dijon. Around 9-10 hours driving after the crossing.
From the Midlands or North
Add 3-5 hours to reach Dover or Folkestone. Flying from Manchester or Birmingham to Geneva is often better value when you factor in UK fuel and time.
Overnight Ferry Option
Portsmouth to Caen overnight ferry lets you sleep during the crossing and wake up in France. Saves a hotel night but adds driving distance to the Alps.
3. Winter Crossing Prices
Good news: winter is off-peak for Channel crossings (except school half-terms and Christmas). January and March crossings can be 40-50% cheaper than summer peak.
- Eurotunnel winter crossings from around £89 return (vs £200+ in August)
- Dover-Calais ferries from £55-£80 return in January
- Book 6-8 weeks ahead for half-term ski weeks — prices jump fast
- Midweek departures (Tuesday/Wednesday) are consistently cheapest
4. Snow Chains and Winter Driving
If you're driving to the Alps, you'll need to prepare for mountain roads. French law requires you carry snow chains or winter tyres in mountain areas between November and March.
Winter Driving Checklist
5. French Toll Costs to the Alps
Autoroute tolls from Calais to the northern Alps (Chamonix, Les Arcs) run around £50-£65 each way. For southern resorts like Serre Chevalier or Isola 2000, expect £65-£80. These are unavoidable if you want to keep journey times reasonable — national road alternatives add hours and aren't practical on mountain approaches.
6. Flying to the Alps: Airport Options
| Airport | Best For | Transfer Time |
|---|---|---|
| Geneva (GVA) | Chamonix, Morzine, Les Gets, Avoriaz | 1-2 hours |
| Lyon (LYS) | Three Valleys, Les Arcs, La Plagne, Val d'Isère | 2-3 hours |
| Grenoble (GNB) | Alpe d'Huez, Les Deux Alpes, Serre Chevalier | 1-2 hours |
| Chambéry (CMF) | Three Valleys, Paradiski | 1-1.5 hours |
Compare your route to the Alps
ChannelHop compares tunnel, ferry, and fly + hire costs — enter your UK starting point and Alpine destination to see the cheapest option.
Try London → Chamonix