Caravaneige
Going skiing in the Alps in a camper van or converted van? It's possible thanks to caravaneige!
Caravaneige, a contraction of "caravan" and "snow," is simply the winter version of camping. Because yes: going in a camper van at the foot of the ski slopes is possible! After all, why give up camping in winter if you love it?
To do this, you just need to:
- Find a caravaneige to park your camper van or converted van (not all summer campgrounds are open in winter, but good news, in La Plagne, you have a choice of two caravaneiges)
- Book your spot for one night, two nights, three nights…
- Equipping your vehicle for the mountains in winter: winter tires and/or snow chains, insulating curtains or padded shutters to protect you from the cold, stationary heating, a broom to clear the snow off the roof before departure, a scraper to remove ice from the windshield…
- Adapting your cozy nest to keep it that way despite the negative temperatures and snow: "extreme cold" sleeping bags, a tray for your wet shoes to keep your "home sweet home" nice and clean…
Nothing too complicated!
Park your RV or camper van as close as possible to the ski slopes, whether for one night or for the week
Winter camping in the Alps is THE way to combine the “van life” experience with great skiing. Forget about long trips between your campsite in the valley and the ski slopes: in La Plagne, both winter camping sites are ideally located near the ski lifts.
For direct access to the slopes, book a “front-row” site at the Plagne Villages winter camping site.
Would you rather enjoy a panoramic view and don’t mind walking a little (450 meters, to be precise)? Then choose the Montchavin-les-Coches winter camping site. You’ll love its panoramic terraces, offering unobstructed views of Mont Blanc.
Convenient: reservations are made by the night. It’s up to you whether you stay one night or a week (unlike most accommodations, which only offer Saturday-to-Saturday reservations).
Reserve a spot at one of La Plagne’s two winter RV parks
In total, there are about 60 spaces specially designated for RVs and camper vans in the La Plagne area:
- 23 spots at the Montchavin-les-Coches winter camping site
- 40 spots at the Plagne Villages winter camping site.
The Montchavin-les-Coches winter camping site is a full-fledged campground, offering a warm welcome and useful amenities such as heated restrooms and a room for drying your ski gear.
The Plagne Villages winter campground provides essential services: electricity, drinking water, and waste water and cassette disposal.
Booking is done online in just a few clicks. Perfect for a last-minute ski trip! All you have to do is check the weather forecast (bright sunshine or snowfall, depending on your preferred skiing style: downhill skiing on the slopes, freeriding, ski touring, etc.). Then check the available spots and reserve your spot before you arrive.
Caravaneige: The Solution for a Budget-Friendly Ski Weekend in the Alps
Going on a weekend ski trip isn’t always easy: many accommodations are only available on a weekly basis (Saturday to Saturday), and costs can quickly add up when you love skiing and want to hit the slopes as often as possible.
A ski trailer is the cheapest and most flexible lodging option for skiing for a day or two, several times throughout the winter.
For example:
- A site for 1 night / 2 people will cost you €17 without electricity at the Montchavin-les-Coches winter camping site (€32 with electricity)
- A site for 1 night will cost you €22 with electricity at the Plagne Villages winter camping site
It doesn’t get much more affordable than that!
Ski Vacations in the Alps: Is a Family Ski Trip Right for You?
You’ll love winter camping if:
- You consider your motorhome or campervan to be your second home, and prefer to take last-minute trips rather than booking vacations months in advance (just remember to reserve your spot online before you leave!)
- You’re a ski enthusiast and want to treat yourself to regular, fantastic skiing sessions in a large, renowned ski area, such as La Plagne or even the Paradiski area (connected to Les Arcs and Peisey-Vallandry), without blowing through all your savings
- You’re on a tight vacation budget and prefer to save on lodging so you can splurge on leisure activities (skiing, other activities, restaurants, etc.)
- You enjoy camping in the summer and are curious to discover its winter counterpart.
What services are available to winter camping vacationers?
The two winter camping sites in Plagne Villages and Montchavin-les-Coches are regularly cleared of snow and provide RV and campervan owners with electricity, drinking water, and a drop-off station for wastewater and waste tanks.
The winter camping site in Montchavin-les-Coches also offers: heated restrooms (showers, restrooms), a cozy common room with books, board games, and a TV, a drying room for your ski clothes, a laundry room with a washer and dryer, propane gas cylinders for sale, and a video surveillance system.
