Ski vacations in a converted van – The essentials

Looking for a last-minute adventure in the mountains? It’s possible: going on a ski trip in a converted van is not incompatible.

In fact, it’s an increasingly popular model for ski vacations, offering a host of advantages. But if you want to make the most of your stay, there are a few essentials you need to take into account.

Here are a few tips for an unforgettable experience in the snow with your family or travel partner!

Whether you’re a winter mountain regular or a winter sports novice, all it takes is a little common sense to pack your bag before a ski trip in a converted van!

As winter activities are generally sporty, it’s a good idea to pack practical, comfortable and, above all, warm gear to face the cold. Be careful not to overload your bag, as you need to keep enough room to live in your
converted van
!

We can’t stress this enough: prefer soft bags to suitcases, which are much easier to store in a van or camper van. What’s more, there are many lightweight but warm “thermal” garments that won’t take up space in your bag and will dry quickly if you need to wash them.

Get ready for the cold and snow with the essentials for your ski trip in a converted van:

• Your identity papers;
• A little change, as some ATMs charge a high commission;
• Ski / snow / hiking equipment (your own or rented on site);
• Ski clothing: thick socks, ski suit and thin thermal clothing;
• Toiletry bag;
• Comfortable outfits for evenings or off-duty days;
• Gloves, hats, scarves;
• Sunglasses and mask;
• Backpack;
• Sunscreen (essential!);
• Gourd;
• Après skis for a stroll at the end of the day;
• Headlamp for night-time use if required;
• Sleeping bag;
• Rope for drying clothes;
• …

The list is not exhaustive and will also depend on your activities, but remember: go light but useful!

Take 5 minutes to read our article The checklist for preparing your trip in a converted van, so that you can set off in optimum conditions.

Equipping yourself for the cold and snow isn’t enough when you head off to winter sports in a van or camper van. You also need to equip your vehicle and keep a few important parameters in mind before you set off!
We’ve listed the most important points here, and they’re not just specific to winter mountain holidays, but can also be useful for your next trip in a van or camper van.

If you’ve decided to go on a ski trip in a converted van, it’s important to make sure your tires are in good condition before you leave (whether it’s your own vehicle or a rental van).
At Vanbreak, our tires are brand-new and well-maintained, and we offer anti-slip socks to slip on your wheels without difficulty as you approach the ski resort. Difficulty putting them on? Don’t hesitate to ask other van travellers for help!
Some resorts with heavy snowfall and difficult access have made certain equipment, such as chains or socks, compulsory.
No risks are allowed on the road, and this is even truer in the mountains! If you don’t have the necessary equipment to reach the winter sports resort, don’t venture out – it could ruin your stay in your converted van.

Although this is not always the case, it does happen that snow falls continuously and sometimes in thick layers in the ski resort ! This is not a problem when you want to partir en voyage au ski en van aménagé ou camping carOn the contrary, it makes the setting even more magical.
However, it’s important to take care of your van and clear as much snow as possible to preserve it. Allowing snow to infiltrate the sunroof systems, for example, could damage them. Worse still, some converted vans, like Vanbreak‘s, recharge their auxiliary battery partly from solar panels.
As you can see, snow on this equipment will prevent you from making the most of your van’ s comfort, and will damage your vehicle!
So take good care of them.

On vous l’accorde, pulls et chaussettes vous aideront à faire face au froid mais il est quand même agréable de profiter du chauffage stationnaire lorsque l’on part à la montagne en camper van ou fourgon aménagé !
Equipés de chauffages stationnaires électriques, nos véhicules vous assurent d’avoir du chauffage en continu. Encore faut-il anticiper votre autonomie de batterie afin que celui-ci fonctionne toute la nuit.
Si vous stationnez dans un endroit proposant l’accès à l’électricité, branchez le véhicule sur secteur grâce au câble (via la prise 220V). Cela vous assure une autonomie illimitée !
Dans le cas échéant pensez à recharger vos batteries avant la nuit afin d’être certain de ne pas vous réveiller frigorifié! Pour ce faire, rechargez-la sur secteur en amont ou utilisez la fonction « charge maximale » qui rechargera la batterie rapidement grâce au moteur.
Si votre système de chauffage fonctionne sur le gaz, il va de soit qu’il est important d’avoir toujours une bouteille ou deux de rechange!
Economisez votre énergie et ne chauffez pas inutilement le van ou fourgon lorsque vous n’y êtes pas!
AN-TI-CI-PA-TION, rien d’autre 😊.

Winter temperatures in the mountains are often much lower than elsewhere, so it’s vital to preserve your van‘s drainage system. In fact, it can happen that a block of ice forms in the pipes. If this is the case, gently run a little lukewarm water until drainage resumes.
To prevent this inconvenience, remember to open your wastewater valve to ensure a continuous flow. Of course, you’ll need a receptacle to catch the dirty water.

As you can see, caution and anticipation are the watchwords for a successful stay in the mountains with your camper van. Arm yourself with common sense and patience, and your vacation will be unforgettable!

Over the past few years, more and more holidaymakers have been opting for mountain vac ations in a converted van or motorhome. That’s why ski resorts have adapted and now offer amenities for winter adventurers!
There are several options available to you.

The democratization of van vacations in the mountains has encouraged ski resorts to set up parking lots and service areas for vans, motorhomes and converted vans.
Although some are free, most offer a daily rate of no more than €10 per day. Designed solely for parking, these parking lots offer no specific services, unlike service areas, for example, which provide access to electricity and drinking water.
Alternating between the two options can be a good solution if you run out of autonomy.
If you’re planning an adventure in the Sierra Nevada, here’s how to find us

La Sabinas

for converted vans and campervans:

Parking Las Sabinas
18196 Monachil, Granada

With no access to water or electricity, this parking lot costs a derisory €5 per day. Open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. in high season, this parking lot offers a breathtaking view of the snow-covered Sierra Nevada valley… What’s more, a cable car accessible from the parking lot takes you directly to the foot of the slopes!

Are you still hesitating to try your hand atwinter sports in a van?
We’ve listed some of the key arguments that will change your mind, and we’ll leave you to discover the rest for yourself!

Mountain vacations in a van or cam per van offer many advantages:

– The privilege of falling asleep and waking up in a calm, soothing setting, surrounded by breathtaking scenery and extraordinary light;
– Unlimited mobility! You’re under no obligation to choose a length of stay or a ski resort, so you can tailor your stay to suit your needs!
– An economical trip: renting a van and staying in it will cost you less than accommodation at the foot of the slopes, plus the journey to the ski resort. With your savings, treat yourself to more restaurants and outings to change your habits!
– Being at the foot of the slopes and a stone’s throw from the lifts is priceless! Parking lots and spots for motorhomes and camper vans are often located very close to the slopes.

So, any more excuses not to try your hand at skiing with your converted van?
Don’t wait any longer, go ahead and book your van or van body with Vanbreak now.