Chalet Heidi  

Skiing, Boarding & Summer Holidays in Scheffau

Thinking of driving to Austria?

Below are some interesting facts and figures about driving to Chalet Heidi.

In the present financial climate, with airlines increasing fares despite fuel prices dropping, driving could save you a lot of money.

All figures are approximate, but are based on realistic figures including actual ferry and flight costs.  We do not accept any responsibility for the accuracy of the figures and they should be used only as a guide. (Figures were obtained in 2008 but still make a fair comparison)

Brief summary of the figures below:

Driving to Austria could involve far less driving than driving to France by using the overnight boat from Hull (or Harwich) which leaves you with a much shorter journey from Holland than the journey from Calais. The cost of driving to Austria can be massively cheaper than flying, especially for 4 or 5 people travelling together.  Despite the more expensive ferry costs to Holland, the overall price is only slightly more than driving to France, however, having had a good meal and night's sleep on the boat, you begin the next day at a respectable 8am for a mere 8 1/2 hrs driving.  Interesting?  Have a look at the figures below.

Driving to Chalet Heidi

The following example is based on a family of 4 travelling from within 100 miles of Hull or Harwich and taking the overnight crossing to Rotterdam

Driving to Chamonix in France

The following example is based on a family of 4 travelling from Derby to Chamonix via Dover-Calais

Flying to Chalet Heidi

The following example is based on a family of 4 travelling from within 100 miles of a UK airport, flying to Salzburg and having a private transfer to Chalet Heidi

All figures are one way

All figures are one way

All figures are one way

Total return cost £416

Total driving time 10.5 hours each way

Total driving distance 695 miles each way

The above journey does require an overnight boat crossing.  However, there are advantages to this. The boat leaves late in the evening, you have a comfortable bed to sleep in, you get a good evening meal and breakfast on the boat AND you set off from Rotterdam at 8am feeling good.  You will arrive in resort in plenty of time for your evening meal!!

Other advantages to driving are:

• No luggage limits
• No humping luggage around airports
• Less pollution!

Disadvantages to driving could be:

• You really need two drivers

• Possible delays due to traffic

• Continental breakdown required

• Wear and tear to car

Total return cost £352

Total driving time 11.75 hours each way

Total driving distance 790 miles each way

The above journey is a little cheaper than driving to Austria, however, without an overnight stop (which would make it more expensive!) you would need to leave at 4am (yuk) to even hope for an evening meal in resort.  Surprisingly the driving is of greater distance, takes longer, and with French *tolls is more expensive!

Other advantages to driving are:

• No luggage limits
• No humping luggage around airports
• Less pollution!

Disadvantages to driving could be:

• You really need two drivers

• Possible delays due to traffic

• Continental breakdown required

• Wear and tear to car

Total return cost £860

Clearly, a car will never beat a plane for time.  The above is based on a £150 per person flight (clearly this is highly variable) With peak week flights as much as £400 return per person, driving is far far cheaper, however with flights at £50 return - who'd want to drive!!

Advantages to flying are:

• With well timed flights you can complete the journey easily in one day and still make resort in time for a meal.
• Overall travelling time is far less

Disadvantages to flying could be:

• Cost
• Luggage limits
• Airport hassle
• Costly transfers
• Humping luggage from house to car, to airport, to taxi, to accommodation, and back again!
• Planes are delayed, diverted and sometimes cancelled
• Pollution