Ski Snowboard with an Airstream caravan in the French Alps [CC]

[@andrewjditton]

Please note that most of the time I'm saying 'we' I mean the 'Royal We', i.e. Just me. I delude myself sometimes that I have friends ;@) Dougal stayed on site with the central heating on full blast while I went up the mountain.

[@zeldaray5562]

Andrew Ditton ... Dougal had the best idea ⛄️...and I'm sure I caught him smiling....something to do with fresh croissants probably.

[@donthomas5401]

It was great to watch Dougal having fun in the snow

[@LRT104]

If ever a video to stir jealousy....frolicking dog in a cute jacket, that view and slopes nearly to yourself. Dang Andrew! You have earned the royal “we”.

[@jonathanbanner8421]

Always enjoy your videos Andrew Keep up the good work! Happy new year to you and Dougal

[@andycadman1594]

Hi Andrew great video; nice to see I'm not the only one who will brave the alps in the winter with the caravan. Done it many times in France and Switzerland as a very keen skier it has enabled me to have many more ski days than otherwise would have been able to do in hotels. Even done a winter season pitch a couple of times so could fly out for weekends in between main holidays. Thoroughly recommended! I agree entirely with your comments about the mountains and the enjoyment you can get from just simply being there!!

[@andrewjditton]

Nice one Andy. In my pre-Dougal Eurostar days I once did leave my caravan at Bourg a few weeks, as you say it's a great idea for a winter season. I can't wait to go back.

[@berniebne8243]

Andrew, thank you for sharing. The snow looks wonderful. I don't get to see it as often as I would like these days.

[@robertcrouch6429]

What an excellent video. I just had to laugh at Dougal at the beginning, enjoying the virgin snow in his warm coat and I'm sure he was laughing while retrieving his ball. What scenery, you are so lucky to have been there and done that! Just perfect, I can't put it any other way!

[@andreasthomanek]

Looks like Dougal like snow! Very beautiful landscape and mountains! Great video again! Thanks!

[@juttapelzer6632]

I might sound like a broken record, but with constantly producing great videos by you, Andrew, I can’t stop thanking you for them. I was surprised to see Dougal loving the snow, as I think he doesn’t like water?! I bet he liked the heated Airstream as much as that. Lovely shots of the snowy mountains and I especially loved the camera perspective right from the snowboard. Wish you both all the best for 2019.

[@andrewjditton]

Thank you Jutta, it's nice of you to take the time to comment as it lets me know I'm doing something right. People are quick enough to complain. It is indeed surprising that Dougal likes the snow, but I think he was more excited just to be away from Spain where there weren't many places for him to run, other than sand and gravel. Happy 2019 to you too, and thank you for your continued support :)

[@catherine1910]

Just when I was seriously considering selling my ski clothes you've reminded me of the exhilaration of being up there in the mountains. Thank you ... I think! Great vlog Andrew, really beautiful.

[@andrewjditton]

Yep. My snowboard was on the 'shall I?' list for selling. NO MORE! ;@)

[@joann5157]

Growing up in Ohio where we had unending snow, I just will never "get" PAYING to go some place where it is. Granted, we didn't have the lovely mountains in the background, but still snow will NEVER be my idea of a good time. But I am glad that you had such fun in it, AND that Dougal was safely ensconced with the central heating!!! Continued safe travels to you both, as well as a happy, healthy 2019!!!

[@pwaulski]

Nice dose of Dougal in the snow. Looks like you had fun, inspiring stuff.

[@andrewjditton]

Cheers Mr C!

[@nealeburgess6756]

That looked fabulous.Wow, what lovely scenery and so lucky to have good snow and quiet pistes. Also loved seeing Dougal enjoying the snow!

[@LisaMarli]

The Alps looked gorgeous. And even Dougal seems to have liked the snow. Wonderful trip report as always.

[@leoneranger9348]

The mountains and snow were so serene. Thanks for bringing this video to us! ✌🏾

[@sandrabebbington4422]

Wonderful scenery and video. You have taken us on winter sun and snow trip. Thank you.

[@hettysmotorhomeadventures4860]

Another great episode, just like watching “ski Sunday “ lol, I used to do a lot of skiing back in my army days, I don’t think snowboarding was a thing back then, this film brings some happy memories back. Well done Andrew 👍

[@andrewjditton]

I'm sure the Ski Sunday skiers had a lot more skill, grace, and finesse! I stick to the board simply as I board in other disciplines as well as snow.

[@sobodon]

I'm with Dougal..stay where it is warm. Happy New Year!

[@dawngreen4074]

Many thanks for the CC ... love the snow scenes.... proper winter stuff, so enjoyable. Lol

[@almounasaddiyeh8685]

Awww i loved that you took me skiing with you. I’ve never ever done that and I find it fascinating. I can’t thank you enough! How lovely that after your day of intense activity you can go home! 😊. Lovely video! I’m happy to see you ended up in one piece and Dougal went to the vet w/o problems! Thanks !!! Happy 2019 to you both!!!!

[@andrewjditton]

Happy 2019 to you too. Thank you for your continued support :)

[@johncooke2739]

As always Andrew, a lovely video. I must agree, it looks beautiful there. You are also a braver man than me falling asleep during the crossing. I'd be worried that I would cause havoc by not waking up! Thanks for taking us on your journey.

[@andrewjditton]

Let's just say I have perfected the art of sleeping with one eye open ;@)

[@Merlex430]

What a fabulous end to the trip. I'm heading to Arcs 2000 soon so was delighted with this New Year's day treat. Whisper it but I'm sure Dougal enjoyed himself in the snow. Well done on a well rounded trip.

[@andrewjditton]

Thank you! And have a fab time in Arc 2000. I am well jel! :)

[@zeldaray5562]

Wow, beautiful scenery. Lovely video, TFS

[@pietrorealmuto4242]

What a beautiful place you are blessed 🍾

[@coveredinpaint7318]

The closest I've been to snowboarding, is playing SSX Tricky on the XBox! Thanks for taking us with you, the views were beautiful. Loved seeing Dougal in his little coat, playing in the snow.

[@dcs7077]

Brilliant video, Andrew! Beautiful scenery and clever filming on your snowboard.

[@andrewjditton]

Thanks Diana :)

[@duncanwallace7760]

That really is a beautiful caravan! Nice mountains too.

[@Bob814u]

Dougal sporting the jacket! Looking quite hip. Lovely scenery.

[@alexandrastevens8892]

Absolutely amazing, I so envy you and Dougal being away in your van but mostly the snow. Great to see you both having so much fun. Happy New year to you both and may it be a healthy and safe one for you both

[@andrewjditton]

Thanks Alexandra, Happy New Year to you too!

[@hotsauce3700]

Wow and thank you for this video! That is some serious bucket list material right there. Lucky you!

[@davemorrlle7155]

As always, dougal star of the show. Great video. Happy new year! 😄

[@katcankan7129]

A fab video again Andrew. There is nothing like snow! I love it 👍😃

[@MsChicoro]

Gorgeous video! I love snowboarding. Thank you for sharing.

[@Cherokyv]

Good trip, and great images. You are an authentic 4x4 men

[@in-the-vanpeter5157]

I absolutely love it there, had a major stack though I hit a sticky fence flat out. Drive safe and happy new year to you and dougal

[@andrewjditton]

OUCH! But yes, I loved it too and can't wait to go back. Happy New Year to you too!

[@alisonbailey8614]

You are a very bad man Mr Ditton! We are off in our little camper #vannythevito soon and thanks to you have completely changed our plans and instead of going anti clockwise down to Gibraltar and back up the east coast of Spain, we are now doing it the other way round so we can get the snow! Eurotunnel booked! Spike shall be following in Dougals pawprints. :) Thank you x

[@andrewjditton]

Oh dear, I'm joining Dougal in the dog house again! Who am I kidding, he would never go in a dog house! Sounds like a good plan Alison - have a great time!

[@alisonbailey8614]

@@andrewjditton no, Spikes never been near one either lol. Looks like rather a lot of snow at the moment. Winter tyres on the van and keep a close eye on conditions methinks!

[@paulonthemove5543]

Really enjoyed every minute of the video, well done and thank you.

[@antglu123]

Fantastic. We have just returned from 2 weeks in the Arlberg in Austria camping with our sprite. It works a treat, we’ve done 3 weeks skiing in a caravan this year 😁😁😁 Keep up the good work

[@andrewjditton]

Excellent! Not enough of us doing it I think!

[@BobEarnshawMoHo]

Those mountains are just beautiful. Thanks, really enjoyed that.

[@andrewjditton]

Cheers Bob, Happy New Year to you both.

[@annettefournier9655]

We are very much amused at your royal "we". Thanks for the fabulous video vlogs of your journey Andrew. Blessed 2019 to you and Dougal. 💜

[@andrewjditton]

Happy New Year to you too Annette.

[@renedeleeuw5491]

Fantastic.... video ! The next time in the summer...

[@bobfitzpatrick947]

Hi Andrew, Truely a winter wonder land! You Sir are one lucky fellow, what a fabulous life, well done!

[@andrewjditton]

Cheers Bob!

[@rowingfrance]

I live in the north of France, thanks for reminding me what snow and mountains are like. :) Loved the video, especially the intro. Hope your knee survived. Holding my breath on crossing the Channel in the days following 29 March ...

[@HereWeTow]

Getting caught up now I have signal and Wi-fi again. I have seen the thumbnail for this and been dying to watch since getting the notification. It looks amazing out there. Thank you so much for taking us with you. 👍

[@miffyonabike]

Fantastic video Andrew, thanks for posting. The French Alps look amazing. Have only ever been there in the summer and it's not quite the same! Lovely seeing Dougal playing in the snow in his warm coat, I think I might have caught a smile on his face there. Welcome home and Happy New Year. Looking forward to following your adventures in 2019.

[@andrewjditton]

Happy New Year to you too!

[@nfoss5656]

Happy New Year to you and Dougal.

[@andrewjditton]

Happy 2019 to you too!

[@eltinjones4542]

Happy New year to you and Doogle

[@mentonish]

You are Lucky to have some snow

[@katz2912]

Spectacular views! Happy New Year Andrew! 🎉

[@lizleonard3681]

Fabulous scenery really enjoyed your video ⛄️👍

[@janetjohnson445]

The Alps looked fab. Dougal looked to be having fun in the snow. Great vlog Andrew Happy New year x

[@andrewjditton]

Thanks Janet, happy new year to you too :)

[@debsbird8693]

Fab vlog looked like you had a couple of bluebird days - Place looked stunning 😊

[@kingie48]

Great Andy ..... loved every minute of this .... cheers.🏂🏂🏂

[@andrewjditton]

Cheers! :)

[@RohanTheBT]

Thank you. You were lucky the site at Bord d’Ainse wasn’t flooded. Early in 2018 it was completely flooded and the only place to stay was on the higher ground near the office. That Boulanger was excellent!

[@rutyael18]

Really enjoyed the video andrew. Anything is possible. Very inspiring to see caravans and mohtorhomes in a caravan park in the mountains. I took my grandson to norway last feb for skiing. He is really good i cant ski to save my life It would be good to go in the van. Cheaper as well.

[@andrewjditton]

Ruth, the worst thing about these things is that just as you get the hang of the bare basics, some three-year-old with all the skills of an Olympic Skier will come shoot through between your legs and leave you standing! ;@)

[@thecornicen]

Great video, as ever, Andrew. Beautiful scenery! Have to confess that I am a skier not a snowboarder, but like you, I liked to ski a bit then look at the view, do another bit then stop again to admire the scenery. My wife on the other hand was a 'bomber' - as many runs as she could each day. Ah, well, takes all sorts I suppose.If a picture paints a thousand words, Dougal's expressions sometimes speak volumes!!

[@andrewjditton]

I'm with you Bruce. You good lady can make the tea for us when she gets to the bottom :)

[@TheCaravanNut]

Great vid Andrew & Dougal, you did manage to film and snowboard! Happy new year 👍

[@ForTheLoveOfCaravans]

What a beautiful place. Those mountains are stunning. Great video even with the wobble lol.

[@theaccidentalcaravanner5404]

I was just down the road in Méribel! Stunning area.

[@andrewjditton]

Agreed!

[@ontheroadagainwithvinny931]

Dougal loves the snow!

[@pakilford]

Another great vlog Andrew. After following your trip, it is most definitely, the best part of all your videos. Take care .

[@krissto22]

Beautiful views! Wow!!! Oh, you're so funny 😄

[@GaetanHobby]

Merci Andrew et bonne année à toi ☺

[@andrewjditton]

Bonne année mon ami :)

[@vhazelz640]

loved this video!

[@pon1952leod]

Mtn sports are too vertical for me🤓...I’ve taken up snow-showing and can now drink it all in. Come to Alberta and enjoy the silence with us🤗. The snowboarding shots were great😉👍...also love the cheery music🥂.

[@wildflowerwind6941]

I was cold and totally stressed out watching you ski. I did a little skiing in my 20's but now I would be terrified. And I never liked all the people skiing around me. But the views are too die for.

[@CaravanChitChat]

Fantastic video as always Mr D, spectacular, stunning views! Vicky’s sister is currently in Morzine working and skiing for the season 👍🏻 a really enjoyable watch, thank you!

[@lakelander1625]

Happy new year Andrew! We will be following your footsteps to Bourg at the end of Jan - just with the camper tho’

[@andrewjditton]

You will have an AWESOME time if my experience was anything to go by. Bonnes vacances :)

[@hayard61]

Tres bon Mr D. Awesome.👌

[@andrewjditton]

Merci, cariad! :)

[@hayard61]

@@andrewjditton 🤣🤣love it.😂

[@SanBrunoBeacon]

Happy New Year Andrew and Dougal !

[@andrewjditton]

Thank you, happy 2019 to you too!

[@tophat6696]

It's great you can go caravaning to the Alps that time of the year as always want to go right now !! I have been itching to go skiing for ages, I know what you mean about the views it's stunning what a fab adventure Mr d 👌🎩😎🏔🏔🏔🏔🏔

[@andrewjditton]

Cheers Lee!

[@mpersad]

Fabulous camera work Andrew! I've seen less accomplished cinematography from professionals.

[@andrewjditton]

Goodness, that's a very humbling thing to read, Mark! Thank you very much!

[@Mads_1313]

😍😍😍😃😃 Beautiful mountains

[@suefisher1077]

Hope your knee gets better and happy New year

[@andrewjditton]

Thanks Sue, Happy New Year to you too!

[@TeddyWandererCamera-Bear]

Thank you Andrew for this New Years Day treat :D It was great to see yourself and Dougal enjoying the snow in the Alps. All the best for 2019 :D Teddy PS I liked the comment you posted on Kim Grants video :D

[@andrewjditton]

Cheers Teddy, Happy New Year to you too!

[@lindaelizabethcole3675]

I should have a name like Teddy Wanderer , as I have a collection of 160 , started in 1991 and always take about 30 tiny 3" ones on my caravan wanderings to keep me company !!

[@TeddyWandererCamera-Bear]

Fantastic :D I like you Linda :D Teddy

[@lindaelizabethcole3675]

Thanx Teddy Wanderer , Happy Wanderings to you and yours ATB Best Wishes for 2019 from me , my cat and all my Teddybear Hug !!

[@donthomas5401]

The Alps seemed a very satisfying conclusion to your winter trip around Portugal and Spain and Europe. It seems quite a while since I met you in the Cascais campsite outside Lisbon. From what I remember you were about to go and help Shona settle in to her new accommodation in Lisbon.

[@andrewjditton]

That's right Don! Are you still out there? And yes, it seemed a LONG time since we met in Cascais. All the best and Happy New Year.

[@donthomas5401]

@@andrewjditton We are back in South Wales now. We caught the eurotunnel train on Dec 3rd after visiting a work colleague from 30 years ago where he now lives in France, between Bordeaux and Saumar. Happy New Year to you for 2019.

[@lindaelizabethcole3675]

Gawd Andrew , what a life you lead , I can't keep up , I would need four sticks to help me with that snowboard. Lol. Luv that handsome Dougal 's new coat , was that a slight limp I noticed on the way home 1st day up the mountains , thought you had creaked the knee again !! No doubt its The Outer Hebrides next on the list , not going to N E Bay next year , heading to Ryan Bay instead as N E Bay has gone up by £91 , and I'm only 5 miles to the ferry instead of 20 , much cheaper and no 21day rule , south facing , gr8t views of the Loch , less windy and lots of birdies to watch for Lilybitesthecat and a real treat at the end of a drive to the Corsewall Lighthouse Hotel for Afternoon Tea and Cakes , yum can't wait. !! Happy Travels Andrew and Douggiedoggie , I wish you both a Bright , Happy and most of all a Heathly New Year from Linda and Lilybitesthecat. xo

[@andrewjditton]

Hi Linda, yes the knee does get tired and cause a slight limp on occasion. And yes, the next trip will be North! Interesting about Ryan Bay - I'll look out for it! Happy 2019. :)

[@lostweekendscaravan]

Hi Andrew. What a beautiful place the views were awesome. I have alaways fancied trying snow boarding. Was a bit of a Skater Dude in my youth😂. Thanks P&J👍👍😀

[@andrewjditton]

You've got to give it a go then! :)

[@monig.1843]

I Experten „drive on the left“ at the end of the video 😄 Happy new year from 🇩🇪

[@monig.1843]

-Experten +expected

[@andrewjditton]

But congratulations on understanding the subtle point of the last scene :)

[@deanstanden2681]

Great video Andrew! Doogal did not want to go home! Im sat here in my pjs thinking about the possibilities of destinations for this year! Happy new year!

[@andrewjditton]

He wasn't the only one who didn't want to leave! ;@)

[@deanstanden2681]

@@andrewjditton it did look wonderful! I am certainly getting some good ideas from you when im full timing in my Airstream :-)

[@kevandrews4699]

Hi Andrew another great video that's a view to die for I wonder if u could of put doddle in your ruck sack like when u go on your bike or wouldn't that be alond I bet he would loved it if it could b done I bet doddle lov it in van with the heating on nice one happy new year .kev

[@andrewjditton]

It crossed my mind Kev, but I think that'd be far more dangerous to Dougal than motorcycling, and they wouldn't allow it on the chairlift anyway. Happy New Year to you too!

[@lindageenen4308]

Liked it very much as I want to go skiing with my campervan, Bourg seems to be a Good location, might want to look into austria as well Apppppppy new year Andrew and dougal from me and rufus the irish 🐕

[@andrewjditton]

Thanks Linda, happy new year to you and Rufus :)

[@horaciobuenosaires7238]

Happy New Year Andrew!!!!

[@andrewjditton]

Happy 2019 to you too!

[@horaciobuenosaires7238]

@@andrewjditton Thank you Andrew! This new video is excellent, you raise the bar with every new video you post, congratulations!

[@michaeljohnson7009]

Lovely vid.

[@th30clay18]

Brilliant vlog once again Andrew! I've always wondered how possible practical it would be to take the caravan for a ski holiday. Would be interest to know how you deal with the cold, frozen water systems, towing in snow etc? I haven't been to the Alps since taking up caravanning, so maybe the time for me to give it a try? keep up the great work... I'm looking forward to your next adventure. cheers Jon

[@andrewjditton]

Hi Jon, it's simple: Travel with empty water tanks and fill up on site. Onboard fresh water tanks work best, otherwise you may have to bring in your Aquaroll at night if the temperature is going to drop to below, say, -3. Towing in snow is best done with winter tyres on a 4x4, but to access this site in Bourg (800m altitude), the roads were perfectly clear both ways.

[@nadinescott2509]

Happy New Years, best wishes for 2019💝🐶🎇🎆🌌🎉

[@andrewjditton]

Thanks Nadine, Happy New Year to you too!

[@RailAdventUK]

Excellent video, looks rather cold though! Thermals it was !

[@sanoroo]

Looks like Dougal comes alive in the snow! The views are spectacular. I looked up “ratbag” to discover it is Australian slang. Think I’ll see if it can catch on in central Wisconsin.

[@andrewjditton]

I think it's shortened to 'Rats!' in a lot of places :)

[@CarlJones14]

You need to work on your remote boot opening technique. Pop it 20ft away, throw in gear & board & close as you pass. Great vlog. Happy New Year to you both.🙂

[@andrewjditton]

Ah, but this was the HANDS-FREE way, and for that you have to be right next to it :)

[@marktrvls1218]

very nice video :)

[@victorkent768]

Tough job Andrew but someone's got todo it. Here I'm nervous about going away in the caravan Feb for 3 nights in Kent Lol

[@andrewjditton]

I'm sure you'll enjoy it just as much!

[@darrenrussell9720]

Hi Andrew, Another great video thanks. We are thinking of doing a winter trip with the van, please can I ask a question. When at the ski resort did you ever suffer with the fresh water in your aquaroll or the grey waste water freezing? was thinking it could be an issue getting water in/out, as our caravan does not have internal tanks. Also (at about 1:40) where the guy was waving the French flag - is this a boarder crossing - just looked a bit chaotic and how did you know which lane to choose! Anyway, thanks again - Cheers!

[@andrewjditton]

Hi Darren, the chaos at the toll station was a protest. One thing I admire about the French is that they make a stand if they don't agree on something. As for the water - we had no problem as it only got down to minus 3 on that trip. If it's going to be a hard freeze, I'd advise using a couple of two litre water bottles and keeping them in the van. Using the site's facilities for washing up and showers mean you won't need to rely on the caravan's water system. Cheers!

[@darrenrussell9720]

@@andrewjditton ​ Hi Andrew, Thanks for the reply & information - goof idea ref the water bottles! and yes I agree they will make a stand! look forward to you next VLOG. Take care - Darren

[@mishu3271]

Hi Andrew 👋🇨🇦. I think you need to install a security camera focussed on Dougal while you are away from the camper. We’ll catch him smiling yet! I have been to these Alps during the summer and while I enjoyed them (was it even a toll road way back then?) they will never match the Canadian Rockies...no no no. Happy New Year 🥳🥳🥳. Looking forward to more Simply Living vids...adored the one with Shannas move to Portugal.

[@petraolsen2397]

SNOW BOARDING FRENCH ALPS?? Dang I seriously need to step up my game for 2019. Lol. Hi Mr. Dougal👋🏼

[@chuckhoover5269]

I’d love to see your onboarding on the train in detail. Is it in one of your vlogs? Good work!

[@andrewjditton]

Here you go Chuck: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pHqbl2OgpL57a7c

[@HitchUpAndTow]

Thumbs Up again

[@brighton_dude]

This trip to Spain, Portugal and the French Alps has been great fun to watch thank you. Have you considered Morocco in the winter? That is a very popular destination for many in the winter months.

[@andrewjditton]

I thought about it when I was in Tarifa, but I am a bit nervous about being alone in a conspicuous outfit outside the comfort blanket of the EU. Not sure about the dog rules, either.

[@brighton_dude]

@@andrewjditton - I don't know about the dog rules, however I think if you do a bit of research online you'll see there are really safe camp-sites. I have never taken an Airstream to Morocco but I think you'll be okay. People take hugely expensive motorhomes there, but you are right to be cautious. There is a lot of info online.

[@yayasdt2738]

best wishes Andrew and full of happiness for this year that begins Yannick

[@andrewjditton]

Thanks Yannick, and a Happy 2019 to you too :)

[@thomasquigley7040]

Another great vlog. Thank you. How do you find the caravan handles the cold compared to, say, the campervan you tested in Scotland? It seems warmer. Maybe because it's a premium Airstream and well insulated. Also, how do you find towing a caravan on snow vs driving a campervan on snow?

[@andrewjditton]

The Airstream is better than a camper van for insulation, but a coachbuilt motorhome or new build caravan (Bailey, Swift etc) would be even better. Airstream is Grade 2, modern coachbuilts are Grade 3. I prefer towing a caravan with a 4x4 to driving a 2WD camper van in the snow. Would be the other way round if the car was 2WD.

[@philonmoove2698]

Encore de tres belles images merci Andrew..... c’est beau la France isn’t it 👍 no “gilets jaunes “ in the mountains 😂 une tres belle annee 2019 a toi Andrew ...... and more belles images thaks .... merci . Philippe

[@andrewjditton]

Bonne Année à toi Philippe. Et grâce aux Gilets jaunes, il n' y avait rien à payer à la gare pèage ;@)

[@ImTheDudeMan471]

Did you use motorcycle riding gear at all on the slopes? I know there are some riding pants, gloves, balaclavas, jackets, etc., that can double as: snowmobile, skiing, snowboarding and, funny enough, winter motorcycle riding gear. So any crossover in your regular gear? Dougal sure lived the snow! Woooohooo!

[@andrewjditton]

I used to, but found the apparel got too sweaty, as you're obviously moving a lot more when snowboarding.