How to winterise your motorhome
First, let's take a look at what's ideal if you're buying a 'van with skiing in mind. Then we'll look at what you can do to adapt a less well-specified motorhome. It is essential to understand what full winterisation involves – sadly, not all salesmen do, so be cautious. In general, the 'van must be equipped to cope with sub-zero temperatures without the water system freezing up.

Generally, British-built motorhomes are not fully winterised, although there are a few recent exceptions

The fresh water tank must be inside

Waste water tanks need to be internal, or well insulated and heated, ideally within a double floor

lumbing: all pipes should be internal, and not attached to the outer wall. Large-bore pipes (as fitted by Laika) are a bonus

External dump valves should be insulated/enclosed (rare in 'vans pre 2000-2002). Some later 'vans situate the external valves within their double floor f Central heating (rather than a single fire) should preferably be blown-air or 'wet'. And check where all the heating ducts go. Is the Luton heated? The cab? The storage lockers?

Insulation thickness/quality: ideally around 55mm (floor) and 35mm (walls/roof). This standard will not be found in budget ranges designed primarily for summer use

Other considerations

An exterior locker for skis and boots preferably heated. (If unheated, boots will need to be in the living area at night)

Room for all the occupants to boot up in the morning, and to relax in comfort in the evening. Consider layouts that allow permanently made-up beds for all occupants – the beds can be used for lounging

A large fridge/freezer and ample storage for food/drink will ease costs and reduce time wasted on shopping

A separate shower

Sufficient water/waste capacity for showering

Room for two large gas bottles

Individual spotlight switches to conserve power

Space for additional leisure batteries

An area for drying clothes

Roof access for snow clearing via a ladder or sunroof

snowchains, brush/shovel, silver screens etc. And, if away from sites, extra water containers, spare loo cassette, waste water carrier and portable generator

Rear-wheel drive

A rear heat exchanger, to use engine heat to warm the living area when travelling

Central locking

When buying, look for…

A good-quality used 'van rather than a new budget model

A good-quality Continental-built 'van with a double floor

Basic requirements

Central heating. A gas fire will not heat the interior sufficiently (your water system will freeze) and is also indicative of a basic 'van in which case the tanks will most likely be external and all insulation will be poor

An internal fresh water tank.

Without the above, the only way you can have a skiing trip in your 'van is on a full facility campsite, taking electric fan heaters and not using your water system. If your waste water tank is external it will freeze in most conditions – so, drain the water into a bucket instead, which will be inadequate for heavy water usage and lead to sheet ice forming when it overflows.

If you have the basics, consider making the following modifications.

Line walls/ceilings with carpet

Line backs of cupboards with loft insulation

Lay thick underlay and carpet throughout

Lag external waste tank with bubble wrap or foam filler

Lag all pipes well

Cut up a cool box to make a cover for the waste valves

Fit a fish-tank heater or similar to the water tank

Add extra spurs/piping to the blown-air ducting to direct heat into cold spots, cab, Luton, and onto tanks

Internal and external silver screens, bought or homemade

Insulate the cab with bubble wrap or silver screen panels

Consider isolating the cab when parked up, by thick curtaining/insulated partition (this will not suffice if the Luton bed is to be used). If well heated and insulated, the cab can be used as a drying area.

See the November 2006 issue of the magazine for this feature article in full:
review of favourite tips and ski resorts with contact websites

Back issues can be ordered by telephone on 08456 777812

Paradiski
Portes du Soleil
Les Trois Vallees
Praz-de-Lys
/Sommand
Aravis
Le Grand Massif
Details in the magazine