You sit in a well-heated caravan, caravan or chalet, year-round tent and watch the snowflakes find their way to earth in front of the window, while a touching Christmas melody plays in the CD player and pleasant smells waft over from the tent kitchen. Indeed, this idea is not pleasant for everyone, but it is said that whoever dared to do it once and found pleasure in it will do it again and again.Winter campingPermanent campers are among the most loyal guests here.
A number of providers at home and abroad have adapted to such a clientele and offer camping fans such winter camping fun from the first snowflake to the last icicle - and the number of providers is growing steadily. In Austria, for example, one in five campsites already offers such an option.
What to watch out for in the caravan / mobile home
- In normal to severe winters, gas heating must run around the clock in the living area. This requires a functioning heat source and a refilling / replacement of an 11 kg gas bottle can be necessary after three days.
- Condensation often forms in the awning, which should be wiped off from time to time; also to avoid foxing.
- Many places have heated drying rooms for skis, winter shoes and other clothing. The sanitary rooms on designated winter campsites are consistently well heated. In addition to the restaurants, campsites often offer a cozy lounge to warm up and talk shop with like-minded people.
- Anyone traveling with a mobile home or caravan should ensure that they have good winter tires, working brakes and lighting, and a sufficiently intact and charged battery. One should also think of snow chains for the towing vehicle.
- Everything that can freeze must be appropriately protected (suitable anti-freeze in sufficient dosage or emptied, if possible).
- Even more than in summer, given the low winter temperatures, it is worth considering whether personal hygiene or washing up really has to take place in your own vehicle. Drainage pipes freeze up faster than you think in severe frost, open sewage buckets are preferable to closed systems. The morning walk to the wash house in a bathrobe is extremely toughening. You can also fill the smaller "fresh water tank" - the jug - which provides the basis for the first steaming coffee of the day.
- Solar systems deliver a lot less energy in the less light of the year than in summer, and the battery should also be frost-proof. The solar panel must be cleaned after snowfall.
- A handy snow shovel / broom does a good job after snowfall at night.
- Gas in cylinders purchased in Central Europe does not freeze.
Checklist
Prior to travel
- Check the heater (a full gas bottle is a must), get replacement batteries for the battery ignition
- Obtain information on the road and weather conditions, incline and pass openings
- Winter tires are a must, snow chains are a must
- Plan the tour so that you arrive in the light
- Contact the campsite (find out the latest check-in option)
- How do I protect myself from mud in the awning?
- Get snow deflectors for the large window and the gas locker as well as an apron for the caravan
- Think about purchasing an automatic switchover for two gas bottles (saves you from going to the gas bottle at night and fiddling in the dark and in the cold)
- Pack sledges, skis
During the stay
- Place supports on supports (melts)
- leave all ventilation flaps open, do not close the blinds completely
- Open the upper cabinets
- Leave the circulating air fan switched on, otherwise the water hoses will freeze overnight.
Before going home
- Empty the thermal bath / boiler completely, risk of bursting
Winter campers are ...
Winter campers are quite demanding of what they expect from their place in winter. The operators have to do a lot to satisfy the demands of their holiday guests. The demands range from the infrared sauna (good against tension), the sauna with a resinous lark scent to the steamy, comfortably heated indoor or even outdoor pool. Sledging (dogs) rides in fresh snow, (culinary) winter hikes, bus transfers to the slopes and not Finally, community evenings with games, music or book readings are particularly appealing to winter campers. Books, enough candles and board games shouldn't be missing in any luggage, just like an extra wool blanket and a thick down jacket.