Exclusive 2026 Ski Pass Offer: Save 10% + Claim 15% VAT Refund
Driving to the Alps for your 2026 ski holiday? Make the most of your trip with exclusive wine savings in Calais. With 10% off for skiers on still wines and up to 15% VAT refund, you could save up to 25% on top-quality French wines – perfect for your chalet, or to bring home.
This exclusive offer is valid until April 20, 2026, so don’t miss your chance to save.
Perfect Food and Wine Pairings for Your Mountain Holiday
Planning a ski trip to the Alps by car? Picture this: as you’re packing your luggage and getting ready to cross the Channel, you’re already thinking about those cozy mountain evenings. After a day on the slopes, there’s nothing better than unwinding with a delicious meal and a glass of wine perfectly matched to your dish.
But let’s face the reality—everything is overpriced in the skiing resorts. Why pay more when you can save big? Calais Vins and Olivier Vins are your go-to retail stores, offering the best selection in France with over 4000 wines, beers, and spirits. Conveniently located just minutes from the Eurotunnel and ferry terminals, they provide an ideal stop to stock up before or after your trip. With expert advice, an extensive selection, and up to 50% off UK high street prices, you’ll pack your luggage full of quality wines at unbeatable value.
And here’s the cherry on the cake - Show your ski pass at checkout and enjoy 10% off a wide selection of wines – perfect for your après-ski evenings. Plus, if you're heading back to the UK, combine it with our 15% VAT refund for even more savings! Whether you’re heading to the slopes or making your way back home, it’s the perfect opportunity to stock up on fantastic wines at unbeatable prices.
Looking for something truly special to bring back home? We’re also advicing you on alpine delights. This is your chance to take advantage of duty-free savings on rare vintages and exclusive bottles—perfect for impressing friends or indulging in a truly memorable tasting experience once you're back in the UK.
Ideal for UK Skiers Travelling via Calais
This offer is ideal for UK skiers travelling by car via Calais, whether you're heading to the Alps or coming back home after your trip. Take advantage of unbeatable prices on wine with exclusive discounts and VAT-free savings.
How to Get Your 10% Ski Discount + VAT Refund
- ✅ Bring your ski pass
- ✅ Shop eligible wines at Calais Vins or Olivier Vins
- ✅ Show your pass at checkout for 10% off
- ✅ If you're returning to the UK, claim 15% VAT refund at the terminal
⏳ Offer ends April 20, 2026
Top Wines to Bring Back from Calais for Your Ski Trip
Looking to stock up before heading to the Alps or returning home from the slopes? Here’s what British travellers actually buy in Calais in 2025–2026, based on real merchant testimonies and press reports.
Most Popular Reds:
- Bordeaux Supérieur: Perfect for raclette, tartiflette, and hearty chalet dishes.
- Languedoc Reds: Great value-for-money wines under €10, bold and generous.
- Beaujolais Crus (Fleurie, Brouilly, Juliénas): Lighter, fruity reds ideal for fondue or charcuterie.
Whites & Rosés:
- Loire Valley Whites: Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé pair beautifully with melted cheese dishes and smoked fish.
- Whispering Angel Rosé: Provence elegance, ideal for après-ski or lighter meals.
For Groups: Think Bag-in-Box
Travelling as a group? Bag-in-box wines are practical, affordable and easy to carry. One 10L BIB = ~13 bottles, with no risk of broken glass. Perfect for ski chalets!
Tip: Build Your 24-Bottle Chalet Basket
Planning to bring wine back to the UK? Many travellers use their 24-bottle duty-free allowance strategically:
- ✔ 6 Bordeaux reds
- ✔ 4 Languedoc reds
- ✔ 6 Beaujolais Crus
- ✔ 4 Loire whites
- ✔ 2 Provence rosés
- ✔ 2 “discovery” bottles for something special
Note: If you're bringing wine to enjoy during your ski holiday in France, there is no limit — this basket is ideal for those returning to the UK.
Want the full breakdown with prices, savings, and expert tips?
Read the full article: What Brits Actually Buy in Calais
Looking for inspiration on what to buy for your ski holiday? Check out our staff-picked wine pairings tailored for mountain meals – from bold reds to crisp whites and budget-friendly bag-in-box options, perfect for your chalet evenings.
Why Stop at Calais Vins and Olivier Vins?
Significant Duty-Free Savings Take advantage of duty-free allowances and VAT refunds, saving up to 15% on top of the 10% discount. Our team will provide you with a barcode voucher, which can be scanned at the Eurotunnel or port kiosks for instant VAT reimbursement.
Smart Shopping Tips for Ski Groups & Families
Travelling with friends or family? Make the most of your wine stop in Calais with these handy tips designed to help groups save time, money, and space:
Bulk Up Smart
- Use your combined duty-free allowances — each adult (18+) can bring up to 18L of still wine.
- Group of 4? That’s 96 bottles (75cl) total — ideal for a ski chalet or shared cellar!
Bag-in-Box: Big Value, Small Fuss
- Bag-in-box wines are perfect for large groups — easy to store, pour, and carry.
- Great value: one 10L BIB = 13 bottles, at a lower price per litre.
- Less waste, more convenience — no corks, no broken bottles in transit.
Rotation Strategy
- Buy a variety of wine styles to suit all tastes: reds for raclette, whites for fondue, sparkling for celebration.
- Use colour-coded tape or marker pens to label for easy access during your stay.
- Bring a cooler bag or wine carrier if you plan to open bottles on the journey.
Bonus Tip: Bring a wine checklist and split shopping by category (red, white, sparkling, BIB) between drivers or cars to stay organised.
When’s the Best Time to Stop in Calais?
Whether you're heading to the slopes or returning home from your ski holiday, timing your stop at Calais Vins or Olivier Vins can make your journey smoother and more rewarding. Here's our quick guide to plan your wine shopping like a pro:
If you're on your way to the Alps
- Stop in Calais after arriving from the UK – stock up before hitting the road south.
- Best for skiers staying in chalets and planning to enjoy wine during their trip (no duty-free limits).
- Get the 10% discount on wines with your ski pass (no VAT refund on wines consumed within the EU).
If you're returning to the UK
- Perfect time to buy for home use – enjoy both the 10% discount and the 15% VAT refund.
- Make your stop in Calais just before boarding your Eurotunnel or ferry.
- Don’t forget: scan your tax-free form at the terminal for instant processing!
⏱️ Top Tips for Timing
- Weekdays (Mon–Fri) before 3PM tend to be quieter – quicker checkout and more staff availability.
- Use Click & Collect to save time: order online and collect in-store.
- Allow at least 45 minutes before check-in to shop comfortably.
Convenient Location Our stores are located just a few minutes from the Eurotunnel and ferry terminals, with ample free parking and trolleys available for your convenience.
Expert Guidance Our English-speaking staff will help you select the perfect wines for your holiday, offering expert pairing advice for traditional alpine dishes.
Import Limits 2026: How Much Wine Can You Bring Back to the UK?
If you are buying wine in Calais before returning to the UK after your ski holiday, it’s important to know the UK duty-free alcohol allowances. Staying within these limits allows you to enjoy your purchases without paying additional UK duties or taxes.
UK Allowances by Type: Wine, Beer & Spirits
| Alcohol Type | Maximum Allowance per Person | Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Wine (still) | 18 litres | 24 bottles (75cl) |
| Beer | 42 litres | ≈ 74 pints |
| Spirits (over 22%) | 4 litres | 4 standard bottles |
| Fortified wine (≤22%) | 9 litres | 12 bottles (75cl) |
✅ These allowances apply per person aged 18+. Travelling as a couple or group? Your allowances can be combined, making Calais an ideal place to stock up for a ski chalet or family holiday.
Important to Know
- No limit applies when transporting wine to consume during your ski holiday in the EU.
- Allowances apply only when returning to the UK.
- If you exceed these limits, you must declare the goods and pay UK duties.
- Receipts should always be kept when travelling with alcohol.
Thanks to these generous allowances, many skiers choose to buy wine in Calais on their way back, combining lower French prices, 10% ski pass discount and an additional VAT refund of up to 15%.
Q: Are there any special offers for skiers? A: Yes! We offer 10% off still wines when you present your ski pass at checkout.
Q: How much wine can I bring back to the UK duty-free? A: You can bring back up to 18 litres of wine (24 bottles of 75cl) and 42 litres of beer per person. If you're bringing wine to the Alps, there’s no limit!
How to Claim Your VAT Refund in 3 Easy Steps
Enjoy up to 15% extra savings on top of your 10% ski pass discount! Here’s how to claim your VAT refund quickly and easily before heading back to the UK.
- Fill in the tax-free form at the checkout when making your purchase at Calais Vins or Olivier Vins. Don’t forget your passport!
- Scan the barcode at the Eurotunnel or ferry terminal kiosk before departure.
- Receive your refund via your card or bank account within 3 to 5 working days.
? Tip: Keep your passport and receipts handy when travelling — they’re required for the refund!
Q: Can I pre-order online and collect in-store? A: Yes, you can place your order online and collect it at the store. Note that the ski pass discount will be applied in-store.
Q: Can I taste the wines before buying? A: Yes, we have a tasting bar where you can sample selected wines before making your purchase.
Plan Your Visit Today
Make your ski holiday even more memorable by stopping at Calais Vins and Olivier Vins. Whether you’re stocking up for the slopes or bringing home delicious souvenirs, our stores offer high-quality wines and spirits at unbeatable prices.
