13th February 2025
10 min read
by Anna Jones
Ski season is well underway and many of us are looking at heading to the slopes soon. Planning a skiing holiday is exciting but transportation can be a challenge. People often opt for private transfers or public transport to get to the resorts, but have you considered renting a car?
Hiring a car offers flexibility and convenience, especially if you’re staying away from the slopes or want to explore multiple resorts and nearby attractions. It allows you to travel on your own schedule and discover more remote destinations. However, driving in snowy mountain conditions comes with its own challenges and may feel intimidating. This handy guide will help you prepare!
Choosing the Right Car
When choosing the right hire car for your ski trip, you should keep the following in mind:
Avoid automatic cars as manual transmission gives you better control on steep and potentially icy roads.
Opt for a four-wheel-drive (4WD) or all-wheel-drive (AWD) car to handle the snowy and icy conditions better.
Make sure you choose a car that is the right size. If you are bringing all your ski gear with you then you should consider an SUV or car with a roof box.
Speak to Your Car Hire Firm
Before you book, check with the rental company that your car is properly winterised. Some companies will include winter tyres and snow chains as standard but others may charge extra – make sure to confirm this in advance.
If you are renting from a location that doesn’t typically experience snow but plan to drive to a ski resort then you should make sure your car is equipped for the winter conditions. Even though it is a hire car, you are legally responsible for making sure it meets local regulations.
Something to be mindful of is that Swiss-registered hire cars cannot be driven into EU countries. This means that if you planned to fly into Switzerland and drive to the French Alps from there, you would need to liaise with your hire company to get a car with the appropriate registration.
Driving in Winter Conditions
Driving on mountain roads in winter can be challenging so taking extra precautions is advised.
Check local winter driving regulations as some countries will require you to have snow chains or specific tyres.
Reduce your speed on icy roads and leave extra space between you and the vehicle ahead. This is particularly important as you’ll be facing inclines or declines which can further decrease traction and increase the risk of losing control.
Research the weather conditions but be prepared for sudden weather changes. Snowstorms could appear and quickly reduce your visibility.
Carry emergency essentials including torches, blankets, snacks and a shovel in case of breakdowns or accidents.
Winter driving, in the mountains especially, requires patience and caution so just take your time. For specific advice about driving on ice, snow and winter driving in general read our guides.
Document the Car’s Condition
Before you set off, take photos of the car to document its condition. This helps to prevent any disputes over damage when returning the car.
Get Car Hire Excess Insurance
Your ski trip should be about making the most of the slopes, not worrying about costly car hire excess fees. Driving to a ski resort isn’t like a regular road trip; icy roads, poor visibility, and extreme temperatures, unfortunately, increase the risk of accidents and damage to your hire car.
Rental companies charge high excess fees, meaning even minor issues like undercarriage scrapes from snow chains could leave you with a large bill. To avoid this, get car hire excess insurance with us for as little as £2.15 a day, offering far more coverage than your hire company’s excess policy. With our protection, you’ll be covered against unexpected costs, giving you total peace of mind to enjoy your time in the mountains.