Everything you should know before hiring a car for a ski holiday

Skiing holidays require plenty of kit, and a hire car can be a useful and cost-effective way to transport groups and families from the airport to the resort. If you’re staying some distance from the slopes or you want to try other local resorts, a car can also provide flexibility once you’re there.

But driving in snowy conditions has its challenges, and rules about winter tyres and snow chains vary from country to country. Here are some tips for booking ski car hire and making sure you stay on the right side of the law.

When should I book my car?

For best deals, book your car when you confirm your flights and accommodation – the further ahead the better. Book directly with the UK office of a car rental company or through a reputable broker such as Holiday Autos or Auto Europe. Reserve a vehicle which is big enough to transport your passengers, bags and equipment – it may be larger than you’d need for a summer trip.

For money-saving advice, see the Telegraph’s essential guide to car hire. 

What do I need to think about?

Remember that legally, it is the driver’s responsibility to ensure that the car meets local conditions even if it is a hire car, so check the requirements of the country you are travelling in. Your hire company should be able to advise you and the AA’s website is a useful source of country-by-country information.

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Do I need winter tyres?

Winter tyres give better handling and stopping distances in snow and ice, as well as on wet roads where the temperature is below 7°C. They are made from a softer compound than summer tyres and don’t harden in cold weather, making the road grip better. They are compulsory for winter periods in some European countries.

In Austria, for example, winter tyres must be fitted between November 1 and April 15; for some Italian regions, they are mandatory from October until April 15; and in Norway from November 1 to March 15. Dates extend if conditions are poor.

In other countries (including France, Switzerland and Andorra) winter tyres are recommended rather than compulsory. However, car hire companies usually include a mandatory “winterisation fee” within their quote to include winter tyres and snow chains (and useful extras such as ice scrapers) as standard.

What about snow chains?

Snow chains give cars a better grip, but the tarmac must be completely covered with snow or ice – otherwise the metal will damage the road surface. They attach in pairs to the drive wheels of the vehicle. Some countries, including France, Norway, Austria, Switzerland, Andorra and Italy require drivers to carry chains in the car so they can be fitted for snow-covered roads if local road signs require it.

Check whether the company’s winterisation fee includes chains. If not they must be ordered as an extra and can add up to around ￡60 to the overall cost. In some countries, a maximum speed limit of 31 mph (50km/h) applies when the car is fitted with chains.

Can I rent a car with a ski rack or box included?

It can be difficult to fit skis and poles into smaller cars without folding the rear seats down, so if you are carrying passengers, a roof rack with a ski holder or long roof box is certainly worth considering. Check how many pairs of skis plus poles it will fit, and whether it is snowboard-compatible. Reserve well in advance, either online or through the call centre. Expect to pay around ￡40 per week.

Do I need a vignette?

An annual motorway tax applies on all motorways in Switzerland, and cars rented in the country should provide a “vignette” attached to the windscreen as standard. If you rent from the French sector in Geneva airport, however, you may have to buy one for CHF 40, available at border crossings and petrol stations. There is a high, on-the-spot fine for non-display. The same “vignette” system applies to Austrian motorways, costing €8.90 for up to 10 days.

Anything else to think about?

Drivers are not permitted to take Swiss-registered hire cars into EU countries. This rule came into force in May 2016 and is a particular issue for passengers who want to hire a car at a Swiss airport for travel to a ski resort in France. Hire companies say they have put additional procedures into place by asking customers where they intend to travel and will rent cars with either Swiss or EU plates depending on the customer’s destination. Check with the hirer that you have the right vehicle for your trip.

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