Why travel by car for your ski holiday?
Travel at your own speed and opt for a self-drive skiing or snowboarding holiday. Make the mountains your own by sightseeing from airport to accommodation - why not stop and take in the views, or pause in local towns and villages for a bite to eat?
- We can offer a self-drive option to any of our resorts in Europe
- The ferry crossing from Dover to Calais is included in your holiday booking
- Pack as much as you like – no need to worry about ski carriage or packing that extra ski jacket
- You decide the pace – set off a day earlier and enjoy the journey at your own speed
- Freedom and flexibility – get off the beaten track and make some stops along the way
- No luggage limits – bring skis, snowboards and winter clothing without worrying about airline baggage allowances or extra fees
- Comfort and privacy – enjoy the journey with your close friends and family
- Freedom once you arrive – ski lifts, neighbouring resorts and mountain villages are all within easy reach, so you can explore more while you’re there
- Extra ski day – arrive in time to drop your bags at your accommodation and go skiing on your first day. You could even do the same on your final day!
The majority of our guests will choose to drive to France due to its close proximity to England. However, if you're driving from Austria (for example) and want to head to Italy for your winter holiday, we can make that happen too.
Please check the UK Government website to confirm all travel requirements for driving in Europe.
Please also note the following is required equipment for driving in Europe:
- Reflective jackets (there must be one for each passenger and be kept within the cabin of the car)
- Warning triangle (compulsory in most countries)
- Headlamp beam deflectors (depending on your car, you’ll either need deflector stickers or have to adjust the beam manually)
- Safety helmets are compulsory for riders and passengers of motorcyclists and moped users
- UK car sticker
- First Aid kit (compulsory in Austria, France and Germany)
Winter driving regulations vary and can change depending on weather conditions, so it's important to check the latest regulations before you travel. Many ski destinations require or strongly recommend:
- Winter or snow tyres
- Snow chains
If you're driving to ski resorts in France, winter tyres or snow chains are compulsory in many mountainous areas between 1 November and 31 March. Similar rules apply in other European ski destinations, although the requirements vary.
It's your responsibility to ensure your vehicle meets local regulations before you travel. We recommend checking the latest requirements for every country you'll be driving through and carrying any equipment you may need - even if conditions look clear when you set off.
Self-drive ski holidays FAQ's
To book a self-drive skiing holiday - please give us a call on 01483 944 245
It depends on which date you travel and the type and time of your channel crossing.
Holiday Autos work with partners including Avis, Alamo, Europcar, Sixt, Hertz, National, Thrifty and Budget to offers competitively priced car hire and a high level of service for all its customers. Cars can be rented at all our arrival airports for the duration of your holiday and are also available in some of our major resorts, enabling you to hire for shorter periods, to explore the local area and perhaps ski further afield. Booking your car hire is easy, just choose the pick-up point, dates and car you require from the selection shown for an instant quote. You can choose the insurance package that is right for you and select any extras such as baby seats, snow chains, etc. For more information please click below or call 0871 472 5229 and quote ref xingh1. Please note Inghams acts only as agent for the Provider in respect of all “Holiday Autos” services. Your contract will be with Holiday Autos to whom payment will be made. Documentation will be sent to you by Holiday Autos.
Getting to resort
Train: Sit back, stretch out and watch the scenery roll by on your way to the mountains. With resorts across Europe reachable by rail, travelling by train is a relaxed way to start your ski holiday, with plenty of room for both you and your luggage. It's also one of the more planet-friendly ways to travel, which is why we're continuing to expand our rail holiday options.
Plane: Flying from airports across the whole of the UK, we're sure that you'll be able to find a flight that works best for your ski holiday. Not only to destinations across Europe but also Canada - including some of their world-famous resorts.
Car: Prefer to travel on your own schedule? Driving gives you the freedom to set the pace, pack all the ski gear you need and make the journey part of the holiday. It's a great option for families travelling with young children, with many of our resorts reachable by car and accommodation offering parking nearby or on-site.
Why book your ski holiday with Inghams
Decades on the slopes, service you can trust, ski holidays done right, we're the whole package. Find out more
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Ski experts since 1934
HistoryQuality over quantity — 90 years creating the best, handpicked holidays just for you.
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Chalet the Inghams way
ChaletsHome comforts and a dedicated host to look after you. Our chalets are handpicked and exclusive to us.
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Award-winning service
Why book with usIf snow hits the fan, we’ve seen it all – and sorted it all before. That’s why we’re a top rated holiday provider by Which? and The Times and Sunday Times Best Ski Operator 2025.
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Try to top this Snow Guarantee
Snow guaranteeIf less than 25% of planned runs are open, we’ll take you to a nearby resort and keep you skiing.
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Championing the great outdoors
Our ImpactsIf natures on your mind, then know it’s on ours too. The mountains are a special place, and we’re determined to help keep them that way. .
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We're the whole package
Ski resortsWith a package holiday, everything’s sorted (and protected by ABTA/ATOL) including travel, transfers, accommodation and expert advice tailored to you.