Self-drive ski holidays in Europe
Take the scenic route to the slopes. With a self-drive skiing or snowboarding holiday, you’re in control from the moment you leave home - stop for a coffee in a mountain village, stretch your legs at a viewpoint or take a little detour when somewhere catches your eye. You can choose a self-drive option for a range of our ski destinations, making the journey part of the adventure.
Plus, your Dover to Calais ferry crossing is included in your holiday booking, so one of the main parts of your journey is already sorted.
Why choose a self-drive holiday?
- Go at your own pace: set off when you're ready, stop whenever something catches your eye, and take the scenic route if you fancy it. It's your holiday, so you decide how the journey unfolds
- Travel in comfort: stretch out in your own car, pack your favourite snacks and enjoy the drive without airport queues or cramped seats. It's a more relaxed way to start your holiday
- Pack what you want: pack your boots, helmet, skis, and all those extra layers you’ll want after a day on the mountain. With no airline luggage limits, you can bring what you need without worrying about baggage allowances or extra bag charges
- Explore more when you arrive: having your car with you gives you the freedom to discover more of the mountains, from different ski areas and neighbouring resorts to cosy villages and scenic viewpoints
- Skip the airport: no rushing for flights, no baggage reclaim and no fixed departure times. Just the freedom to travel your way, from your front door to the slopes
- 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 the likes of Austria and want to head to Italy for your winter holiday, we can make that happen too.
We take care of the planning
When you book a self-drive holiday with us, we’ll sort your ferry or Channel Tunnel crossing as part of your trip. That means you get the freedom of having your own car, with the reassurance of expert support. So you can focus on the journey ahead - and most importantly the ski adventure waiting at the other end!
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.
Ready to take the scenic route to the slopes?
Our Ski Specialists know the mountains inside out and are here to help you find the right option for your trip. Give us a call to chat through your plans, or start exploring the destinations below where self-drive is available.
Ski resorts you can reach by car:
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Offers available
Söll
SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser-Brixental Area, Austria
Lively resort in Austria’s largest ski arena Part of the vast SkiWelt Ski Area Great value for moneyFamily Holidays Ski School Short Transfers -
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Offers available
St Anton
Arlberg Ski Area, Austria
In Austria's biggest linked ski area - Arlberg Legendary après ski scene Challenging slopes for skiers and boarders -
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Offers available
Obertauern
Austria
Purpose built resort with a range of ski in/ski out hotels One of the longest ski seasons in Austria Scenic village with beautiful mountain viewsHigh Altitude Family Holidays Short Transfers -
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Offers available
Alpbach
The Ski Juwel Area, Austria
Award winningly beautiful village Great value for money Family friendly resortFamily Holidays Short Transfers Ski School -
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Offers available
Niederau
The Ski Juwel Area, Austria
Great value for money Unspoilt valley views Short transfers from Innsbruck AirportSki School Short Transfers Group Holidays -
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Offers available
Seefeld
Austria
Charming Tyrolean village with plenty of off-slope activities Austria’s leading cross-country skiing resort Short 30 minute transfers from InnsbruckVillage Charm Short Transfers Non-Skiers -
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Offers available
Oberau
The Ski Juwel Area, Austria
Access to 100 kilometres of slopes Short transfers from Innsbruck Airport Classic Tyrolean village with unspoilt mountain viewsFamily Holidays Short Transfers -
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Offers available
St. Johann in Tirol
Kitzbuhel Alps, Austria
Great for beginners and families Charming village feel with incredible mountain views Plenty of off slope activitiesFamily Holidays Intermediate Skiers -
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Offers available
Westendorf
SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser-Brixental Area, Austria
Unspoilt resort Easy access to Kitzbühel & SkiWelt Regions Tree lined runsLarge Ski Area Intermediate Skiers Ski School -
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Offers available
Ellmau
SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser-Brixental Area, Austria
Picturesque resort Part of the vast SkiWelt Ski Area 270km of classic Austrian skiingLarge Ski Area Intermediate Skiers Short Transfers -
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Offers available
Kitzbuhel
Kitzbuhel Alps, Austria
Uncrowded, well pisted runs Legendary resort & home of the Hahnenkamm Race Charming medieval ski townLarge Ski Area Village Charm Intermediate Skiers -
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.
Or why not travel by train?
If you like the idea of reaching your ski resort by land, why not opt to travel by train instead? 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.
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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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.