You can always consider to hire a car when you’re on a skiing holiday. You have to check the small print in this case too and be aware of the extras that might be very expensive.
What are the advantages of hiring a car when you’re on a skiing holiday:
It’s much easier to get from one place to the another ie. you can easily drive from your hotel or from the chalet you’re staying in. You may travel with a smaller group with lots of luggage. It will also give you peace of mind to drive when you want where you want to.
But what are the costs that you have to be aware of:
- cost of winter tyres
- snow chains can be pretty expensive too, sometimes they can add £60 extra a week
- roof racks for skis and snowboards
- excess car insurance
The prices of these extras may vary from country to country. When you hire a roof rack in Barcelona through Avis it will cost you £62 but in Grenoble the same service would cost you £24 (Budget).
One of the most expensive extras is excess car hire insurance. You’ll find very expensive in Turin through Hertz because it’ll cost you £147.84 and Europcar as well because they would charge you £147.63 for a week.
In Germany and in Austria winter tyres are mandatory so be aware of it and it’s advisable to call the car hire company in advance to check with them. It is also the driver’s responsibility to ensure that the hire car meets local conditions.It is important to know that it’s against the law to cause any damage to a road surface with snow chains.
Don’t always go for the cheapest option when it comes to car rental because extras can add up and make your “cheap” car hire even more expensive. 3 in 10 travelers don’t pay for the excess waiver insurance however it’s a risky choice especially in winter time when road conditions are not the best.
Source: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/travel-advice/9795661/Car-hire-on-a-skiing-holiday.html
