Avoid the chaos of crowded airports and the hassle of public transport—hit the road and drive to the Alps this winter with your own car! With a little planning and the right gear, it can be a fun, stress-free, and cost-effective way to kick off your ski holiday.
Why Drive to the Alps?
Driving offers several advantages, from the flexibility of setting your own schedule to saving money—especially if you’re taking your own skis and snowboards. Add a second confident driver to the mix, give yourself a leisurely extra day to reach your resort, and you might discover that the road trip is part of the adventure!
But, before you set off, a little preparation goes a long way.
Plan your Trip Like a Pro
A ski drive isn’t your average weekend getaway, so planning ahead is essential:
- Prepare Your Car: Make sure your vehicle is in top shape. Get it serviced, double-check the tyres, and pack for winter driving conditions. The AA or RAC websites are great resources to ensure you have the right equipment and paperwork.
- Map it Out: Plot your route ahead of time. Look for a charming midpoint to stay overnight—somewhere that gives you a chance to relax and ensures a smooth drive to your resort the next day.
- Timing is Key: Aim to tackle the final snow-laden stretch of your journey in daylight. The snowy scenery is stunning, and navigating winter roads is much easier.
Tackle Snowy Roads with Confidence
Even with a full service and winter tyres ready to roll, snowy Alpine roads can challenge the most experienced drivers. To help you stay safe, you’ll need to equip your car with AutoSock or snow chains (or both).
AutoSock vs Snow Chains – What’s Best for You?
AutoSock are lightweight snow socks for your tyres, specially crafted using high-tech textile technology. They grip icy roads remarkably well and are easier to fit than traditional snow chains. Perfect for wet snow or powdery conditions, they’re also a budget-friendly option.
On the other hand, snow chains are the go-to solution for rugged, rutted, icy roads. They’re durable and provide excellent traction, though they take a bit longer to fit. If you’re driving through regions like Austria, where local laws may favour snow chains, it’s always good to have them on hand.
What We Recommend
The Roof Box Company advises carrying both AutoSock and snow chains if possible. Together, they’ll handle any conditions Mother Nature throws your way!
Pro tip for rear-wheel drive cars: As well as fitting snowchains or AutoSock to the rear wheels, fit an anti-slip system to the front wheels to keep your steering in check—especially important in icy bends – but be sure to check your vehicle handbook first, because some cars (notably Teslas) don’t have enough space behind the front wheels for snowchains or AutoSock.
Whichever option you choose, practise fitting your snow chains at home before you set off. Make sure the chains match your tyre size (check the tyre wall, not your handbook). Also, check your car manual for snow chain compatibility. If it says “no chains”, don’t worry—ladder track chains like König K-Summit or Spikes-Spider SPORT are an excellent alternative for difficult fittings.
Pack Smart – Roof Boxes and Ski Carriers
A well-packed car is a happy car! The Roof Box Company offers high-quality roof boxes from brands like KAMEI, Thule, Hapro, and Atera. These are game changers for making your ski drive more comfortable, freeing up cabin space for your passengers. Here’s why a roof box can’t be beat:
- Makes room for everyone’s luggage.
- Protects skis and boards if you’re tight on boot space.
- Organises gear like helmets and ski boots for easy access.
Prefer an alternative? Tow bar-mounted ski and board carriers or luggage boxes are fantastic options, especially for vehicles with a lower roof carrying limit. Bonus tip for roof-mounted ski racks—wrap bindings in cling film to protect against road salt!
Winter-Driving Must-Haves Checklist
Before you load up, double-check your kit:
- AutoSock or Snow Chains (and the know-how to fit them).
- A head torch for better visibility in low light.
- All-weather gear to stay warm and dry while fitting chains.
- A reliable roof box or ski carrier for your equipment.
Invest in Gear You’ll Use Again
The best thing about prepping for a ski drive is knowing the gear will serve you well back home too. From AutoSock for surprise UK snowfalls to roof boxes for summer road trips, these investments keep giving back.
Explore the full range of winter driving essentials, roof boxes, and ski carriers at Roof Box Company and make your ski holiday one to remember.
Watch our Ultimate Guide To Driving To The Mountains
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