Stressfree winter driving

Planning ahead

If you are ski-ing this winter, remember that weekend trips are particularly popular in the European resorts and cars are in great demand from Friday to Sunday so it is always advisable to book ahead to secure your choice of car.

The Xmas and New Year period is one of the busiest times of year both on the roads and at the airport – people are not just going on holiday but going home for the holidays or visiting family. Remember to book your car hire well in advance to avoid disappointment, particularly from popular airport pick-up locations.  Roads and motorway junctions around the ski resorts can become very congested at this time, particularly around Lyon, Grenoble and Geneva.  If you can try to avoid peak times such as the beginning and end of the school holidays or weekends.

In some regions you are legally obliged to carry and use snow chains in winter (Switzerland, Germany, France and Italy).  Snow chains and tyres are available to hire at some locations and should be requested at time of booking.  These options usually incur a fee which is payable locally when you pick up your car. 

In bad conditions always allow extra time for your journey and remember you may need to defrost your car before setting off.

Consider the option of air-conditioning when you hire a car – this can be as useful in summer and winter if you need to de-mist on a cold morning.

Although holiday prices tend to peak over the Christmas and New Year period, you can find some bargains if you are prepared to fly on Christmas Day itself.  Watch out though, some charter operators try to avoid the unpopular Christmas Day flights by changing flight days and offering different holiday durations such as 6 nights instead of 7.

Choose flights which leave earlier, rather than later, in the day.  Even if there are airport delays during the day, these are more likely to get away on time or earlier than other flights.

Driving

If you are travelling in the cold or dark, remember that lights, heaters and windscreen wipers put high demands on your car battery so try not to run car electrics any longer than necessary

Low sun can be dazzling during the winter months so have your sunglasses at the ready and ensure you keep your windscreen clean to avoid glare.

If you need to dig your car out, remember to clear snow from the roof as well as from windows to avoid it falling onto the windscreen when you are driving.

Some countries require the use of headlights during winter, Scandinavian countries and Switzerland require use of headlights at all times in winter. Dipped headlights are also required at times in Austria, Germany, France and Italy, particularly at times of poor visibility and through tunnels – it is worth checking local regulations before you leave.

If you are travelling in snowy conditions, it is always advisable to carry a charged mobile phone, torch, First Aid kit, blankets, warm clothing and boots.  A warm flask and some snacks may also come in handy if you do get stranded.

Ensure you have adequate fuel for your journey – if you are stop/starting in busy traffic, you are likely to use more petrol.

Remember stopping distances are longer in snow and ice and leave larger distances between you and the driver in front.

Don’t try to drive in large, snow covered boots.  It is always best to drive in dry shoes.

Make a note of where you park your car – you could get back and find it has disappeared under a mountain of snow!

If possible, plan your route along main roads which are more likely to have been gritted.

Check local weather forecasts before you leave in case of bad weather.  Ski resorts are also likely to advise if particular roads or passes are open or shut due to bad weather.

A winterisation fee is an amount charged by some suppliers during the winter months to cover the additional equipment added to the vehicle for this period.  Please check your inclusions, particularly if you are hiring a car in Austria, Switzerland or France this winter, to see if this applies.

Remember visibility is best during daylight hours – particularly important if you are not familiar with your route.

Take regular breaks if you are driving long distances and remember complex carbohydrates give better sustained energy than short-burst sugary snacks.

"Your Say" about hiring a car for ski destinations

Susan Wilson from Cumbria says: "In the past we have always booked our car for the Swiss side of Geneva airport, which I find easier, but last year there were no cars available. Luckily there were still cars available on the French side so it didn't spoil our holiday. My advice - always check both locations."

Gary Rathburn from Cheshire advises:
“Avoid the pay-at-pump stations in France – our chip and pin cards don’t work!”

Neil Fletcher advises:
“Drive from Reykjavik in Iceland anti-clockwise around the island.  You get the most amazing views and the landscape changes dramatically around each bend in the road.  Watch out for the wind and drifting snow in winter – make sure you get a car with studded tyres – and take your camera!”

DavidClark advises:
“Be careful when parking your car in Saalbach in Austria.  I came back to find my hire car had been changed into a giant smiley face with the snow!”

Jim McKenna advises:
“If you stop at traffic lights in Switzerland, and you are more than 2 cars back from the lights, remember to switch off your engine”

Nina Mably from London advises:
“Geneva airport is split into two parts – the French and Swiss sides.  The Swiss side is much easier to find when you are returning your car”

Peter Spencer from Avon advises:
”In Western Canada, pedestrians have the right of way at all times.  Be prepared to stop whenever a pedestrian wishes to cross.  However, they are supposed to cross at designated places and can be fined if jay-walking”

Bob Chaloner from Cheshire advises:
”Remember – at 4 way intersections in Canada – first to arrive goes first.  Arrive after other drivers – wait your turn!”

Elizabeth Lewis from Lancashire advises:
"Things can look very different covered in snow.  When you pick up your car at the airport, ask a member of staff which exit roads to use for your destination.  That way, even if the snow is covering road markings or signs, you can be in the right lane heading in the right direction."

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