Getting to and from your ski holiday

• When travelling by car, winter tyres, snow chains and checking the latest route information are all part of the preparations.
• If travelling by train, it pays to choose accommodation near a station, ski bus or lift.
• Air travel requires realistic planning for the transfer from the airport to the ski area.
• On arrival and departure days, allowing extra time for weather and traffic matters more than sticking to a packed schedule.
• You can often rent luggage and equipment at your destination.

The best way to travel depends on the distance, your luggage, the number of people travelling and how much you want to get around at your destination. A car gives you more flexibility once you arrive, but you’ll need to consider winter road conditions, parking, tolls and breaks. By train, a direct connection and a short transfer may be more valuable than a seemingly cheaper fare with several changes. If you fly, factor in transfer time, baggage rules and the return journey to the airport right from the start. The decision is easier when you see the travel day as part of your holiday, rather than just a journey from A to B.

For a first overview, it helps to plan your arrival time, the journey to your accommodation and your first planned day on the slopes together. If you arrive late, it’s best not to schedule a lesson or ski hire straight afterwards. For the overall plan, coordinate your journey with planning your ski holiday, choosing the best time to travel and your available budget.

When driving, it’s not just about the distance. Before setting off, check your route, the weather and the requirements in the countries or regions you’ll be travelling through. Keep winter equipment, plenty of screenwash, warm clothing and food within easy reach in the car—not buried under the suitcases. Taking breaks helps drivers stay alert, even after a long journey. For families, it’s more relaxing to plan an overnight stop or an early arrival than to have to organise equipment, accommodation and the first lift of the day on arrival.

At your destination, the location of your accommodation is key. A place with a short bus connection or a lift you can reach on foot can save you daily drives and the hassle of finding parking. So when comparing accommodation and meals, look beyond the room and price to consider luggage access, ski storage and getting back in the evening. If you’re travelling with children, short walks to lessons and a fixed meeting point are a real advantage.

Travelling by train works particularly well when the station, accommodation and ski area are conveniently connected. When booking, allow enough time to change trains with your winter sports luggage, and check when the last local transfer leaves. The Deutsche Bahn website offers useful information about taking luggage on trains. With air travel, the journey from the airport is often a significant addition to the flight time. A shared transfer can be convenient, but make sure to allow enough time for both your outbound and return flights.

Whether you travel by train, car or plane, keep your booking references, accommodation address and a contact phone number for late arrivals somewhere easy to access. This is especially helpful if snow, traffic or a missed connection disrupts your plans. If you’ve booked a ski lesson for beginners, let the ski school know in good time if you’ll be arriving late.

It’s worth keeping your last day on the slopes relatively free of commitments. Returning equipment, showering, checking out and getting to the station or airport all take time. If you’re driving, weather and the start or end of school holidays can make the journey longer. So pack the night before, check your check-out time and where you can leave your luggage, and set a realistic departure time. That way, even a short final day on the slopes can be relaxing, and you won’t have to rush when following the slope safety rules.

For your arrival, it’s also worth reading about health and preparation, so you can plan realistically for long journeys, altitude and your first day on the slopes.

Do you need a car for a ski holiday?

Not always. It depends on the station or airport, transfer connections, the location of your accommodation and whether you’re planning other trips during your stay.

When should you arrive?

Arriving the evening before usually gives you more time to sort out equipment hire, shopping and the start of your lessons. If you have a long journey, this is often a better option than setting off very early on your first day on the slopes.

What should you keep in your hand luggage or car?

Keep important booking details, medication, warm clothing, a charger and some snacks within easy reach. The rest of your ski equipment and clothing can be packed separately.