When calculating the cost of hiring a car remember to factor in additional costs such as petrol, road tolls, insurance, in-resort parking, snow chains, ski racks and child seats. Parking can be particularly costly, especially in car-free resorts like Zermatt and in semi-pedestrianized resorts like Tignes or Val Thorens.

  Skis aside, skiing holidays necessitate a whole lot of gear so be sure to hire a vehicle with a big boot. And if you do have your own skis, ensure you hire a vehicle equipped with a ski rack.

  Leave plenty of time to get the airport. On Saturdays the roads can be very busy, even without the added complication of snow. Check the weather prior to departure from resort and if snow is forecast allow time to dig out the car and faff with snow chains.

  When hiring a car, damage and theft insurance is usually covered as standard. However, in the event of an accident you will be liable for an excess charge which can run to hundreds of pounds. Because accidents do happen, and in ski resorts more than most places, consider buying car hire excess waiver insurance like that provided by specialists insurance4carhire.

  Most French and Swiss resorts are built for skiing convenience so that you’re never far from the slopes, but if your accommodation is a little distance away from the piste you’ll usually find a convenient bus stop and many resorts are served by shuttle buses which are free to lift pass holders. If you only need a car to get from the airport to resort and back again, you might want to consider pre-booking a transfer as an alternative to car hire.