You have many options when it comes to getting from the airport to your ski resort. You could take a coach, train, or mini-bus. Or you could drive yourself. You will need to arrange for a pick-up at the station or hire a taxi to reach your resort accommodation. However, coach and train times may not match flight arrival and departure times.
Although smaller groups may choose to hire a car to save money over hiring a private transfer service for transportation, 16 Seater Mini Bus For Hire there are many hidden costs that could increase the cost of hiring a car. You will need snow chains and, ideally, snow tyres if you are driving to a ski resort. Chains are required on mountain roads. Without snow tyres, it could be a treacherous and skid-prone journey.
Parking is another important consideration. Parking is often limited in many chalets and apartment blocks. You may have to pay for parking for the entire week. There is also the hassle. You can choose to use a private transfer service. There will be someone at your arrivals gate to assist you with your luggage.
Here are some examples of prices
RhinoCarHire offers Ford Fiestas that can accommodate 4 people and carry around 3 suitcases for 31.95 Euros per day. The price includes taxes, airport fees, insurance, and ski racks. For driving up mountains, snow chains are compulsory at 3.5 Euros per day. This adds 24.5 Euros to your weekly bill. Snow tyres are recommended at 7 Euros per day and 49 Euros each week. Additional driver costs 63 Euros per week, while a child seat adds 30 Euros. A week of hire includes chains, ski rack, and snow tyres. The cost is just under 330 euros.
Easycar.com has an Opal Corsa that can hold four adults and two suitcases. It costs 274 Euros, which includes snow chains and tires. For 316 Euros per week, a larger car such as a Golf costs with snow chains and tyres. Additional drivers, ski racks and car seats are available at an additional cost. Prices are not listed on the website. They are payable at the time you pick up your car. However, availability is not guaranteed.
BudgetInternational's cheapest car is a Renault Clio which is 278 Euros a week. Although there isn't any information on the website about what snow tyres and snow chains cost, a driver can be added for almost 10 Euros per day.
Avis on the Swiss side, Geneva offers a Polo for 54 Euros per day (or 378 Euros per week), which includes snow chains and tyres. Renting a ski rack costs 42 Euros more, while a child booster seat costs 34 Euros. An additional driver costs 50 Euros per week.
Europcar has a VW Polo available for purchase at 380 Euros, with winter tires. Hertz sells a Ford Fiesta at 330 euros with snow tyres, snow chains and snow tyres. Sixt offers a VW Polo starting at 343 Euros per week. Snow tyres cost an additional 4 Euros per day. A ski rack and snow chains are also available for an additional 4 Euros per day.
It is possible to rent cars at the Geneva airport on the French side. This side of the airport can be cheaper, but they don't often include a winter pack. You will also need a vignette to Switzerland to drive on the motorway. The journey can be extended to the edge of Switzerland, but it will take around an hour.
Additional fuel and tolls will cost around 45 Euros per way, based on Geneva airport to Three Valleys. A pick-up on the Swiss side Geneva airport should include the Swiss Vignette (30 euros).