Ski by Car: Prepare Your Winter Road Trip Like a Pro

Whether you're heading to the mountains with family or friends, driving to a ski resort requires proper preparation. For vacationers living far from the resorts—such as in Paris, Lille, or Montpellier—the journey can be long. When traveling by car for your holiday, it's important to be well-equipped and organized. Follow our ski travel tips to make the most of your road trip.

Before hitting the road, make sure your car is in good condition, your winter tires or snow chains are in place, and your first-aid kit is ready. Plan your route according to the weather forecast and take regular breaks to rest. By following these tips, your drive to the ski resorts will be safer and more enjoyable.

Our top resorts to visit this winter

Preparing Your Road Trip to the Mountains: Key Steps

To fully enjoy your ski holiday by car, a well-prepared journey is essential. Here are 5 key steps to get to the ski slopes safely and smoothly:

Make Sure You're Healthy and Eat Well

Before you hit the road, ensure you're in good physical and mental health. Get plenty of rest, stay well-hydrated, and eat a balanced diet. Avoid alcohol, and opt for energy-rich foods like fruits, yogurt, or lean ham...

Check Your Vehicle Thoroughly

Your car needs to be in perfect condition. Inspect the gearbox, brakes, headlights and taillights, battery, and especially the tires. If possible, use studded snow tires as the mountain roads are often narrow and covered with snow. Don’t forget a spare wheel and essential safety gear like snow chains.

Pack Smart and Plan Ahead

Pack your luggage the night before departure. Don’t forget warm clothes, regular medication, blankets, and, of course, your ski equipment. Set your departure time in advance—either early morning or overnight—to avoid heavy traffic and stay in sync with your usual rhythm.

Plan Your Route in Advance

Make a travel sheet and carefully plan your route. Check road and weather conditions, especially access routes to the ski resorts. Use a map or GPS to find the safest and fastest itinerary to your ski destination.

How to Make Your Road Trip to the Slopes as Pleasant as Possible

Here are a few helpful tips to ensure your car journey to the ski resort is comfortable and enjoyable:

Set the Right Mood

Make sure you’re in a relaxed state before hitting the road. Don’t stress over arrival times—avoiding a fixed schedule helps reduce anxiety and keeps the trip more flexible.

Maintain a Comfortable Temperature

If your car is equipped with air conditioning or heating, set it to a moderate temperature. It shouldn’t be too hot or too cold to maintain a pleasant atmosphere for everyone onboard.

Bring All the Essentials

If you’re traveling with children, don’t forget to bring pillows and blankets to make them more comfortable. Keep snacks, drinks, tissues, and any items your kids might ask for easily accessible.

Take Frequent Breaks

Plan to stop regularly to stretch your legs, grab a snack, hydrate, and rest your eyes. Look for scenic spots, rest areas, or parks where the whole family can take a moment to recharge.

How to Stay Entertained During a Road Trip ?

It’s important to stay occupied during the entire journey to make the trip more enjoyable. Here are a few ideas to keep everyone entertained in the car:

Keep the Conversation Flowing

Whether you're traveling with friends or family, chatting is the easiest way to pass the time. Choose topics that interest everyone and don’t hesitate to joke around to keep the mood light and fun.

Use Entertainment Tools

Play games that everyone enjoys—riddles, trivia, or travel-sized board games, for example. Singing along to music, listening to your favorite playlist, podcasts, or radio shows are also great ways to stay entertained. If you have kids onboard, bring paper, crayons, and a small bag with a few toys to keep them busy. It’s best if an adult can keep an eye on them and make sure they’re safe and comfortable in the back seat. Prefer not to drive? If a long drive isn't your thing, you always have the option to go skiing by train.