Flying to a winter sports destination? Rent a car once you arrive

More and more winter sports enthusiasts are choosing to fly to their winter sports destination and rent a car once they arrive. By flying to a strategically located airport in the Alps and picking up a rental car there, you’ll save hours of travel time and enjoy maximum flexibility.

By flying to a strategically located airport in Switzerland, Austria, France, or Italy, you can often hit the slopes the very same day. With a rental car at your destination, you can easily travel to your ski resort, visit multiple resorts during a single vacation, and avoid relying on transfers or fixed schedules.

Whether you choose a major airport or a smaller one, a rental car lets you reach the most popular winter sports destinations quickly and comfortably. In this article, you’ll discover which airports are best suited for your winter sports destination, how long it takes to get to popular ski resorts, and why renting a car at the airport is the smartest choice for a worry-free ski vacation.

Fly to your winter sports destination and rent a car there

Want to start your winter sports vacation without stress, waiting times, or fixed transfers? Then flying to the Alps and renting a car there is the ideal solution. We’ve listed the benefits of renting a car at your winter sports destination.

Get on the slopes faster

A winter sports trip by car from the Netherlands can easily take eight to twelve hours or longer, especially during peak season. By flying to an airport near your ski resort, you’ll often be on the slopes within just a few hours.

Complete flexibility with a rental car

By renting a car at the airport, you decide for yourself how and when you travel. You can drive directly to your accommodations, easily run errands, visit multiple ski areas, or be flexible with your arrival and departure times.

Ideal for both short and long ski vacations

For a long weekend of skiing, flying is almost a given, but even for a longer winter sports trip, a rental car offers more comfort than transfers or public transportation.

Suitable for families and groups

With skis, snowboards, and luggage, renting a car upon arrival is often more comfortable than lugging your gear around on trains or buses—especially if you’re traveling to a winter sports destination with children.

Which airport is best for your winter sports trip with a rental car?

Whether you’re going skiing in Switzerland, Austria, France, or Italy, there are plenty of airports that are perfectly located for winter sports destinations.

Choosing the right airport is essential for a smooth start to your winter sports trip. Below you’ll find an overview of both major and smaller airports, including travel times to well-known ski resorts.

Switzerland – Premium Ski Resorts and Short Distances

Geneva (GVA)
Geneva Airport has both a Swiss and a French section, making it ideal for destinations in both France and Switzerland, and offering a wide selection of rental cars.

Ideal for:

• Chamonix (F): approx. 1 hr 15 min

• La Clusaz (F): approx. 1 hr

• Portes du Soleil (CH/F): approx. 1 hr 45 min

• Verbier (CH): approx. 2 hours

Zurich (ZRH)
This airport is a great starting point for your winter sports vacation if you want to explore higher mountains and premium resorts.

Ideal for:

• Laax / Flims: approx. 1h 30m

• Andermatt: approx. 1h 30m

• St. Moritz: approx. 3 hours

EuroAirport Basel (BSL)

Basel is a perfect airport for the quieter Swiss ski resorts.

Ideal for:

• Engelberg: approx. 1h 30m

• Davos / Klosters: approx. 2 hours

• Grindelwald / Wengen: approx. 2 hours 15 minutes

Germany → Austria

Lake Constance Airport Friedrichshafen (FDH)

This small German airport is located near the Austrian Alps, making it attractive to winter sports enthusiasts.

Ideal for:

• Arlberg (Lech, Zürs, St. Anton): approx. 2 hours

• Montafon: approx. 1h 30m

Austria – many ski resorts close to the airport

Innsbruck (INN)
One of the most conveniently located winter sports airports: the shortest drive from the plane to the slopes.

Ideal for:

• Stubai Valley: approx. 30 min

• Seefeld: approx. 25 min

• Kühtai: approx. 45 min

Salzburg (SZG)
A popular airport with many ski resorts within easy reach.

Ideal for:

• Saalbach-Hinterglemm: approx. 1 hr

• Hochkönig: approx. 1 hr

• Obertauern: approx. 1 hr 10 min

France: Gateway to Major Ski Resorts

In addition to Geneva Airport (see under Switzerland), there are several other airports conveniently located for ski resorts in the French Alps:

Grenoble Alpes-Isère (GNB)

This relatively small airport primarily serves winter travelers.

Ideal for:

• Alpe d’Huez: approx. 1 hour

• Les Deux Alpes: approx. 1h 30m

Lyon (LYS)
This is a larger airport with a wide selection of rental cars.

Ideal for:

• Val d’Isère / Tignes: approx. 2h 45m

• Les Arcs: approx. 2h 30m

Chambéry Savoie (CMF)

During the winter season, this compact airport primarily handles flights to and from the United Kingdom.

Ideal for:

• Les Trois Vallées: approx. 1 hour

• La Clusaz: approx. 1 hour

• Les Sybelles: approx. 1 hr 15 min

Italy: Spectacular Landscapes and Long Downhill Rides

Milan Malpensa (MXP)

There are many rental cars available at this airport, and they’re often more affordable than in Switzerland.

Ideal for:

• Cervinia: approx. 2 hours

• Livigno: approx. 3 hours

Bergamo (BGY)

This is now Milan’s second airport and is primarily served by budget airlines.

Ideal for:

• Madonna di Campiglio: approx. 2h 15m

• Ponte di Legno: approx. 2h 30m

• Dolomiti Superski: approx. 2h 30m

Turin Caselle (TRN)

This quiet airport is often overlooked, but it’s perfectly located for some beautiful Italian ski resorts.

Ideal for:

• Bardonecchia: approx. 1 hr 30 min

• Via Lattea (Sestrière, Sauze d’Oulx): approx. 1 hr 45 min

Verona Villafranca (VRN)

Verona is also sometimes overlooked, even though it’s a great gateway to winter sports in Italy.

Ideal for:

• The Dolomites (Val di Fassa, Val Gardena): approx. 2h 30m

• Cortina d’Ampezzo: approx. 2 hours 30 minutes

Renting a Car for Winter Sports: What Should You Keep in Mind?

When picking up a rental car, there are always a few standard things to keep in mind. If you’re renting a car for a winter sports trip, there are additional considerations that can make the difference between stress and comfort.

Winter Tires Included

When winter tires are required, they’re usually included as standard on a rental car. But be aware: in a country like Switzerland, they aren’t required, so you may need to order them separately from some car rental companies. You can make things easy on yourself by checking the “Winter Tires” option in our filter.

Snow chains

On some roads in winter sports areas, snow chains are required, even if you’re already driving on winter tires. These chains are almost never included when you rent a car. If you’ll be driving on roads where snow chains are (potentially) required, be sure to order them as an extra when booking your rental car.

Enough Trunk Space

Luggage for a winter sports trip tends to be quite bulky, since you’ll need to bring skis or snowboards. You’ll also be packing more and thicker clothing than you would for a beach vacation. So make sure to rent a car with enough trunk space. Many car rental companies in winter sports destinations offer a ski box as an optional extra.

Practical tips for a rental car during a winter sports trip

With the right rental car, you’ll be well-prepared for driving in the mountains and in winter conditions. Keep the following in mind:

• Book your rental car well in advance, especially during peak season.

• Preferably choose a car with winter tires (even if they aren’t strictly required).

• Consider snow chains or a 4×4 for routes on steep mountain roads.

• Driving in the mountains can be tiring. It’s a good idea to rent a car with a second driver so you can take turns driving.

• Check whether you ’ll be crossing borders (e.g., Switzerland ↔ France) and indicate this when booking your rental car.

• Rental cars in Switzerland and Austria usually come with a toll vignette, which allows you to drive on highways there. If you’re driving from another country to Swiss or Austrian ski resorts, you’ll need to purchase that vignette at the border.

Be sure to check out our other tips for renting a car on a ski vacation.

Winter Sports by Plane and Rental Car: Comfortable, Fast, and Flexible

Flying to the Alps and renting a car there is the ideal combination of speed, comfort, and freedom. You avoid long drives and traffic jams, choose your own route, and get the most out of your winter sports vacation. Thanks to the many airports—from major hubs to smaller airports—there’s always one that’s a perfect fit for your ski resort.

Flying to your winter sports destination and renting a car?

Want to get straight to your winter sports adventure? Then book a rental car through this site, and it’ll be waiting for you when you arrive at the airport. That way, you can drive comfortably to your ski resort, stay flexible during your vacation, and enjoy the snow without a care in the world. Ideal for families, groups of friends, and anyone who wants to make the most of their winter sports vacation.

Compare car rentals at winter sports airports

Easily compare rental cars at winter sports airports in Switzerland, Austria, France, or Italy and choose the car that fits your travel plans. This way, you’ll head into the mountains well-prepared, and your winter sports adventure begins the moment you land.

For a worry-free winter sports vacation, choose a rental car with our Worry-Free label. That way, you can be sure you’re booking with a reliable car rental company and that your deductible is fully covered. Reserve your rental car today and enjoy a worry-free winter sports vacation!