Head to the slopes with your own set of wheels this winter.

Driving to your ski resort – tips for the alpine drive.

If you intend on tackling the alpine drive to your ski resort by car this winter, make sure that you are prepared. The mountainous terrain that you will encounter en route to your ski resort will require you to call upon driving techniques which are not often used in your own country.

Mountainous terrains have tricky driving conditions brought on by changes in altitude, narrow roads and steep slopes. When you begin your journey on the valley floor, it may be warm and sunny, but this can all change very quickly to freezing conditions as you make your ascent, and if these conditions are unexpected, they are at their most dangerous.

As part of its ‘Head to the Slopes’ campaign, online car hire broker, Economy Car Hire Ltd, offers tips and advice to educate customers about the hazards that they may encounter en route to their resort:

Try to stick to the major roads; these are more likely to have been cleared by a snow plough.
Try to fit snow chains at the earliest opportunity to avoid having to fit these in bad conditions.
When driving on icy roads, look out for sheltered areas near trees or rocks where there could be icy patches.
Avoid sharp braking when driving in icy conditions, it will make the car slide and control will be lost. To slow the vehicle down, ease off the accelerator.
Put plenty of time aside for your journey, more time is usually needed to cover small distances when making your way along small winding roads through mountainous areas.
On narrow alpine roads it is easier to give way to oncoming vehicles, especially when as a foreigner; you are not familiar with the local etiquette.
Engage a lower gear when tackling a long descent, this will increase the effect of engine braking and will give you more control over the vehicle.
Anti-freezing additive for the fuel is not always included with hire vehicles and might need to be purchased. Damage can arise from fuel freezing so always check this with the hire company.

Fully-inclusive car hire with no insurance excess from Economy Car Hire:

Economy Car Hire Ltd provides car rental in 18 countries, including the skiing holiday destinations of Spain , Italy , Bulgaria , Serbia and Slovenia.

What's included?

No insurance excess!
No hidden extras!
Unlimited mileage.
Free additional driver.
Public Liability Cover for the drivers.
Third party liability cover.
Collision damage waiver liability (CDW). This covers you for damage to your hired car in the event of theft or collision damage.
Theft loss waiver (if the vehicle is stolen)
Airport surcharges.
Bail bonds (where required).
All local taxes.
Free 24hr backup service.

If you want to find out more information visit www.economycarhire.com