ZRH · Car hire for skiing
Zurich Airport car hire for a ski trip
- 122 ski areas within reach
- Nearest: Feldberg 90 km
- Winter rules: Switzerland, Germany, Austria, France, Italy
A car makes sense if you want to ski more than one resort or stay outside the village. Compare cars at Zurich Airport, check the winter rules for every country on your route, and see what a door-to-door transfer would cost instead.
Compares rental companies at the airport through QEEQ · ask for winter tyres and chains when you book
Winter driving rules on your route
Switzerland
No winter-tyre law, but chains where signed; motorway vignette CHF 40
- Switzerland has no legal winter-tyre requirement, but you must keep control of the car; if you crash on summer tyres you can be held liable and your insurer may not pay in full.
- Snow chains are compulsory where a “snow chains mandatory” sign is shown.
- Using Swiss motorways needs a vignette (sticker or e-vignette), CHF 40 a year.
Germany
Winter tyres required whenever there is snow, slush or ice
- There is no fixed date: in snow, slush, black ice or frost you must drive on winter tyres with the Alpine (mountain-and-snowflake) symbol.
- Fines start at €60 plus a penalty point.
Austria
Winter tyres required in wintry conditions, 1 Nov – 15 Apr
- From 1 November to 15 April, cars must have winter tyres (M+S or snowflake marking) on all wheels when there is snow, slush or ice on the road.
- Snow chains on two drive wheels are an alternative only when the road is completely or almost completely covered with snow or ice; keep to 50 km/h with chains.
- Fines start at €35 and can reach €5,000 if others are endangered.
France
Winter tyres (3PMSF) or chains/socks required in mountain areas, 1 Nov – 31 Mar
- In designated mountain communes (Alps, Pyrenees, Jura, Vosges, Massif Central, Corsica), from 1 November to 31 March you must have four winter tyres marked 3PMSF, or carry chains or snow socks for two drive wheels.
- The communes are set by prefectural order and signposted at the boundary.
- Chains must not be used on dry roads.
Italy
Winter tyres or chains on board on signed roads, 15 Nov – 15 Apr
- From 15 November to 15 April, on roads covered by an ordinance (most mountain and many main roads), cars must have winter tyres (M+S) or carry approved chains of the right size.
- Fines run from €87 to €344, and police can stop you continuing in bad weather.
Official and national motoring sources, checked 10 October 2026. Local signs always apply.
Drive or transfer? Resorts from Zurich Airport
| Resort | Road distance | Driving time | Private transfer instead |
|---|---|---|---|
| FeldbergGermany | 90 km | 1 h 28 min | See prices |
| Bad RagazSwitzerland | 99 km | 1 h | from €281 per vehicle |
| EngelbergSwitzerland | 100 km | 1 h 15 min | from €255 per vehicle |
| Melchsee-FruttSwitzerland | 108 km | 2 h 9 min | See prices |
| WildhausSwitzerland | 108 km | 1 h 43 min | See prices |
| GiswilSwitzerland | 114 km | 1 h 59 min | See prices |
| SörenbergSwitzerland | 114 km | 1 h 59 min | See prices |
| MeiringenSwitzerland | 119 km | 2 h 7 min | See prices |
| AxalpSwitzerland | 127 km | 1 h 50 min | See prices |
| AndermattSwitzerland | 130 km | 2 h | from €324 per vehicle |
| MalbunLiechtenstein | 131 km | 1 h 51 min | See prices |
| BödeleAustria | 132 km | 1 h 52 min | See prices |
More ski areas within reach of Zurich Airport
Straight-line distance from the airport (road distance is longer). Ski areas with at least 15 km of mapped runs.
- Brunni-Holzegg-Rotenflue49 km · 27 km runs
- Hoch-Ybrig53 km · 24 km runs
- Klewenalp - Stockhütte59 km · 18 km runs
- Chäserrugg-Alt St. Johann65 km · 33 km runs
- Flumserberg69 km · 59 km runs
- Elm75 km · 28 km runs
- Brigels-Waltensburg-Andiast84 km · 31 km runs
- Disentis/Mustér86 km · 29 km runs
- Obersaxen92 km · 92 km runs
- Grindelwald First96 km · 39 km runs
- Grüsch-Danusa99 km · 22 km runs
- Airolo Pesciüm105 km · 21 km runs
- Madrisa117 km · 27 km runs
- Bellwald117 km · 16 km runs
- Aletsch Arena123 km · 90 km runs
Ask for winter kit
Request winter tyres and snow chains (or socks) when you book, and check they are in the car before you leave the airport.
Plan for ski bags
A compact car rarely fits four people and their skis. Book a size up or add a roof box, and check the luggage space for your group.
Parking in resort
Many ski villages are car-free or charge for parking; check where your accommodation lets you park before you drive up.
Car hire and transfer partners
QEEQ
Kiwitaxi
12Go
You book and pay with the partner directly. We compare them independently and may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need winter tyres for a hire car from Zurich Airport?
Switzerland: No winter-tyre law, but chains where signed; motorway vignette CHF 40. Germany: Winter tyres required whenever there is snow, slush or ice. Austria: Winter tyres required in wintry conditions, 1 Nov – 15 Apr. France: Winter tyres (3PMSF) or chains/socks required in mountain areas, 1 Nov – 31 Mar. Italy: Winter tyres or chains on board on signed roads, 15 Nov – 15 Apr. Ask the rental company to confirm the car has winter tyres, and whether chains are included.
Which ski resorts can I drive to from Zurich Airport?
By road: Feldberg (90 km, about 1 h 28 min), Bad Ragaz (99 km, about 1 h), Engelberg (100 km, about 1 h 15 min). Other ski areas near the airport include Brunni-Holzegg-Rotenflue (49 km in a straight line), Hoch-Ybrig (53 km in a straight line), Klewenalp - Stockhütte (59 km in a straight line), Chäserrugg-Alt St. Johann (65 km in a straight line), Flumserberg (69 km in a straight line).
Is a hire car cheaper than a ski transfer?
For one resort and a group of four, a private transfer is often comparable once fuel, parking and winter equipment are added; the table on this page shows the transfer price beside each drive. A car wins if you want to ski several resorts during the week.
Can I take a hire car across a border?
Usually, but many companies charge a cross-border fee or need to be told in advance. Check the terms before you book if your resort is in another country.
Car hire at Zurich Airport
Compare the rental companies, then add winter tyres and chains.
Compare car hireCar hire links are affiliate links (QEEQ via Travelpayouts): you book with the provider and we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Affiliate disclosure.