 Poster: A snowHead
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The cost of renting cars is really eye-watering compared to before the pandemic. Trying to work out the best size to fit two adults and 184cm length skis. I got upgraded last time so never worked out whether a small hatchback (Polo/206 size) would work. Skis can come out of the carrying back to reduce bulk in the car. We have a 4 hour drive from Geneva so would rather not have the skis sticking out the side window. Any advice? What have you done? Thanks!
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Whatever you rent, there's no guarantee you'll get it. I once rented a car which would fit in a wheelchair (for my mother). We were given one which wouldn't - same category, so no recourse. In the end we managed, but it was a pain. Good luck! You can get (maybe hire) magnetic rack things to stick on the roof.
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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@Tradstyle, Economy (/ second smallest size) has always been sufficient for us, as long as at least one of the rear seats folds down. I think the cars you have listed above would fit into that category. Skis carried parallel to direction of travel in the middle of the car, with the tips level with the gap between the two front seats.
We now take a canvas ski bag with us to stop the skis muddying or scratching the interior of the car, though bin bags would be the low-tech option!
Mini (/ the smallest car size) is not usually big enough. There is usually only a tiny difference in price between the two categories.
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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We’re in a Fabia this weekend and 175s fit easily with the tips just level with your elbow.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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Thank you all, that is very helpful! It makes the rental price massively more manageable.
I have heard about the magnetic ski racks, but will have a look into it to learn more about that. It would depend on their weight.
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@Tradstyle, rental prices at uk airports have dropped about 60% in recent weeks … 
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@under a new name, thanks, I was just seeing that (for Geneva). This summer, I ended up driving to Corsica and Italy and despite fuel and peages, it was a saving of £1,500. Corsica wanted just that amount for 10 days in car rental, never mind Italy on top plus flights/ferries. Looks like the economy size cars in Geneva are at about £250-£280 for a week in January which works!
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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@Tradstyle, still pricier than pre-crise but moving in the right direction
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| under a new name wrote: |
| @Tradstyle, still pricier than pre-crise but moving in the right direction |
If the price is moving downwards, book now but with a free cancellation option, and then price check closer to your travel date. Re-book if it makes sense – we did this in August and saved about €200 on a week's hire.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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I’ve just rented a car in Japan for a couple of weeks in February. Need a 4wd. All I could get with 4wd was a k car  600cc motor and really not very big. I also suspect from the photos online that it’s bright pink.
two of us, 4 snowboards plus luggage. Could be interesting. And I’m 6’2”.
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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In the past, we fitted 4 people with large holdalls/2 boot bags/2 sets of straight skis (195/170)/hand luggage -into a Renault 5 Turbo.
The person in the Long Term parking facility at Belfast Airport (responsible for taking your car to park), was left scratching his head in amazement, as he witnessed so much luggage and people exit from this Tardis on wheels.
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We just wrap the skis in an old towel, have them between the two front seats and into the boot. All depends on the type of split folding rear seat and how much other stuff/people is in the car!
And booking is a bit of a lottery with what you'll get. I once booked a 5 door large hatchback as needed to move my step mum about to and from hospital to see my dad. She has mobility issues...so was well chuffed when they gave me a 3 door convertible Fiat 500. It was an out of hours pick up, so had no choice to take it....and it was December.....so couldn't even have the roof down!
But then the other year, booked a 3 door small hatchback for just me and the OH. Got a brand new top of the range ST Ford Focus Estate.....go figure!
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You know it makes sense.
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@Tradstyle, Two more options:
1) Passenger gets in, then skis go down the side of the car between their seat and the door. I prefer this to the skis-down-the-middle option, where they have a habit of interfering with things like the handbrake and gear lever.
2) Handirack - inflatable ski rack that you bring out with you. I have one and it's great, tho' I wouldn't want to drive a long way at high speed on the motorway using it, mine is mainly for carting wet skis around resort.
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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@snowdave, Option 1 is a good idea, we will play around with that or down the middle. If it is an automatic, then not so big a deal, but if a stick, I agree that it could interfere.
Option 2 is probably not a good plan as we will be driving from Geneva to Vallouise (4 hours) and then going to different resorts, depending on the snow conditions. This said, I will research the magnetic/inflatable options if only to know more about them as they certainly have their place.
@Fridge03, when BA lost my luggage in March and the rental desk was then closed resulting in an impromptu night at the hotel, the car rental person took pity on us and upgraded us to a bells and whistles 5008 with about 3000 km on it which was a really pick me up after the preceding 15 hours .
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