Travel and specialist hire
Ski-trip car hire: check the winter equipment you actually receive
A winter equipment charge on a booking is easy to overlook when you are collecting a car after a flight. Before driving towards the mountains, check what has actually been supplied and ask how it is meant to be used. Discovering a missing bag of chains at the point you need it is much harder to resolve.
The quick check
Match the supplied equipment to the booking, ask for the correct instructions and photograph its visible condition before loading your ski luggage.
Find out what the winter package means
Ask the rental company to identify the equipment included for your pickup location, dates and vehicle. Winter tyres, snow chains, an ice scraper and a ski rack are different items; the presence of one does not establish that the others are included.
SIXT's extras guidance directs customers to the options for their booking. Use the actual confirmation and branch instructions rather than treating equipment availability as universal. Check current official requirements for every country or mountain route you plan to use.
Check snow chains and other equipment with staff
Locate the supplied items before you leave the branch and compare them with the booking. Ask staff to confirm that any chains or other traction equipment are the correct type for the allocated vehicle and that the required parts and instructions are present.
Photograph the items laid out where it is safe and practical, plus their bag or identifying label. If something is missing, damaged or unclear, have the supplier resolve it before departure. A picture of a closed bag records a bag, not its contents.
- Items included in the booking and supplied at pickup.
- Equipment identification and supplied instructions.
- Visible condition and any missing components.
- Where each item must be stored and returned.
Ask for instructions while help is available
Have staff explain the equipment and direct you to the vehicle and equipment manufacturers' instructions. If you do not understand the demonstration, say so. Do not experiment with unfamiliar equipment beside a busy road just to obtain a photograph.
A visual condition record cannot establish whether equipment fits, has been installed correctly or is suitable for the conditions. Questions about compatibility, fitting and safe use belong with the supplier and the relevant instructions.
Record the car before bags obscure it
Photograph the boot floor, loading edge and visible trim before putting skis and luggage inside. Take the usual exterior views, including any existing marks near the rear bumper and doors. If snow or water hides a surface, note that rather than treating the photograph as a complete inspection.
If a roof rack has been supplied, record its visible starting condition and ask for its separate fitting and load instructions. Keep the condition sheet and any inventory correction. A large boot or a fitted rack does not make every arrangement of luggage appropriate.
Return the accessories with a clear record
Before handover, photograph the supplied items in their agreed return location and retain any acknowledgement. If an item was replaced during the trip, keep the provider's instructions and the replacement paperwork.
PickupLens helps preserve the starting condition and an optional return record, including supporting photographs of accessories. This is useful when a later query concerns what was supplied or returned, while the booking and staff instructions establish the actual equipment agreement.
Sources and further reading
Company guidance can vary by country and branch. Check the terms for your own booking.
