winter sports by car tips
30 Januari 2026
30 Januari 2026

10 tips for going on a winter sports holiday by car

My annual winter sports holiday in Switzerland is one of my favorite vacations. Not only because I love road trips (cozy car rides, music, and delicious food), but also because I simply find it incredibly cozy to be in the snow. Since I was little, I've been visiting a somewhat quaint mountain village in Switzerland where time seems to have stood still. And that's precisely why I love going there so much. In 30 years, little has changed; it's not trendy, there's no real après-ski, and I know every slope by heart. Of all the trips I take, this is without a doubt the most relaxing, because winter sports in Switzerland feel like coming home to me. As I write this blog post, I can almost smell the fresh Alpine air! In this blog post, I'll tell you everything you need to consider when driving for a winter sports holiday, from comparing or extending car insurance to essential items for your packing list. Enjoy!

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PUUR JONNIE, an ode to Jonnie Boer. Today I had the honor of being at @delibrijezwolle for the book launch of @jonnie_en_therese. I spent the entire evening reading and browsing. WHAT A BOOK. What stories. WHAT AN ODE. Love, Nature, Pioneer, Fatherhood, Music, Jonnie's Foundation, Friendship, Suppliers, Local products, Relaxation, Entrepreneurship, Humor & The pure human being. Everything is covered, beautifully written by @joel.broekaert. With contributions from, among others, @nelsontanate, @rekkebus, @ronblaauwtje, @jorisbijdendijk, @sidney_schutte & @hvw043. Thanks for the wonderful afternoon @jonnie_en_therese 💚 PUUR JONNIE, Available from April 14 at your local bookstore (and online) 🖊️ @anne_de_buck
This is your ticket to Japan without taking a plane 🥢 @tewatashi.ams in De Pijp serves an authentic Edo-Mae Sushi Experience and is super consistent in their quality. It's the place we keep going back to when we have something to celebrate <3. In this video I'm sharing the 2 hour experience in 60 seconds. Still dreaming about the buttery ika nigiri. 🤤 ✖️✖️✖️ 🖊️ @anne_de_buck { one of the best authentic Japanese restaurants in Amsterdam serving premium sushi omakase in De Pijp }
𝗔 𝗯𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗰𝗮𝗳𝗲́ 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆? @eetcafe_de_reiger is the spot to remember. Cozy, casual, and a seasonal menu. This one was on my list to share for a year and finally it's (almost) asparagus season again! 🤤 Another plus? Prices are very reasonable here! 📍 Eetcafé de Reiger Jordaan, Amsterdam City Center Save this spot for when you're craving warm Dutch traditional dishes in the heart of Amsterdam. And did you hear the same team took over Eetcafé van Beeren? I can't wait to go there too! ✖️✖️✖️ 🖊️ @anne_de_buck
A grandma's cookbook. Three Michelin stars. And a beautiful 70s villa in a quiet neighborhood in Bangkok, where you are welcomed as if you were at the chefs' home. The Sühring brothers don't cook based on trends; they cook based on memories. Of their grandmother's farm, of the flavors of their youth in Germany, and of techniques passed down through generations. @relaischateaux invited me to experience Sühring during a solo lunch, and this is truly my ultimate definition of culinary self-care. This was a surprising afternoon in Bangkok, where I ate the best German food I have ever tasted. And that in a city where I normally avoid European restaurants. Well, for @restaurant_suhring, you really want to make that exception. Signature dishes that I still think back to regularly? 🍴 Labskaus with caviar 🍴 Enleta waffle with Pfalz vinegar 🍴 Game pâté 🍴 Dry-aged Duck TIP: When you go to Sühring, reserve seats at the kitchen bar so you have a view of the chefs at work! Follow @yourlbb for more tips you can trust. ✖️✖️✖️ 🖊️ @anne_de_buck #prinvited #bangkok #michelin #relaischateaux In this reels, I take you along for fine dining in Bangkok at the three-Michelin-starred restaurant Sühring.
This is one of the best free outings in the spring! Did you know that you can gather (or pick, for the connoisseurs 😉) oysters yourself at various locations in the Netherlands? I’m in Zeeland for a bit this weekend, and if we can make it, we’ll go again. 📍In this video, I show you where you can fill your bucket. Comment *oester* for the comprehensive guide with all the details about all 8 locations + handy tips and rules. Important to know: – Max. 10 kilos per person (≈ 1 bucket) – For personal use only – Do not scoop or scrape the seabed – Go at low tide Handy things to bring: Bucket, screwdriver, boots, work gloves, tea towel, clean clothes, and garbage bags (for the oysters *and* dirty clothes). And of course: bring an oyster knife, lemon, and champagne too 🍋🥂 Because you’ll want to taste something right away, won’t you! The oyster season runs from September to about April / early May, so now that the water isn't so cold, this is the perfect outing. In the full guide, I share exactly where you can easily find them, without much effort. Comment oyster and I'll send it to you right away! Who do you want to go oyster gathering with soon? ✖️✖️✖️ 🖊️ @anne_de_buck
𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲'𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 These are those few magical weeks each year when the city suddenly feels different. Everything is in bloom and all you want to do is be outside. Coffee to-go in hand, and just head out as soon as the sun shows up. 📍 Bloesempark – Amsterdamse Bos (the classic, yes it gets busy, but totally worth it) 📍 Rijksmuseum 📍 Fruit Garden of West 📍 Westerpark 📍 Jozef Israëlskade 📍 WG site 📍 Nelson Mandelapark 📍 Bos en Lommerplantsoen 📍Amstelpark By mid-April most of the sakura will already be gone, so if you want to catch it: this is your moment. I'll definitely be doing a few more rounds before it's over. ✖️✖️✖️ 🖊️ @anne_de_buck _______________________________________________ 🌸 Discover the best places to spot cherry blossom in Amsterdam and enjoy the sakura in full bloom. 🌸

Useful websites for booking your winter sports

Still need to book your winter sports holiday? But don't know where to start? Here are some tips for helpful websites with a wide range of winter sports options:

⋙ Sunweb has one of the most extensive selections for winter sports of all travel providers. View the complete range here >>

⋙ You can also book affordable package holidays to many winter sports destinations via Tui.nl. View the winter sports offer here >>

Did you know that through Booking.com you can not only book hotels directly on the slopes, but that they also have a wide range of apartments and chalets on offer? Check out the offers for the ski area you want to go to here >>

⋙ When I'm looking for a chalet in the Alps I always take a look at these websites: Chalet.nl of Skichalets.nl.

⋙ There are also a number of tour operators specializing in snow trips. For example, take a look at AlpenReizen en Snowmania.

10 tips for going on a winter sports holiday by car

The average travel time to a winter sports destination is about 9 to 10 hours. Keep in mind that you can encounter all kinds of weather along the way. So make sure you're prepared for all conceivable situations and dress warmly!

Winter tires: Sometimes you arrive at your ski resort and the valley is completely green, other times there's a thick blanket of snow. Winter tires make driving that much more enjoyable when it's cold and icy, as they provide a shorter braking distance in the snow. Moreover, winter tires are mandatory in several countries. Like me, a novice when it comes to winter tires? Then it's best to check the Consumers' Association website!

Vignettes: Some countries require a vignette. Switzerland is one such country! Avoid long waits at the border and purchase a vignette or other mandatory sticker in advance.

The right insurance: Before you drive to a winter sports holiday, double-check your insurance. Make sure your car insurance is up to date, but also check your other insurance policies in case you have an accident on the slopes. Chances are you'll want to add extra options for your trip to the snow, such as roadside assistance abroad!

Food & Drink: As a foodie, you can probably imagine that days before our annual road trip, I'm already busy planning all the delicious treats we can't do without in the car. I always pack a box of snacks, sandwiches, and drinks, and make sure we bring a pot of hot water on the day of our departure so we can enjoy a cup of tea in the car.

Check-up: Going on a winter sports holiday with a slightly older car? Then it's wise to have it checked beforehand. It's incredibly frustrating to be stranded on the side of the road in the cold with a broken-down car, when something could have been easily fixed!

The playlist: Good preparation is half the battle. So create a few fun playlists that you download beforehand via Spotify, for offline use. This way you can listen to your music anytime, anywhere, even when you have no signal.

Stock up on windshield washer fluid: This might sound silly, but if it's snowed and a traffic jam forms and you're driving at a crawl, your windows get DIRTY. Really DIRTY. And I've had it happen more than once that by spraying so much, I'll use up a few bottles of washer fluid. Trust me, there's nothing more annoying than being barely able to see. So make sure you have a few extra bottles in the trunk.

The route planner: You probably have a built-in navigation system in your car or use a TomTom. I always like to check the route before I get in the car. What's the shortest route to your ski resort, and which towns will you pass through where you could stop for an overnight stay? We often split our winter sports trip into two parts and stay overnight in a nice town along the way. This way, you get even more out of your holiday!

Snow chains: You probably won't use them very often, so you might want to rent them instead of buying them. If you don't need them, you can always return them! If they really do come off like hell, you'll want to keep them in the trunk. In some countries, it's even mandatory! Before you travel, read the description carefully and make sure you bring old ski gloves to put them on. Chances are you'll get dirty, and it might take some figuring out exactly how they work. Make sure you have a cheerful playlist for the next trip to lighten your mood. I speak from experience ;-).

Driving in the snow: Never driven in the snow or mountains before? Then check the do's and don'ts beforehand. Remember: don't brake in corners! Before you go, refresh your memory by reading this, for example. article.

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