The winter ski season is approaching and once more the question of how to transport you, your family and your precious equipment to your resort of choice in safety and comfort arises. An overnight ski train or an early morning flight, piling onto the ski-shuttle for a slow chug up the mountain are particularly unappealing options, as is the thought of relying on public transport to get you around once you are in the resort.
In our view, an executive 4×4 SUV is the only real option for those wanting to make the most of their winter ski vacation, and we have chosen our top-three SUVs to help you get to your ski resort safely this winter, and in style.
Range Rover Sport
The Range Rover Sport is one of the most capable 4×4 off-roaders on the road, and though they are usually spotted creeping their way through traffic in the wealthy districts of town, they are certainly most at home half-way up a mountain in deep snow. The most luxurious, efficient and powerful Range Rover yet built, the Range Rover Sport has a supercharged V6 engine, an 8-speed automatic transmission and AWD with adjustable Terrain Response settings. There is air suspension and 14-way power front seats for enhanced passenger comfort as well as dual-zone climate control to make sure you remain warm whatever the temperature outside. Children will be kept busy with the impressive infotainment system, and there is seating for 7, with the 5+2 seating configuration. Safety features include front and side curtain airbags, stability control, electronic traction and an adjustable speed limiter.
Porsche Cayenne
A Porsche Cayenne will provide you the luxurious comfort you need when travelling with families and all the necessary skiing paraphernalia. With sportscar like performance and a twin-turbo V8 engine, the five-seater Porsche Cayenne belies its size and rockets up that mountain like a dream. That may be some exaggeration, but it does maintain incredible stability even at high speeds, the four-wheel drive system ensures control on cornering and its braking power is superb. Luxuries include leather sports seats, climate control and an impressive 670 litres of storage space, expanding to 1,780 litres with the split rear-seats folded.
BMW X5
The BMW X5 is one of the best cars for snow. Whilst it might not take on the off-road terrain as well as the Range Rover Sport, it will certainly power you and your family to your ski resort with ease. With agility, superb handling and excellent traction on the road, the BMW X5 can handle most road conditions in all kinds of weather. This is a decent sized SUV for all the family, and with driver assist programmes including hill descent control and adaptive comfort suspension, you can ensure a safe and smooth ride for you and your passengers. This is a 7-seater SUV, as long as the extra two passengers are children, and youll find plenty of space for your luggage without compromising your comfort.
