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One of the largest expenses of any snowboarding holiday can be transportation, specifically airfare fares. Airline ticket cost can influence your overall destination selection. For example, flight costs to remote areas such as Jackson Hole, Wyoming or Steamboat Springs, Colorado can be very expensive and drastically increase the overall vacation budget. For individuals living in Europe, daily flights into Geneva, Switzerland from most major European cities are numerous can be relatively inexpensive. Geneva has over 100 resorts within a two-hour drive including the world-famous Chamonix, France. Similar destinations in the U.S. would be Denver, Colorado and Salt Lake City, Utah, neither of which can compare to offering close to the number of resorts near Geneva but, by North-American standards, both cities are main skiing/snowboarding gateways.

As well, prior to landing, investigate several ground transportation options such as car rental prices, train fares, coaches, or door to door shuttle service. Whether arriving quickly or with more cash in your pocket is of greater importance, review the options and timetables involved in getting you to the snow once you have landed at the airport. Distance, road conditions and the familiarity of the area should be taken into consideration when choosing ground transportation option. Depending on your accommodation choice, some hotels include complimentary airport transfer services to their guests or for an additional fee. If no transfer option is offered they may have a preferred partner or transfer provider. European destinations will offer the widest variety of transfer options while North American locations will most likely be limited to rental cars and shuttles. There are a variety of options to meet a wide range of budget but it will require some work on you part.

If renting a car, look for SUV’s or any 4×4 vehicle. If there is no all-road options, inquire about the possibility of renting snow chains and snowboard racks. The standard SUV class should easily accommodate a group of 4-5 adults depending on the amount of snowboard gear and normal luggage. If you are taking your own equipment, a snowboard rack is a necessity and some rental companies may offer special winter discounts or promotions for items such as snow chains, tires and snowboard racks. However most resorts have very good public transportation systems and offer great options for getting visitors and locals alike around the town/resort and to the slopes. The need for a car is minimal unless planning day excursions outside the area or your group is staying a good distance from the resort. Car hire can offer the most flexibility for groups but can also be the most expensive option when including potential parking fees.

Shuttle service may prove to be one of the most convenient options. Reservations can be made upon arrival but it’s best to book in advance for either one-way or round trip fares. Transports with shuttles are door to door. You and your group will be picked up at the airport and brought directly to your accommodation in resort. There is usually a luggage limitation which would include one normal bag of luggage and an equipment bag for each traveler. Pick-up and drop off times are dictated by your flight times and may be shared with others individuals outside of your group.

Coach and train travel can offer less flexibility and convenience. Timetables may be very limited offering specific times for departure but may offer some of the cheapest fare options. Please bare in mind, travel of this type may require transfers or changes to different buses or train lines.

Remember when organizing transportation for your snowboarding holiday:

-Choose a location that offers access to a variety of resorts may help reduce flight costs and overall transportation expenses.

-Review available transport options from arrival airport to resort.

-Determine which transfer offers the best balance of time, price and stress-free factors for you and your group.

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America Holiday 2009