For the New Year period, we wanted to get away for a few days and were looking for an uncomplicated option. It should not be too far away, but it still needed to feel like a proper winter holiday. For the first time, a ski trip by car seriously came into consideration, and we started planning in more detail. We quickly realised that this decision required more preparation than expected.
Which accommodation* makes sense in winter, whether our own car would be sufficient and how to organise ski passes and ski rental suddenly became important questions. In this article, we describe our planning step by step, including all the considerations, decisions and expectations that came with it.
Choosing Spindleruv Mlyn as our ski destination and accommodation
At the beginning, there was simply the wish not to spend the New Year at home. We wanted a few days away from everyday life, ideally without flying or complicated planning. For a short time, we considered visiting family in Catalonia and spending a few days on the Costa Brava. However, flight and accommodation prices were far above what we were willing to spend, so we quickly ruled out this option.
After that, we looked at several regions in Germany that would have been easy to reach from Berlin. Areas such as the Bavarian Forest or the Fichtel Mountains were possible options. While the drive itself would have been manageable, the real winter atmosphere was missing during our research. What we were looking for was a combination of snow, a proper ski resort and a clear holiday feeling. This is when Spindleruv Mlyn increasingly came into focus.
The drive from Berlin appears very manageable, while the ski resort itself is compact yet varied enough for several days. Wide slopes are considered beginner friendly, which played an important role in our planning. In addition, the town offers more than just skiing. Winter walks, cafés and even two ice rinks are part of the experience. Since we love ice skating, this matched our expectations perfectly.
Comparing hotels and holiday apartments in Spindleruv Mlyn
We planned our trip at very short notice, which meant that the selection of accommodation* was quite limited. Nevertheless, we took the time to compare* different options. Hotels and holiday apartments were both considered. In the end, space, quiet surroundings and simple organisation during winter were the deciding factors. In addition, having a private parking space was important to us.
Our decision to choose an apartment directly by the ski lift
In the end, we decided on a holiday apartment in the Labská district. The accommodation is located directly opposite the ski lift, which seemed very appealing for our overall planning.
Own car or rental car for a ski trip by car
Before making a final decision in favour of our own car, we checked the current conditions on site. Webcams already showed a continuous snow cover in the ski area by mid December. In addition, the accommodation description explicitly mentioned snow chains. At that point, it became clear that we needed to check our car carefully before deciding how to travel.
Winter requirements for the car
In winter, the requirements in the Czech Republic are stricter than in Germany. Tyre tread depth should be at least four millimetres. All season tyres with an M plus S marking or an Alpine symbol are permitted. Depending on weather conditions, snow chains may also be mandatory. Corresponding road signs indicate this on site.
Checking the car for winter conditions
Our car is equipped with all season tyres. However, we were not entirely sure about the tread depth, as this is rarely checked in everyday use. To be certain, we used the two euro coin test. By placing a two euro coin into the tyre tread, you can quickly see whether the silver edge disappears completely. If it does, the tread depth is above four millimetres. In our case, the tyres clearly met this requirement, meaning the car fulfilled the formal conditions for a winter trip to the ski resort.
Choosing our own car
After completing these checks, the decision was easy. Our own car appeared to be well prepared and reliable for the trip. From our perspective, a rental car would not have offered any real advantage. Therefore, we consciously decided to travel with our own vehicle.
Snow chains as an additional safety measure
Despite having suitable tyres, we still wanted to be on the safe side. For this reason, we decided to bring snow chains as an additional precaution. We purchased them at a nearby ATU specialist store. It was important to choose the exact tyre size, which is listed directly on the tyre sidewall. The only step left is to test the installation at home, so that we are fully prepared and can save time if we need them during the trip.
Electronic vignette for the Czech Republic
In the Czech Republic, tolls apply on motorways. There is only an electronic vignette available, as physical stickers are no longer used. We purchased the vignette in advance online via the official website edalnice.cz.
The entire process is clearly structured and takes only a few minutes. The licence plate is registered digitally. A ten day vignette comfortably covers both the outbound and return journey. At around fourteen euros, the cost felt reasonable to us.
Ski passes for Spindleruv Mlyn
Our trip lasts a total of six days, with four full days planned for skiing. We purchased our ski passes in advance online via Gopass. Multi day passes are usually cheaper than individual day tickets, and buying online also avoids queues at the ticket offices. This is especially convenient around the New Year period. If we have additional time on the arrival or departure day, ski passes can easily be added spontaneously.
Finding the right ski rental in Spindleruv Mlyn
When it came to ski rental, we wanted to keep things as simple as possible. Long distances or complicated logistics were something we wanted to avoid. On the official ski resort website, we found an overview of recommended rental providers.
We noticed that an official rental shop is located directly next to our accommodation, which immediately stood out as a clear advantage.
We called them directly to ask about reservations. A reservation was not necessary, as sufficient equipment should be available.
FAQ Ski Trip by Car
Yes, as long as the tread depth is at least four millimetres. Snow chains should also be carried.
Yes, they can be mandatory and significantly increase safety.
No, with good tyres and snow chains, a standard passenger car is sufficient.
No, when renting ski equipment, everything fits into the car.
Conclusion
Planning our ski trip by car remained manageable and well structured. At the same time, it helped us clarify many uncertainties in advance. Accommodation, car preparation, vignette, ski passes and ski rental were the key elements. With this preparation in place, the trip should get off to a relaxed start.
I’m Joshua, and my focus is road trips and round trips. I provide detailed travel information, planning tools, and practical tips for driving abroad. Together, we’ll make your next road trip perfectly organized and unforgettable
