Ski Trip 4x4

[andyb28]

We have always used my wifes L200 Barbarian for our annual ski trip. But we are thinking of getting rid of it for something like a Discovery 4 / Sport or similar.

I have a Defender 90 Puma, but I dont fancy driving that all the way to Les Gets.

The truck is fantastic as we can get all the skis / snowboard, clothes and food for a week in the back and keep it safe with the roller cover. Now that we are looking for a 4x4, its going to be important that the vehicle has good storage, including a ski hatch as I would prefer not to pile everything on the roof.

I have been trying to find which vehicles have the ski hatch, but haven't been very succesful, so am coming here asking for recommendations.

If you have any good suggestions, please post them up.

Thanks
Andy

[Pica-Pica]

As a suggestion, a Subaru Outback if you want it that big, otherwise a Subaru Forester.

[andyb28]

Slim pickings then. Just Subaru?

[OscarIndia]

My Disco 4 has separate folding seats, so no need for a ski hatch.
It has also visited Les Gets quite often as I have a place there.
PM me if you like as it's for sale!

[andyb28]

OscarIndia said:

My Disco 4 has separate folding seats, so no need for a ski hatch.
It has also visited Les Gets quite often as I have a place there.
PM me if you like as it's for sale!

Does this mean you can put any / all of the three seats in the back down?

i.e. you can put the middle section down and two people can comfortably sit in the outer two seats?
If so, thats probably even better than a ski hatch.

[akirk]

My e39 M5 has a ski hatch - and an integrated ski bag

no idea why because the first flake of snow and it won't get off the drive anyway

hope that was helpful

[andyb28]

akirk said:

My e39 M5 has a ski hatch - and an integrated ski bag

no idea why because the first flake of snow and it won't get off the drive anyway

hope that was helpful

Hehe, I had that exact problem with an E Class Merc many years ago.

[OscarIndia]

andyb28 said:

Does this mean you can put any / all of the three seats in the back down?

i.e. you can put the middle section down and two people can comfortably sit in the outer two seats?
If so, thats probably even better than a ski hatch.

Yep, it's the best of all worlds, each seat is independent.

[OscarIndia]

If you look at the photos here you can see how it works, all seats go completely flat.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Land-Rover-Discovery-SDV...

Edited by OscarIndia on Monday 11th September 15:55

[DoubleD]

Almost any car on winter tyres will be just fine

[Speed 3]

Our Touareg has ski hatch and 2/3 split rear seats. We've bombed down to Samoens 3 times in it (or similar predecessor), fantastic drive. We haven't had to explore the outer reaches of its snow capabilities and the winter tyres I put on for the first trip were unnecessary. That said we had one of the most horrible experiences of our lives in a Fiat 500L on snow chains in Italy for a quick weekend this last winter and were longing for the Touareg for the same experience.

[LimaDelta]

DoubleD said:

Almost any car on winter tyres will be just fine

Yep, the locals seem to favour small cars with the right tyres. All the big 4x4s tend to be on 'foreign' plates.


That said, another vote for the Subaru Outback. Fantastic all-rounder, and (whisper it) better than my previous Disco 4 IMHO.

[caelite]

LimaDelta said:

DoubleD said:

Almost any car on winter tyres will be just fine

Yep, the locals seem to favour small cars with the right tyres. All the big 4x4s tend to be on 'foreign' plates.


That said, another vote for the Subaru Outback. Fantastic all-rounder, and (whisper it) better than my previous Disco 4 IMHO.

I'd expand on that slightly, avoid RWD like the plague, even on winters it'll be fun for about an hour until you either die or get stressed out, for performance I would say your best bet is a light 4x4, followed by a heavy 4x4, followed by a light FWD.

I always see the argument that the locals drive around in little FWD hatchbacks therefore that is the best option, however as one of those 'locals' (grew up near Glencoe), I would say this very much isn't the whole story. I drove a FWD hatch through winters when I was younger, I ran a set of quality winter tyres 6 months of the year (Oct through April). Did it work? Yes, Was it a proper pain in the ass at times? Also yes. Living somewhere like that with a little FWD you just learn that at certain times of the year you can't drive up certain roads, obviously if you aren't local and they aren't signposted this is a problem, it could also put a damper on your holiday if you figure out that one of the more remote ski spots you want to get too can only really be accessed by a 2 hour hike, or with a 4x4 with snow chains.

The single best vehicle that 'locals' drive up here are AWD crossovers. Toyota RAVs, BMW X3s, Scooby Foresters etc etc as they offer the ability to traverse the more crappy roads without full fat 4x4 running costs or weight. Personally for a long distance trip I would say your current option is perfect, L200s are fantastic with the right set of tyres. The modern crew cabs are plenty comfortable without being immensely overcomplicated like a new land rover is. Although have you considered a Shogun? They retain some simplicity whilst offering slightly better road handling to the L200, If the LWB is anything like my old SWB then the seats will fold foward allowing a massive load area, they also split.

[andyb28]

I understand the points raised.

The truck is already fitted with very good winter tyres and for the last 3 years doing this trip, it has never let us down. One year it ploughed through some serious snow. I always take snow chains, shovel etc as part of the kit.

Part of the problem for me is finding a vehicle that can carry as much as the truck can, without taking too much seating area away in the back.
We don't have a truckman type type, just a roller. But can get all the safety kit, skiis, snowboards, clothing and food for a week tucked away in the back. That means that the cab is just for my family.

I must confess, its a Disco 4 that I would prefer, but I wanted to figure out a few options as it will mainly be my wife driving it at all other times. The Discovery has a massive boot and if that central seat goes down, I think that would work well. Does the newer Discover Sport do the same?

Whilst I am maybe a little bit leaning towards green ovals, its my missus car and she would get the final decision. So please keep them coming, its very helpful.

Thanks
Andy

[RammyMP]

Myself and two mates did the trip from Manchester to Mayrhofen in a Hyundai Santa Fe (2015 model), it performed very well. The only complaint was it's got a small fuel tank so only had a 400 mile range. Not much use at 4 o'clock on a Sunday morning in Germany trying to find a petrol station!

[LimaDelta]

caelite said:

LimaDelta said:

DoubleD said:

Almost any car on winter tyres will be just fine

Yep, the locals seem to favour small cars with the right tyres. All the big 4x4s tend to be on 'foreign' plates.


That said, another vote for the Subaru Outback. Fantastic all-rounder, and (whisper it) better than my previous Disco 4 IMHO.

I'd expand on that slightly, avoid RWD like the plague, even on winters it'll be fun for about an hour until you either die or get stressed out, for performance I would say your best bet is a light 4x4, followed by a heavy 4x4, followed by a light FWD.

I always see the argument that the locals drive around in little FWD hatchbacks therefore that is the best option, however as one of those 'locals' (grew up near Glencoe), I would say this very much isn't the whole story. I drove a FWD hatch through winters when I was younger, I ran a set of quality winter tyres 6 months of the year (Oct through April). Did it work? Yes, Was it a proper pain in the ass at times? Also yes. Living somewhere like that with a little FWD you just learn that at certain times of the year you can't drive up certain roads, obviously if you aren't local and they aren't signposted this is a problem, it could also put a damper on your holiday if you figure out that one of the more remote ski spots you want to get too can only really be accessed by a 2 hour hike, or with a 4x4 with snow chains.

The single best vehicle that 'locals' drive up here are AWD crossovers. Toyota RAVs, BMW X3s, Scooby Foresters etc etc as they offer the ability to traverse the more crappy roads without full fat 4x4 running costs or weight. Personally for a long distance trip I would say your current option is perfect, L200s are fantastic with the right set of tyres. The modern crew cabs are plenty comfortable without being immensely overcomplicated like a new land rover is. Although have you considered a Shogun? They retain some simplicity whilst offering slightly better road handling to the L200, If the LWB is anything like my old SWB then the seats will fold foward allowing a massive load area, they also split.

By locals I meant French and Italians in Alpine resorts.

Also I think a big SUV can get you into more trouble though due to the perceived invincibility and driver overconfidence that brings. Coming down a snowy alpine road with endless hairpins I would personally rather be in something light with skinny wheels than a 3 ton 'lifestyle' 4x4.

Panda 4x4 FTW!

[MrHappy]

andyb28 said:

I understand the points raised.
I must confess, its a Disco 4 that I would prefer, but I wanted to figure out a few options as it will mainly be my wife driving it at all other times.

Thanks
Andy

Admittedly from a small sample and maybe reliability has improved, but I do recall noticing them on the back of the tow trucks heading down the valley.

[CABC]

2wd on good tyres is normally ok in the Alps. Les Gets is low and well cleared anyway.
To the Glencoe guy above, I suspect he may well have suffered worse conditions up there, they clear things earlier in the Alps and fresh snow is different to ice.
I use a Rav and rarely see the asc light come on, and when I do it's because I've pushed it. Extra ground clearance most useful, especially in smaller Carrefour car parks. I personally wouldn't use any modern Land Rover product in that environment.

[loafer123]

I am biased as I have one, but the Jeep Grand Cherokee wins awards and does very well in the snow with decent tyres on.

[MorganP104]

If you want to do it properly, an L322 Range Rover (it has a ski hatch, with integrated bag, so you don't get snow on your back seats).

Not only will perform admirably in inclement conditions, you'll enjoy the journey while you're at it.