Given the extreme circumstances, even the best performing and must punctual ski transfer provider have experienced problems during this peak period. It is very difficult for transfer providers to absorb the impact of late and cancelled flights, never mind adverse road conditions and heavy road congestions.

Apparently on the 2nd January 2010 traffic jams in the French Alps were so bad that a transfer that would normally taking two to three hours took up to eight hours, leaving passengers stranded in ski resorts and airports for hours. Not even the best airport transfer operator can do anything about this.

Our advice to ski transfer seekers:

Travel arrangements can go wrong due to nobodies fault. Make sure you are prepared and take all necessary steps before your departure to avoid stress, disappointment and financial loss. Plan ahead - here our tips.

Before booking your ski transfer:

• Take out a travel insurance that includes travel cancellations and delays and does not exclude any reasons for cancellations.

• Check your transfer operators Terms & Conditions before you book. T&C are normally published on the transfer providers website or can be requested by email.

• Only book with transfer providers that offers local help lines and driver mobile numbers so you have a number of channels to communicate should there be a problem with travel arrangements.

• Ask transfer operator before you book about their delay / cancellation contingencies

Before departure / pick-up date:

• If unsure, ask for earlier pick-up time on your return journey to make sure you are not affected by delays due to traffic jams.

• Check your departure airport before you leave home and ski resort to find out about actual delays and closures. In case of problems contact your transfer provider to re-arrange pick-up times.

• Call your transfer provider the day before departure to find out if there are any possible delays. Don't just wait until the scheduled pick-up time passes before you check for delays.

• Inform your transfer provider in advance about any delays you might have. This helps transfer providers plan accordingly and where possible reschedule.

• Get a number for your local (ski resort) taxi provider. You can find this out during your stay in the resort. It is better to have a few numbers, just in case you need them. Avoids last minute panic when things go wrong.

• Charge your mobile phone before departure date, you never know how many emergency calls you have to make.

It is very rare that transfers get delayed enough for you to miss your flight. However, as we have seen this year, things can get out of control during peak travel times. It is best to plan ahead and double check to avoid transfer panic. Better safe than sorry.

Enjoy your ski holiday.

Ski Transfer Finder Team