Fiat Panda 4x4 1.3 MultiJet Cross, The budget choice
As mountain transport goes you can't really ask for better. Small enough to squeeze down those super tight streets in alpine towns, the four-wheel drive Panda is a favourite among French police in mountainous regions. It's no pursuit vehicle though, the little 1.3-litre turbodiesel taking 18 seconds to reach 62mph - glaciers move quicker in the Alps. It's a rugged little machine though, which, when equipped with snow tyres, will get you absolutely anywhere in virtually all conditions. You will need to put a roof rack on it for your skis and boards, as there's not much space inside for all your gear.
It'll take you a while to get to the piste too, but it's bearable enough on the motorway and with a combined consumption of 54.3mpg and CO2 emissions of 136g/km you'll not be helping melt all that lovely snow either by adding to global warming. The cheapest choice here means you'll have more money to spend on the après ski too.
