The call of the slopes
As winter takes hold, thousands of families across the UK begin dreaming of snow-covered peaks, fresh air, and days spent skiing or snowboarding. For many, it’s the highlight of the year — that one big adventure where the whole family comes together to enjoy something truly special.
But there’s one part of every ski trip that even the most enthusiastic travellers dread: packing. Between skis, snowboards, boots, helmets, and thick winter clothing, it doesn’t take long for even the biggest car to feel impossibly small.
That’s why so many families turn to West Midlands Roof Box Hire. With our Thule 470L and 580L roof boxes, you can take everything you need to the slopes without sacrificing space, comfort, or safety.
Why a roof box is essential for ski holidays
A ski trip involves more equipment than almost any other type of holiday. It’s not just clothes and toiletries — it’s long, awkwardly shaped gear that doesn’t fit neatly into car boots. Trying to squeeze everything inside can make for an uncomfortable and stressful drive before the holiday has even begun.
A Thule roof box changes that completely. It provides a secure, weatherproof space for all your winter gear while freeing up the cabin for passengers. You can pack skis, poles, snow boots, and coats safely out of the way, leaving plenty of room inside for luggage and family members.
Even better, Thule’s aerodynamic design means the box doesn’t cause significant drag or noise, so your long journey to the mountains remains quiet and smooth.
Popular ski destinations for UK families
Not every ski holiday requires a flight. Many families are now choosing UK ski resorts or driving directly to European destinations to enjoy more flexibility and save on costs.
Some of the most popular include:
1. Aviemore, Scotland – Located in the Cairngorms, it offers incredible views and great skiing conditions when the snow arrives.
2. Glenshee, Scotland – The UK’s largest ski area, with runs for beginners and experts alike.
3. The French Alps – Resorts such as Les Gets, Morzine, and Chamonix are within a day’s drive of Calais, making them ideal for families taking the car.
4. The Austrian Tyrol – Stunning scenery, excellent snow, and family-friendly hotels make this region a favourite.
For any of these destinations, a roof box is invaluable. It keeps all your gear clean, dry, and organised — especially important when returning home with wet or snowy equipment.
The benefits of hiring over buying
Buying a roof box for one or two holidays a year often isn’t worth the expense or storage hassle. High-quality boxes like Thule’s can cost hundreds of pounds, and storing them for the rest of the year takes up valuable garage space.
When you hire from West Midlands Roof Box Hire, you get:
- The same premium Thule quality without the long-term cost.
- Expert fitting included — no tools or guesswork.
- A choice between 470L and 580L sizes to suit your trip.
- A simple collection and return process in Tamworth.
You only pay for the time you need it — and we take care of everything else.
How to pack your roof box for a ski trip
Packing for a ski holiday is about balance and organisation. Here’s how to make the most of your roof box space:
- Pack the heavy items first – Put the heaviest things (like boots) in the centre of the box for even weight distribution.
- Use soft items to pad equipment – Use ski trousers, coats, or scarves to fill gaps and prevent movement.
- Load longer items carefully – Skis and poles should run along the length of the box.
- Double-check the lock – Always make sure the box is securely closed and locked before setting off.
- Keep essentials in the car – Passports, travel documents, and snacks should stay inside.
By following these steps, you’ll enjoy a smooth and efficient journey, knowing everything is safely stored above you.
Real customer experiences
We often see repeat customers every ski season who tell us the same thing — hiring a roof box completely changes their trip.
One customer, Richard from Tamworth, shared:
“We drive to Les Deux Alpes every February. Before we hired a Thule box, we had bags in the footwells, helmets under the seats, and no space to move. Now, everything fits perfectly. We just load up, lock it, and enjoy the drive.”
That’s the beauty of a good roof box — it turns what used to be a logistical nightmare into a simple, enjoyable journey.
Safety and security on long drives
Driving to the Alps or Scotland in winter requires preparation. When you hire from West Midlands Roof Box Hire, every Thule box is checked and maintained before fitting. The mounts, locks, and mechanisms are inspected to ensure complete safety.
A few travel tips for long winter drives:
- Keep a windscreen scraper, de-icer, and torch in the car.
- Make sure tyres are winter-ready if driving abroad.
- Carry high-visibility vests, spare bulbs, and snow chains (required in some European countries).
- Drive smoothly and maintain a steady speed.
With the right setup, even long snowy journeys can feel comfortable and safe.
The perfect roof box for the job
Our Thule 580L XXL is especially popular for ski holidays. With a massive 580-litre capacity and dual-side opening, it’s ideal for larger items like skis and snowboards. The 470L model, while slightly smaller, is perfect for families carrying less equipment but still wanting that extra space.
Both models are sleek, aerodynamic, and stylish — designed to look great while performing flawlessly.
Make your ski trip stress-free
Ski holidays are supposed to be exciting — the build-up, the travel, the first glimpse of the snow-capped peaks. You don’t want that excitement overshadowed by the frustration of packing and lack of space.
Hiring a Thule roof box from West Midlands Roof Box Hire means you can focus on what matters — enjoying the journey and making memories when you get there.
So before you book your chalet or load your skis, give us a call or book online. Let’s make your family’s ski adventure easier from the very start.
Contact Details
West Midlands Roof Box Hire
Unit 154, Amington Industrial Estate, Sandy Way, Tamworth, B77 4ED
Phone: 07903 839112
Email: westmidlandsroofboxhire@gmail.com
Websites: westmidlandsroofboxhire.co.uk
