Safety has long been a focus for the ski sector, and yet, post-pandemic, travelers’ anticipated needs have changed in a way that goes beyond just the mountain. Now, hygiene, social distancing, and an exertion of control over one’s travel situation are essential. One of the most highly sanitized experiences on any ski holiday is the ski transfer the process of getting from the airport to the ski resort. Yet, whether travelers book a shared ski transfer or a private ski transfer, both options have taken special measures to ensure safety and sanitation, but they differ greatly in execution. As skiers look to book their ideal ski holiday, understanding the nuances will help make an educated decision.
Where Travel Expectations Changed with Hygiene Standards
Hygiene was never a top consideration where airport transfers were concerned pre-pandemic. Passengers were more concerned about the right time, the best price and the most convenient operation. After everything that’s happened in the last couple years, however, hygiene is front of mind. Passengers expect their vehicles to be wiped down in-between trips on a regular basis with drivers also exhibiting higher levels of personal cleanliness during the transfer.
For shared transfer operators, this means adding in new regulations and expected practices on the fly; cleaning vehicles to contract after every trip, requesting masks for peak times and maximum capacity only allowed at certain stages. Private transfer from Turin to Cervinia highlights this advantage, as smaller groups naturally reduce exposure risks and enhance peace of mind. For private transfers, none of this is as necessary the natural ability to control the level of exposure is already there since with fewer passengers, fewer touchpoints are logged. Now, hygiene is part of the value assessment where it was once expected behind the scenes.
Privacy Is Now a Benefit to Be Had with Private Transfers
Since exposure to illness was of great concern during peak pandemic times, privacy means safety. Shared transfers put unknown passengers in contact with one another, and while the transfer services are safe, control over who else is in the vehicle may not be comforting as some travelers are still wary about coming into contact with anyone outside their immediate circle.
Private transfers offer peace of mind for families, friends and groups traveling only together and not exposing themselves to others along the way. Even if they don’t contract an illness from others, exposure is still a risk. With private transfers, passengers can ensure their own health thanks to fewer passengers and more privacy in their own vehicle. With a private transfer, groups can take off their masks, air out the car, control the level of exposure and feel comforted by someone who understands they just want to get to their destination safely.
Driver Protocols Provide Passenger Peace of Mind
Drivers are often the first and last impression passengers have with any transfer service. New protocols for drivers during the pandemic revolved around mask wearing, gloves, access to hand sanitizer onboard and more. After many of these rules became second nature to drivers of private transfer companies they remained even when masks were no longer legally required.
Shared transfer drivers could only control so much as they had more passengers to wrangle, watering down some notions of safety and security. Private transfer drivers had all the time in the world to focus on one family or group, catering to all nuances and desires for travelers appreciative of reassurance. As such, those who need cleanliness and security considered up front will find it easier with a private driver than a shared one.
Ventilation, Space, and Passenger Safety
Airflow and spacing have become buzzwords for pandemic safety and expected health measures. Shared transfers, inherently, fill up as many seats as possible on the vehicle, ensuring a lower cost for those who don’t mind a little less elbow room. Operators may improve air filtration systems or encourage open windows, but people are still cramped and breathe the same air for hours on end.
A private transfer solves this problem by its existence. There is more room. Families can spread out; they can have windows up or down per personal preference. This offer of control provides physical and mental health stability to passengers, solidifying in their minds that they made the right choice because private transfers are safer and cleaner.
Cost of Safety for Shared Transfers
That doesn’t mean shared transfers are not suitable choices for those who appreciate them. They are affordable. For a solo skier or couple looking to save money, the differential cost between a private car versus a shared vehicle can be astounding. Transfer operators have taken measures to prioritize proper hygiene when possible but are still more affordable than private measures so travelers must balance safety and expense.
For many, it’s about what’s an acceptable amount of risk. If proximity to others doesn’t bother passengers and they’re on high alert during the transfer, then the savings outweigh what’s needed for a safe vehicle. The vehicles will be less full during non-peak times anyway. But families or groups who find stress and safety to be non-negotiable factors may find a private option more affordable in the long run when safety and sanity are taken into account.
Families Who Need Post-Pandemic Safety the Most
Of anyone traveling, families feel the most stress about post-pandemic travel needs. Parents want to know that their kids will be kept safe, and with shared transfers relying upon strangers to sit next to them with no option to avoid any nearby exposure transfers can feel overwhelming.
Thus, private transfers accommodate their every need. They can sanitize when needed with extra sanitizer in their bags; they can space their kids throughout the car if necessary to ensure safety and comfort. A little peace of mind goes a long way when costs for ski holidays are already so high, and therefore private transfer pricing becomes secondary to the performance of comfort.
Psychological Safety/Peace of Mind
When it comes to transfer choice, perception of safety is another critical aspect which affects decision making. When risk is genuinely low, but people are worried about being cramped in a shuttle, their anxiety is going to interfere with the enjoyment of their vacation. People like to feel in control and one of the best aspects of travel since the pandemic has been peace of mind.
This is where private transfers reign supreme. Having one’s own space, no risk of other passengers or drivers ignoring health protocols, and personalized service provide a sense of safety and comfort that turns an expected stressful transit into a relaxing expectation met. While shared services have gotten better, they cannot provide the type of psychological peace that private transit can.
Permanent Changes in Travel Mindsets
The pandemic changed so much about how people think about travel that will remain forever changed and this also applies to ski transfers. Where people would normally assume that a shared shuttle was the best method, now, there are many who are more open minded to the private option, even at an additional cost. Concern and awareness about cleanliness and safety have entered many people’s minds as part of an ingrained habit something that’s virtually impossible to erase from thought.
Likewise, operators have made permanent accommodations. Enhanced cleaning procedures, attempts to show cleanliness and attentiveness to sanitation, and flexible cancellation/delay policies exist now more than ever for everyone. While these benefit both shared and private transfers, the expectations associated with private transfers will always be higher, making it a peace-of-mind option for those willing to pay for it forevermore.
How to Decide What’s Right For Your Vacation
In a post-pandemic world, deciding between shared and private transfers comes down to cost versus comfort at least for now. Shared services are still safe and provide budget-friendliness for those traveling by themselves or as couples who would rather save money than go exclusive. However, private transfers provide peace of mind in safety as they meld hygiene with space and privacy.
For groups, families or those still concerned about safety spending a little extra always pays off for peace of mind. Ultimately, whatever you choose should be the right option for you if your trip is going to start off correctly with peace of mind and comfort, two non-negotiables that mean more now than ever.
How Cleaning Standards Vary By Operator
Not all transfer providers clean to the same standard. Some shared operators feature a high turnover of jobs, meaning they’ll only have a limited amount of time to clean in between. Other companies have made strict cleaning requirements part of their lives and businesses, fully disinfecting cars and ensuring cleaning is part of the branding that passengers see. Thus, for those drivers and management companies who operate this way, shared transfers can feel relatively the same. But those who don’t offer inconsistent access to safety that those potentially irked by disinfection practices.
Privately offered transfers tend to run to a standard. Since there is less turnover for jobs less frequent jobs and private use for only one group at a time cars can be kept at a constant standard of cleanliness. For those clients who want guaranteed access to a constantly safe environment, this is easier to achieve with private transfer options.
The Importance of Post-Delay Flexibility
Delays are nothing new when it comes to air travel. Yet post-COVID air travel is so timetabled and regimented that any hiccup seems like more of an inconvenience. As such, shared transfers rarely wait for anyone who’s running late. If one’s car is on a set route and there are additional passengers, delays mean that others will be kept waiting and potentially irritated. This means that for those operating on a budget with shared transfers, any hiccup at the beginning means the holiday is already on a bad note, begging for anger at the start.
Private transfers work in real-time. Even if someone does have a delay, their driver will keep watch on arrivals and adjust accordingly. Should someone take extra time deboarding or in customs, the private vehicle does not care as it will be waiting just for that group anyway. All transfers offer little help if the delays last hours on end, but at least private transfers nurture the understanding that peace of mind goes hand in hand with flexibility.
When Shared Is Better
Ultimately, while hygiene and flexibility emerge as champions for private services, there is still a place for shared transfers. For solo skiers, couples or those operating on tight budgets sometimes, the difference in price makes it worth it to share. For these travelers, they can still get to the mountains inexpensively via transfer (when it’s 10-15 minutes or less and exposure isn’t a huge risk) but shared services makes this option possible.
Furthermore, in quieter weeks away from peak times, shared services may even feel less crowded and more comfortable. For those travelers who seek savings but also a blend of understanding of exposure risks, shared options are still worthwhile. It’s just important to understand when drawbacks are bearable and when springing for private service makes more sense.
Why Private Transfers Are Now Seen as a Standard Upgrade
Before Covid, private transfers were seen as a luxury. Families looking for an upgrade or families and travelers accustomed to luxury necessarily booked these types of services. Now, many see a private transfer as a minimum viable upgrade not overly generous, but expected. Travelers appreciate the guaranteed exclusivity, ability to control cleanliness, and reduction in processing fees for time delays. Many factors are no longer optional; they have become part of the travel ethos.
Thus, value assessment has changed. What was once considered a convenience cost is now recognized as a cost of peace of mind and overall holiday quality. As standards and expectations remain high for safety and cleanliness, private transfers will become the new norm for those hoping their journey should reflect an equally excellent status as the rest of their holiday.
