One of the first things we learned living in the alps was to never under-estimate the weather, the second lesson was never over-estimate your driving ability! The weather and road conditions change by the minute and conditions vary greatly. Even when there appears to be no snow on the roads, melting snow can lead to unexpected ‘black ice’ patches. Many of us have learned the hard way, you think you have mastered the art of driving in winter conditions and then……..

So take your time, slow your speed considerably, and whenever and wherever possible, avoid braking unnecessarily by using the gears rather than the brake to slow the vehicle if it is safe to do so (autos – we recommend you select manual shift if available).

Winter Tyres:

Winter tyres (snow version but not studded ones which are mainly for extreme temperatures and ice racing) we think are a great addition to most vehicles from November through to early April in regions where the temperature regularly falls around and below 7°C as they provide better grip as a result of the compound and profile.

If you vehicle has such fitted, whilst still needing to drive with caution, good winter tyres will drive, steer and break considerably better than a ‘summer’ equivalent and cope with most conditions well.

Snow Chains:

Whilst winter tyres considerably improve grip on cold, icy and also snow covered roads, snow chains are not only a handy addition in heavy snowfall situations, on some roads they are a legal requirement when covered by snow, the road up to ski in ski out Chalet No.5 being such a road.

For those that remember the endless struggle (and extremely cold moments) of fitting snow chains of years gone by, such moments don’t have to be repeated if you pay a small price premium. Nowadays there are a number of new snow chain models that have both a quick and easy fitting system which enables even amateurs like myself (I just wish we had discovered these types years ago) to fit them in two or three minutes (some minor pre-resort fitting of screws and / or plates is needed in advance and best undertaken in warming months or places). We have listed three of our favourites right for your reference.

Please Note: Whilst some people wax lyrical about snow socks, we are not of such persuasion. There is no doubt they work to a certain degree, but longevity from what we have seen is not one of their stronger points and no-one needs there snow chains or snow socks failing at the time most of us need them!

Shovels and Warm Weather Gear:

Not everyone comes equipped and occasionally roads can become impassable because of ‘other’ vehicles getting stuck. We therefore recommend that you have spare blankets and coats handy just in case you are subjected in extremely bad weather to a longer wait than is expected. It’s a ‘never need’ eventuality but best just in case (similar lines to a lottery ticket purchase). Likewise a shovel to dig ones car out should for any reason it get stuck, or the more likely case, being a good Samaritan and helping the family that haven’t come prepared dig their car out!

A torch, some extra food, water and hot drinks are also worth carrying. And one phone fully charged of course.

Check The Forecast Before You Travel:

Sounds an obvious one I’m sure but most people don’t. Check the weather to see where problems may occur and where you may need to reroute as a consequence. For local conditions we recommend Chamonix-Meteo for assessing snow levels, likelihood of precipitation, etc.