Chains or socks

[Themselves]

Thinking about heading to the Alps for some skiing in March. Any advice on using snow socks or chains . Fwd motorhome. We have s& m tyres and don’t particularly want to buy specific snow tyres.

 

[Allanm]

I don’t think snow socks would be acceptable on a lot of roads in the Alps.
i would just get the chains.

 

[Onemanandhisdog]

Buy chains, carry them and hope you don't have to use them. Not in a bad way, just if the roads require them it isn't going to be a fun drive.

Too many people seem to be looking for someone to say "don't bother, you'll be fine" nice to see someone taking a more sensible approach. They don't cost the earth and they don't weigh that much.

 

[The Old Man]

When you get the chains, do plenty of test fitting exercises!

Learn the routine on the drive at home, in the dry, sun and warmth until you have it down pat.

Halfway up a French mountain, at night, grovelling in wet snow whilst the better prepared/equipped race past dowsing you in cold, wet snow.

Some thin gloves and a head mounted torch are essential.

 

[Jenben]

Some ski areas won’t let you proceed without chains in some snow conditions so the simple answer is to be prepared and buy some. We have had to use ours once to get out of an aire in very snowy weather in a ski resort, well worth practising putting them on and carrying a pair of gloves in the pack with them.

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[mitzimad]

ive just bought a set and trest fitted only what size do you need france and germany both require snow tyres at this time of year

 

[aztecannie]

Yes definitely take some with you. The police turned us back one year as we had none. Had to go almost all the way down until we came across some enterprising fellow who started selling them halfway up!!!

 

[B-well]

Thinking about heading to the Alps for some skiing in March. Any advice on using snow socks or chains . Fwd motorhome. We have s& m tyres and don’t particularly want to buy specific snow tyres.

Is a tyre with "M+S" marking suitable for all conditions?

The answer is: not necessarily.

So, what does the "M+S" marking mean? "Mud + Snow"- is only a declaration from the manufacturer that the product operates in mud and snow better than regular models. This may be misleading.

When buying tyres, remember that "M+S" is marked on all winter tyres, but not all tyres with "M+S" marking have winter properties

You will also find "M+S" letters on some all-season tyres. The marking is also used on models sold in the US market, even though they do not meet the needs of drivers in winter.

 

[B-well]

There is a seperate forum for those questioning ski resorts and equipment required from many readers who has encountered all aspects associated with snow and travel.

 

[Allanm]

Only tyres with the 3PMSF markings (Three Peak Mountain Snow Flake) will be acceptable soon in countries that require proper winter tyres to be fitted (eg Germany).
France and some other countries, at the moment do not require these tyres to be fitted in Winter as snow chains are an acceptable alternative.
In some countries M+S tyres will not meet the minimum standard of tyres to be fitted in Winter in the future.
If you will be travelling in Germany in the winter, you may find the following link useful

Snow Tires and Winter Driving in Germany – The German Way & More

www.german-way.com

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[ivorantony]

I have only used my chains once but the difference in grip was nothing short of astounding,
At the time I was using Michelin Agilis alpin tyres that are winter tyres but still couldn’t make the snowy gradient I was on, with the chains no problem,

 

[Themselves]

Many thanks to all for advice. Chains it is. If and when I use the things I will of course report back.

 

[EMS]

We have just returned from Switzerland for Christmas 2019 in our car with chains in the boot just in case.
No snow just rain, but we went to see the family in the van with no chains in May 2019 and we had about 30cm of snow a few days after arrival, luckily it was gone when we had to leave.
Going down a single track hilleside of 1in6 with no barriers was not something I would have attempted.

 

[Lenny HB]

So, what does the "M+S" marking mean? "Mud + Snow"- is only a declaration from the manufacturer that the product operates in mud and snow better than regular models. This may be misleading.

Very misleading if they are Michelin Agilis Camping tyres, I've never come across tyres before with so little grip even on dry roads. I think they are the worst tyres I've ever had on a vehicle.