Snow chains?

[teddybear]

Thinking of leaving Spain in the next couple of weeks. Was planning to go through the Somport Tunnel,then up France to Calais. Have been told that it is a requirement to have snow chains at this time of year to do that route. Has anyone any knowledge of this or was it just someone being alarmist . Thanks for any assistance

 

[pappajohn]

Some routes require chains to be carried, others don't.
Best thing is Google any routes you're taking.

 

[tonka]

In the many years I have used that road I have never been aware that it is a compulsory requirement for that route. HOWEVER I did once see a temporary sign placed at the roadside when I was halfway down on the French side.
It's always best to check weather conditions as you get near and if any doubt go via Irun. It can be clear away from the mountains but once your in the centre, very different.

 

[Madcaravanner]

AFAIK Snow chains are a requirement WHEN there is snow on the road but not otherwise

IF you know that there is snow then you WILL need them especially on the French side

 

[Yorick]

If you get it wrong, it's a HUGE fine. Check in advance.

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[teddybear]

Thanks all for safety's sake it looks like heading for Irun may be the better option.

 

[sallylillian]

I think if you have tyres with the mountain logo on the side these are either winter tyres or all season, the French always allowed me up the mountains with that logo on the tyres, stopping others to fit chains.

 

[Onemanandhisdog]

For the sake of £25 - £70 and a couple of kilos I never understand all the debate. They don't take up much room, in fact mine never leave the van even if it's summer and I'm not leaving the UK.

It seems people just want to do everything to avoid having them.

 

[sallylillian]

Its not so much the money but the hassle of fitting and removal, both messy and difficult tasks, made only somewhat simpler with uber expensive semi auto fitting chains. Although I agree if they are just a token piece of baggage then cheapo's will suffice.
M

 

[Offagain]

For the sake of £25 - £70 and a couple of kilos I never understand all the debate. They don't take up much room, in fact mine never leave the van even if it's summer and I'm not leaving the UK.

It seems people just want to do everything to avoid having them.

And also knowing how to apply them. A couple of years ago we were nearly in Ancona when a massive snow storm hit and dumped inches of snow quite quickly. The police were stopping everyone and checking for snow tyres or chains. If you had neither you had to leave your vehicle on the side of the road and find an alternative way to finish your journey. There were dozens of people holding up snow chains, turning them round and round, scratching their heads, trying to figure out how to put them on.
We had snow tyres so were waved on.

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[Jenben]

Sometimes you just need chains, we have carried them for years and used them twice, once to get into a car park at a hotel and once to get out of a camperstop onto the main road.

We have spent a lot of time in French ski resorts from the comfort of a warm Motorhome or apartment, watching people trying to fit chains on their vehicles often bought from the supermarket/garage on the way up to the resort or in the ski station itself.

Lots of people don’t know how to fit them, stating the obvious it is worth practising putting them on , once will make all the difference, also carry some gloves with your chains,

 

[Onemanandhisdog]

once to get into a car park at a hotel

Likewise, got stuck half way up the driveway to a campsite, 20 meters to go on an 800 mile trip but was I glad I had them, noone was getting in or out until I moved! And I also had new winter tyres on the van.