France this year

topmarks wrote:Thanks for the replies so far .
Hamish i've never driven in snow chains before,i am an experienced driver,does everyone use them????

It is a legal requirement to have snow chains in mountainous regions during the winter months, everybody who wants to be able to move around the mountains uses snow chains, don't worry about the fitting of them after a couple of goes it becomes a doddle, just remember to check them after the first couple of miles and tighten/adjust as necessary.

I'd really like the independence of driving my own car. Unfortunately, at present my car isnt the most practical (Seat Leon FR) and it needs 4 people in the car to make it cost effective. I am thinking of getting an older A4 Avant or Passat/Golf Estate so that I can chuck everything in the back, and skis on the roof.

I note with interest the comments about costing £400 per person doing it that way, with the bonus of being able to get around and also your own timings. I like that idea. My last fully catered chalet inc flights, transfers and accomm cost just over £400, so theres little in it at present, but it might enable me to choose where I go, and explore a little more.

Definitely worth giving some thought, providing I can find 2 people prepared to travel with me and share the expense.

We have been driving to the alps now for some 15 years and you can count the number of times on one hand that I have had to put the chains on. But that might change on Saturday heavy snow forecast in LGb, still I have never had to put gloves on when putting the chains on as Mrs W is now the expert, she puts them much quicker than me small arms and hands etc and without all the swearing. So I have suggested to Mrs W that she might want to get a bit of practice in before Saturday. :wink: :wink: :wink:

Hi there, drove down to Notre Dame De Bellecombe at Xmas (near Megeve) about nine hours driving from the Chunnel with two drivers and not much stopping apart from refuelling. Went with "Peak retreats" google it, they arrange everything and are highly recommended by me. :mrgreen:

Roger Mayne wrote:Hi there, drove down to Notre Dame De Bellecombe at Xmas (near Megeve) about nine hours driving from the Chunnel with two drivers and not much stopping apart from refuelling. Went with "Peak retreats" google it, they arrange everything and are highly recommended by me. :mrgreen:

Used them before, they are Ok 8) 8)

Hi,
Just got back from Les Arcs (next to La Plagne). As stated earlier you'll rarely need snow chains but if you do you won't get in/ out of many resorts. I had to use chains last weekend and last January, also in Ellmau, Austria a few years ago.
My advice is to park in covered parking where possible as easier to put on chains....