Driving tips if you’re heading for the slopes
28/11/2006
If you are one of the hundreds of Brits planning to take off for a skiing trip or a winter break, then planning ahead could save time - and even your holiday.
AngloINFO has provided some excellent practical information for visitors to the Alps, Dolomites and Pyrenees. Although some of it may seem obvious, it’s very easy to overlook the small details if you’re packing in a pre-Christmas rush.
Paperwork
You must carry your licence and insurance documents with you when driving.
Your insurance company should also provide you with an “Accident Report Form” that must be completed after an accident. See www.angloinfo.com for more details of what to do in case of traffic accidents
Skis
Make sure that your skis can be locked on the rack and that they are insured whilst on the car.
Snow chains and tyres
If you are driving through the mountains in the winter - in both France and Switzerland - it is compulsory to carry snow chains in the vehicle.
In Switzerland, snow chains can be rented from petrol stations marked Service de Châines à Neige or Schneekettendienst.
For prolonged stays in the mountains it is recommended that the vehicle be fitted with snow tyres, and most major garages can do this. Snow tyres are specially adapted with a thicker tread and improved performance in cold conditions. Take professional advice about fitting procedures.
Chains are generally cheaper to buy in France and Switzerland than the UK, and are invaluable if you are caught in bad weather. Before the trip, read the instructions and do a trial run of putting them on. Keep a pair of gloves with the chains as hands get cold very quickly and chains for your shoes so that you are not slipping over while trying to fit the chains.
Tolls and costs
Speeding fines are payable on the spot; cash only. To estimate the cost of driving on the French péage (toll) motorways calculate around 8p/mile.
The toll for driving through the Mont Blanc tunnel can be found here www.atmb.net
Driving in winter in the mountains
Even if there is no snow on the road be aware of the temperatures. Black ice can linger all day in sheltered places, causing hazardous driving conditions. If the temperature is below freezing ice may melt if it is exposed to the sun, and vice versa, ice that is not exposed to the sun will not melt even though the temperature may be above freezing.
Plan the route and check the weather before you leave. Many of the high mountain passes and cols will be closed during bad weather.
Also check for wind, many cols are in exposed areas and wind can blow enough snow across the road to close the route without it actually snowing.
Try to keep the fuel tank full; if a road is closed and a diversion is necessary this can be a lengthy extension to the trip.
Always reduce speed in bad weather and use a low gear when heading downhill, this is to avoid skidding which can happen when using the brakes.
For some useful driving tips see website www.DriversDomainUK.com
Time of year
The periods when skiing areas are at their busiest are Christmas, New Year, February and Easter. Weekend traffic during these periods is usually on a red alert in the skiing areas and major motorway junctions, particularly around Lyon, Grenoble, Albertville and Geneva are all prone to problems.
In Switzerland, vehicles which are not equipped to travel through snow and which impede traffic are liable to an on the spot fine.
Throughout Europe the use of radar detection devices is forbidden. In France it is illegal to have one or transport one.
Reflective jackets and or waistcoats are obligatory in Austria and in Spain and recommended in other European countries.
Motorway tax in Switzerland
Any vehicle and trailer up to 3.5 tonnes using the motorway in Switzerland (roads marked by green signs) must pay a motorway tax.
To show that the tax has been paid, a sticker (vignette) must be displayed in the windscreen. This is valid for one year (1 January to 31 December) and can be bought at post offices, service stations, automobile associations, railway stations and border crossings.
Failure to display the vignette when driving on an autoroute will result in a fine plus the cost of the vignette.
The vignette costs CHF 40 (correct January 06) and must be bought for the same price regardless of how long the vehicle will be in Switzerland (a day or a year). Vignettes can be bought online at www.swisstravelsystem.com/uk/vignettes
Access and parking
Once you have arrived in the mountains, try to park indoors if possible. If not, park facing downhill leaving the car in gear and with the handbrake off (it can freeze). Lift windscreen wipers away from the window.
Remember where the car was parked (or tie a flag to the radio aerial) so that it can be found if there has been heavy snowfall. Carry a spade in the car and take it inside with you.
In Switzerland, all vehicles with spiked tyres are prohibited on motorways & semi motorways except for certain parts of the A13 & A2.
The Swiss mountain resort towns of Braunwald, Murren, Wengen and Zermatt cannot be reached directly by private motor vehicle. It is obligatory to park at the railway or sky tram station and complete the journey via public transport.
Up-to-date weather and information on road conditions are available on www.angloinfo.com.