Thanks. Most of it booked now. We were too late to get a package we wanted but scrabbled to book the apartment which was still available. Hence driving. I then booked tunnel and just about everything I could think of in 24hrs. We are stopping on the outskirts of Dijon both ways. It feels like a long drive with the kids but we will make it fun. I suspect it can be finessed in future years if the kids take to skiing!
please keep us posted with how you find these tyres on your travels
+ you dont bounce as much when you are older; Most ski holiday accidents that I have witnessed happen at during apres ski!
I hope it's due to fashion choices and not out of control kamikaze racing!
I had a 25 year break from skiing. My boys did snowboard lessons at the snow dome in Milton Keynes. After their course, I went in as well. First run from the top, big snowplough all the way. By the 3rd run, parallel turns. Like riding a bike, it all comes back, just take your time. You should be able to find the beginners slopes to get your confidence back before the black runs!
Tbh after 8 years they usually have lots of tread. Very light use and about 30,000 French motorway miles in that time. I just had to replace my rear brakes for the first time on a 2008 Cali. Front brakes still 2008!
Why does that make sense? I would read the manual and check with people who know and can give independent advice (RAC/AA) rather than muddle through opinions expressed on a forum. I’d also check what the laws are in the country where winter tyres are mandated (Finland, Norway, Germany,…)
My mileage is quite a bit more, 133K I miles in almost 10 years.
Yes, expensive but have a look at Spikes-Spider, easier to fit than conventional chains, you fit a basic adapter to your wheel nuts, so when you’re up a snowy mountain pass in the dark you’re not trying to reach around the back of a wheel arch to join up cable ends that are clogged with ice, and better. https://spikes-spider.com/Just a question as I'm having difficulties seeing the tree through the woods. (if that's correct in English?
What type of snow chains are ok for a T6.1 with 4 motion and 235/55-17" wheels? (and preferably ok for Austria as they have quite strict regulations?)
I have all season/winter tires, but if I need to buy chains anyway, I want to make sure at least they'll fit and don't damage the wheels.
Any recommendations?
Hi I live in Switzerland and have a T5 cali 2w drive… snow tyres are a definite must and will get you out of 99% of situations… I’ve used chains once in 40 years in Switzerland!!! They are a good safety. measure to have « in case »… but winter tyres are a must have on all 4 wheels. Insurance companies are heavy on vehicles in a accident that don’t have the appropriate tyres…although not obligatory here you will save yourself a lot of problems and worry…have a good time…
Thanks you Lambeth Cali for this thread - where are you heading by the way?
I am in a very similar position as you. We are also driving to the Alps, arriving the Saturday after Good Friday and taking our young children on their first ski holiday. I am even thinking of stopping around Dijon!
Researching tyres/chains/socks was on my to do list and so the advice on this thread has been very helpful to read. Our van has done 20k miles and has the tyres that it came new with - Bridgestone Weather Control A005 235/55 R17 with the three peaks symbol. I am assuming that these all season tyres are broadly comparable to the Cross Climates(!?).
On the basis that we will drive to the alps annually and all the rest of our driving will be UK (and France in the summer), then my conclusion is to:
- Check I have at least 4.5m of tread left - which I am assuming I will.
- Stick with the tyres I have.
- Back up with snow chains.
I’d really appreciate it if anyone feels like the above logic (or lack of) is flawed!
And also does anyone have any pointed on where to identify suitable snow chains please. I am assuming the I need to find some that both 1) fit the tyre; and 2) provide suitable clearance for the type of vehicle?
www.nokiantyres.com
Yes, almost identical situation. The question is will you be going again? I hope so but am not sure. The cost is astronomical and my kids might not love skiing.Thanks you Lambeth Cali for this thread - where are you heading by the way?
I am in a very similar position as you. We are also driving to the Alps, arriving the Saturday after Good Friday and taking our young children on their first ski holiday. I am even thinking of stopping around Dijon!
Researching tyres/chains/socks was on my to do list and so the advice on this thread has been very helpful to read. Our van has done 20k miles and has the tyres that it came new with - Bridgestone Weather Control A005 235/55 R17 with the three peaks symbol. I am assuming that these all season tyres are broadly comparable to the Cross Climates(!?).
On the basis that we will drive to the alps annually and all the rest of our driving will be UK (and France in the summer), then my conclusion is to:
- Check I have at least 4.5m of tread left - which I am assuming I will.
- Stick with the tyres I have.
- Back up with snow chains.
I’d really appreciate it if anyone feels like the above logic (or lack of) is flawed!
And also does anyone have any pointed on where to identify suitable snow chains please. I am assuming the I need to find some that both 1) fit the tyre; and 2) provide suitable clearance for the type of vehicle?
www.snowchains.com
Guarantee that if you go on summer tyres you'll have some of the THE MOST butt clenching moments of your entire life. I wouldn't risk it.
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