Driving to the alps - what tyres to use?

[kookaburra]

Is it necessary to have winter tyres, or just carry chains? Have not used chains for about 10 years (pre-Kids!!), but have heard the design has improved? Any tips, war stories gratefully received

Snow Chains continue to be a total PITA, I'm afraid. Have been into Alps for skiing purposes for last 6 years..only needed them on one occassion....depends where you are intending to drive/sort of terrain.

Having said that, at this time of year you should have no problems...........

When are you going, kooka?

Courchevel, probably. Dh has bad knees, doesn't ski, so it would be me & the DC, and if the chains are anything like previous incarnations, would not be possible to put them on with the help of DS1 (who will be 10)

It is unlikely you'll need them. I worked on the coaches for years, and we only needed snow chains in the winter once.

Most of the main routes are cleared regularly. And if you're going somewhere really remote, you'd be better off taking a ski bus anyway.

And.....tbh..IME..and FWIW..it agree with D. Just be careful where you park the car i.e. no inclines. Roads are fairly well looked after these days. It isn't something you should be worrying about if it gets in the way of having a good time.

and last year's weather was mild in the extreme..we were skiing on frozen grass for stretches..it was awful.

You hurt your head D.?

Just a tad ..