J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by admin

Heavy Snow on one of the biggest changeover days of the season was never going to be good... with a rather Gallic understatement, the current situation is being described as "complicated".

Key points at 17:30 French time / 16:30 UK time:-

In Savoie, due to extreme difficulties in accessing the Savoie ski resorts, motorists en route are advised to stop and seek shelter. The prefecture has just triggered the emergency housing plan.

Tourists still heading towards the Savoie should stop as early as possible and search for accommodation for the night. Those close to large cities should stop where accommodation is available (and being activated by the emergency plan).

Vehicles not equipped with chains are being turned around, and should not attempt to continue.

Cities where emergency shelters are now being made available are Albertville, Bourg Saint Maurice, La Bâthie, La Léchère, Aime, Moutiers, Macôt La Plagne, Bellentre, Chambery, Aix-les-Bains, Saint-Jean de Maurienne, Saint Rémy de Maurienne.

- Traffic is completely stopped in the Bourg d'Oisans sector, with access to Alpe d'Huez "virtually impossible" due to heavy snow and stuck vehicles.
- The road to La Toussuire (centre of St.Jean-de-Maurienne) is completely blocked, and Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne have activated their emergency accommodation plan (Pierre Rey gym receiving holidaymakers from the roads to La Toussuire and "Crobier" (Corbier? we're not sure).
- Road conditions in Savoie are extremely difficult and local authorities are advising anyone not already there to delay their arrival.
- In Isere, "tens of kilometres" of traffic jams are reported. Access to all resorts will require chains.

If you can access the Internet, Le Dauphine is updating the situation here :-

Savoie Traffic Situation (in French)

Iceman wrote:All this excitement......is it going to stay this time?

With (daytime) temperatures between -5C and -15C this week; it's not going away until next year... Or, just before you get there. 8)

Admin wrote:be prepared for significant disruption to travel and transfers in many parts of The Alps. It will be cold, and whatever snow does fall will be doing so to very low levels (airports, valley roads and autoroutes may all be affected at times).

We're hearing of heavy snow in Geneva and Chambery, and long queues already forming out of the mountains...

If you're travelling today; do take care, allow plenty of time and just check one more time that your gloves, chains and screen-wash are easy to get at! Good luck.

Blizzard conditions in Les Gets. Stay safe on those roads today.

LGSnowsports

Here's one for Icy...


Morzine, via Mint Snowboarding

8)

CanadianSkier wrote:It has occurred to me the discussion here is solving the wrong problem. The question asked is what is the best technology for my wheels in the winter. It should really be: how do I drive in winter conditions to be as safe as possible. Two different questions.

I see where you're coming from (Canada - you lucky, lucky person), but...

Perhaps if you're a driving God then the technology becomes less important, but most of us aren't... 8)

You're certainly right to highlight the skills to drive in winter, but those are not easily acquired in places like the UK (particularly the South) where we might only see snow on our roads 1 winter in 3. The big fat tyres so vital for doing the school run in your X5 in British Summertime will be taking you straight to the scene of a big accident on a snowy mountain switchback...

There are two different questions ("how do I drive" and "what do I take"), but your best chance of staying safe will be knowing good answers to both.

Part of the answer to "how do I drive in winter conditions to be as safe as possible", necessarily includes knowing how best to equip your car... and chains, tyres and "composite snow chains" are all something we should be familiar with (and understand when they're appropriate / required) if we're going to be driving to the mountains.

This morning, as predicted in other forum conversations and perfectly usual and understandable, we're hearing that the Gendarmes in the Tarentaise are enforcing "Chainage Obligatoire" from the valley... if your vehicle is not properly equipped you won't (shouldn't) be going anywhere... 8)

Pictures coming in right now... via Twitter, Email, etc...


"Already 30cm in Meribel", via 3Vallees_france


Les Menuires, via 3Vallees_france


25cm in La Tania according to Alpine Action's Snow-o-Meter (love it!), via Alpine Action


At 07:00 this morning, already 10cm in Val d'Isere and 5cm in Ste.Foy Radio Val d'Isere


Snowing on the Cret du Loup, La Clusaz

Best webcam pic of the day gets, er, a virtual round of applause! Post them here...

Soll this morning.

And so it begins... 8)