Winter driving in the French Alps - what surprised me the most

Hi everyone,
I wanted to share a few observations and also hear from others who spend time driving in the French Alps during winter. I’m often surprised by how differently things work in practice compared to what many travelers expect.

A few things I keep seeing repeatedly:

People focus a lot on engine power, but struggle because the car is poorly adapted to winter conditions.
Winter tyres are often treated as optional, even though they seem to make the biggest difference on cold or sloped roads.
Some vehicles behave very differently after being parked outside overnight, especially in terms of braking and steering.


I’m curious how others here see it.
For those living in or regularly visiting alpine areas:
what was the biggest thing you personally underestimated about driving in the mountains during winter?

Happy to compare notes and learn from different experiences. - @Odacova

From 1 November to 31 March, winter tyres with the 3PMSF (3-peak mountain snowflake) symbol are mandatory in designated French mountain areas (Alps, Pyrenees, etc.). Service Public Alternatives include having snow chains or socks in the car for at least two drive wheels. Non-compliance results in a €135 fine.

You have an accident without them very often the insurance is invalid.

I like winter mountain driving. Until the snow gets too deep for the vehicles Clearance. Though I avoid driving at night when it's snowing if possible.  Alaska, Wisconsin, Poland, Slovenia, Slovakia, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, and Poland. It is a learned thing. You should start in an empty parking lot, and ice driving begins there before the snow. Then also with snow. And snow on Ice. There are different reactions across a wide range of uncontrolled conditions. Do not go out on the road until you can avoid banging into curbs and trees.  Warm clothes, The Triangle, and flares or lights. It is very tricky in the dark, with snow falling and ice spots on the road.  (Bridges will have ice before a road, on land. I rolled my 1964 VW Beetle after a car failed to stop at a stop sign on a side road. I missed him, but I was upside down in the ditch. Nobody was hurt except my car.

I like winter mountain driving. Until the snow gets too deep for the vehicles Clearance. Though I avoid driving at night when it's snowing if possible. Alaska, Wisconsin, Poland, Slovenia, Slovakia, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, and Poland. It is a learned thing. You should start in an empty parking lot, and ice driving begins there before the snow. Then also with snow. And snow on Ice. There are different reactions across a wide range of uncontrolled conditions. Do not go out on the road until you can avoid banging into curbs and trees. Warm clothes, The Triangle, and flares or lights. It is very tricky in the dark, with snow falling and ice spots on the road. (Bridges will have ice before a road, on land. I rolled my 1964 VW Beetle after a car failed to stop at a stop sign on a side road. I missed him, but I was upside down in the ditch. Nobody was hurt except my car. - @boatman1940

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