996 4S on snow

[johnag007]

Quick question after a horrid BA/Swissair flight (bought BA, code-shared on Swissair where you pay for food and drink, bumped me off for the following day's flight, near 2 hours delay, lost a piece of luggage,...)[]

I am going to drive to the Alps next time I am going skiing in a couple of weeks. I am pretty scared though about the possibility of snow on the mountains, even though the 4S is 4 wheel drive. Now I am not saying I want to take the car offroad or something equally crazy, but over the last week I encountered slushy snow on the mountain roads leading to the resort and sometimes more.

1- Can the car take it or will I be going ice skating?
2- Will snow tyres do the trick and if so, what is the knock on performance considering that I have to fit them in the UK and then drive all the way down? Oh and obviously, how much will they cost?[]

Thanks!

JAG

 

[Guest]

I used to live in Zurich so have a bit of experience here. All the Swiss fit winter tyres which are a soft compound. Anyone involved in an accident with inappropriate tyres is invariably held responsible (zat is ze law zo tuff luck herr foreigner !) If you are heading for the slopes then snow chains are essential.

Also, you will have to pay for a Vignette which is an annual tax for vehicles of all nationalities. It was around 50CHF (20 quid) a few years back.

Don't be put off by Swiss attitudes but take your porker and have fun !!!!!

 

[johnag007]

Thanks for the answer. I lived in Geneva so I know what ze situation is. My worst time with my M3 Evo was with the border guards mind you, no comments if you wish to read a polite message...

Regarding the snow chains, can I get some for the 4S on 18 inch alloys? I thought snow tyres would be enough. Any idea where the whole thing would be cheaper: London (doubt it), France or Geneva? At least the Swiss car dealers are way better than the London ones.

Oh and I will be skiing in Courchevel, France (even though I should be passing by Geneva).

Thanks,

JAG