DRIVING IN ALPINE AREAS
Knowing how to drive on winding mountain roads, in snow and ice conditions, is an important skill to acquire. Travelling on alpine roads in winter can be dangerous unless special driving techniques are used. Even where snow has been cleared from the road, the surface may still be covered by a film of snow or ice.
This section explains some of the basic rules to follow when driving in snow conditions.

Before Leaving Home
• Equip yourself. You'll need the best wheel chains for the maximum grip and safety (get the right size for your cars tyres) – with diamond-pattern (not ladder) being strongly recommended. Vehicles fitted with these chains will be given priority access to resorts in heavy snow conditions;

• Carry a spade, tow rope, ground sheet (for fitting chains), rubber gloves, plastic ice scraper, torch and warm clothes;
   • Use anti-freeze compound in the radiator
and take along spare heater and radiator
hoses. Make sure the battery is clean and
in good condition;

• Make sure all lights are working, check the condition of your tyres (including the spare) and increase the pressure in your tyres;

• Check that your roof rack is well secured;

• Practice fitting chains before you leave home to ensure they are the correct size for your tyres;

• Include a spare key. (Someone in the party should have a spare key to the car. If you lose it skiing or coming home from a night out it will be difficult to recover in the snow. Many people wire a second key to a secret location under the car).
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Alcohol & Drugs are fuel for disaster in the snow, they impair your judgement and your ability. Your reaction times are significantly reduced and increase the risk of injury. The whole alpine experience begins when you leave home and doesn’t finish until you return. Avoid alcohol consumption and the use of illegal substances, because they increase your risk of hypothermia.

Alcohol & Drugs impair judgement, slow response time and reduce your ability to respond to an emergency.