 Poster: A snowHead
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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SnowSeaker, as far as i know snow tyres arent standard in France for hire cars but are in Switzerland. It's usually possible to ask for snow tyres but i think that's quite expensive as well.....
Avis usually charge 30euros per hire for chains so the 90 quid looks v steep!
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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They are not standard in Germany either.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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Yes, plenty available in French supermarkets and "Feu Vert" auto accessory shops, they vary in price but generally a lot less than £90. I bought some just yesterday as mine were worn out and held together with bits of wire. Cost 43 euros. As crazy_skier_jules, says, get the tyre size right and also, practice putting them on in the relative comfort of the supermarket car park. However, you will be able to get up to date snow reports before leaving home and see whether you are likely to need them on the way to the resort. Problem is that if it snows when you are there, getting them in resort is going to be a lot more expensive. One poster had bought them on way to resort, didn't use them, then got a refund at the supermarket on the way back. Sounds the best way of all! I wouldn't rely on the cars you hire at Grenoble having snow tyres - and even if they do you can sometimes need chains as well. You should have fantastic conditions for your holiday. Have a great time, and welcome to Snowheads 
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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Thanks Guys, I knew they must be cheaper than the ridiculous rental rate 
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SnowSeaker, That seems a lot for chain rental. I would ask Holiday Autos who the care hire company is and check it out by calling them. I have done this before. It is worth shopping around as some companies have reasonably priced chains. We always rent chains when we fly and it is never anywhere near that cost!
Chains are compulsory and looking at current conditions you will need them, having said that a lot can happen in a week!
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Picked up a Nissan X-trail at Lyon last week which had snow tyres fitted. Used it in France and Switzerland and was very impressed. Snow chains and ski-rack came in at 60euros for the week (Avis). Snow chains were not needed but the ski rack was a boon.
Got stung 30 euros for a Vignette as I came over the France/Swiss border. Ha, ha thought I, this vignette lasts for a year, I'll peel it off the windscreen after my holiday and flog it on E-bay for a tenner. Little did I suspect that the tightwad Swiss have thought of that and the vignette was multi-perforated which meant it disintegrated as I was peeling it off (the b******s)!
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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Never mind wh got stung 120E for not having a vignette - travelling in from Zillertal to Germany....The police stopped us before the services where we could buy one! Not a good journey home this year (RE: help thread) 
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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SnowSeaker, Last time I hired a car I bought chains from a supermarket. Cheaper than hiring...came home in boot bag, still in use...
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Yeah - Geneva (Swiss side) the cars are fitted with snow-tyres and have chains in boot as standard between December and End March, you have no choice but to have them. You should definately be able to buy cheaper than £90 unless you are hiring a 4X4 or odd sized wheeled car. If you dont have them and its snowing you will be turned back and/or charged for them to be fitted by a roadside fitter.
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You know it makes sense.
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We got the Michelin chains for around £30 from Coop in Switzerland. They work fine and are easy to put on and remove. A lot of people had them today as we battled to get to Champery.
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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Winter tyres are standard here in Austria as well.
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Poster: A snowHead
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The police stopped us before the services where we could buy one!
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I think you can buy them at all the border points, so no excuse, really, and no escape. They're better value than the French autoroute tolls - though not if you only want to do six miles in Switzerland to get to the airport (though you can do that off motorway if you're not pushed for time and have a decent map).
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Super U in Bourg St Maurice have chains for €45 - Like the idea of returning them at the end of the week
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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FAQ
and I dont want to be the "that bl**dy idiot without chains"...
) for about £35 in a town in the Jura on the way to the Alps, but as soon as you get down that way all the supermarkets sell them. However it is very important to get exactly the right ones because they vary slightly depending on tyre and car make, and even the littleest difference can make all the difference. The right measurements can be found on the tyre.
(seemed easier than arguing with the hire car company for a refund...).
I'm not coming out till the start of April,so not likely to need them.....but best be prepared? 