 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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Perhaps our different attitudes to the question of winter tyres is related to where we live. I think of my experience around the Kitzbühel Alps; I have already driven to the slopes on 18 days this winter and I can only think of one day when the "wintry conditions" regulation would have applied. Maybe it is that much snowier around Radstadt.
I did ask warrell who has just returned from his The Last Resort trip around the ski areas of Europe about his experience. Though that is hardly representative, he did say "i didnt have winter tyres but the front ones were newish and their size, width and compound made them a fair bet. I bought chains in worzburg and used them to cross the two passess out of cortina". He seems to have survived his visit to Austria (Zell am See and Kitzbühel). It is true, though, that he had a flexible schedule and could have afforded to leave his car standing for a day or two if the conditions had turned nasty. That obviously doesn't apply to everybody. So factors like that have to be taken into account when making a decision on what equipment is necessary/advisable.
But, as you say, we have discussed this enough. Anyone who reads this thread can come to their own conclusions as to what is best for them.
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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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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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just to resurrect this, I am considering driving from the UK to Austria in April 2010. Am I correct in thinking I need to buy and fit a set of winter tyres to make this journey legally?
The AA thread says
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| Winter tyres are compulsory for residents from 1 November to 15 April and if roads have a covering of snow, slush or ice outside these dates. |
So I am assuming not.
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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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Are you driving over before or after 15 April? Are you going to be driving the car at high altitude (e.g. to Obertauern).
As I understand it non-residents don't have to have winter tyres but in certain winter conditions where chains can't be used (e.g. slushy roads whereby the chains would damage the road beneath) the police have the power to stop vehicles without winter tyres. It's unlikely in April that such winter conditions would occur but anything can happen with the weather.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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| DB wrote: |
Are you driving over before or after 15 April? Are you going to be driving the car at high altitude (e.g. to Obertauern).
As I understand it non-residents don't have to have winter tyres but in certain winter conditions where chains can't be used (e.g. slushy roads whereby the chains would damage the road beneath) the police have the power to stop vehicles without winter tyres. It's unlikely in April that such winter conditions would occur but anything can happen with the weather. |
Both  10th April for a week
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kitenski, It is law.
The police do not 'police' the law as it would really impact on tourism (hence the horrific crash depicted above).
A road with a blue snow-chain sign means you must be carrying snow chains to progress (but you do not need to fit them unless needed).
You also need a high-vis vest and a warning triangle.
The road to Obertauern is a snow-chain sign road so you must have some. Lots of snow falls in April! We had an awsome powdery time last season so you should expect and be prepared for fresh snow.
All roads up to and including route 99 (the road form the A10 autobahn to Obertauern) are main roads and should be cleared but if it is snowing along the route and you are on summers very bad things can happen.
The autobahn from Salzburg to exit 63 (for Radstadt/Obertauern) is a nightmare when it is snowing.. low visibility, roadworks and no street lights - then you have to add the driving difficulties from incorrect tyres.
Can you really promise yourself that you would pull-over and sit out the snow... it was snowing for days last season!
In the long-run it is your decision... you probably won't get fined for Summer tyres (very, very unlikely) but it is your own safety and the safety of every other road user that can be affected by your decision.
Personally I would never, ever drive from Radstadt to Obertauern on route 99 with summer treads - the cliffs and drop offs scare me!
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flangesax, thanks, I'd probably drive to Stuben, but am now re-considering driving and just stumping up the flight costs!
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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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kitenski,
It's not uncommon for Lech, Zurs and Stuben to get cut off through high snowfall although it is highly unlikely in April. There are all-season tyres that now have the snowflake symbol. It may not pay off to change the tyres just for one ski trip but could be worth considering when your current tyres are up for replacement. These all season tyres will also perform better in the UK's wet winter conditions.
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And don't forget your helmet - and don't have it fitted for listening to your iPod.
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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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You know it makes sense.
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| pam w wrote: |
| The signs show all the time - they don't go round removing them all when the snow's been cleared and bringing them back next time it's snowy. |
I can't comment on the signs round your way but all the ones here (there is one just at the end of the road) are hinged in the middle and are opened and closed as the conditions require. I've never seen the police checking on our little roads... only on the roads up to big ski resorts.
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FAQ
tee hee
