Winter tyres, four-season tyres, snow chains and studded tyres for a safe winter sports holiday in the Portes du Soleil

If you go to the mountains or on a winter sports holiday during the winter, you will need to have winter tyres with the 3PMSF symbol on your car. During your winter sports holiday in the French Alps, a lot of snow can fall, this means that it can be necessary to bring snow chains or snow socks. Studded tires are limited and only allowed under certain conditions. Since 2021, France has had strict rules for winter tyres and snow chains. Pay attention to the traffic signs when entering the mandatory zones on the way to your holiday park in the Portes du Soleil, especially pay attention between the period from the 1st of November to the 31st of March seen as this is when special rules are in force. Also check in advance whether you need an anti-pollution vehicle sticker and order a toll badge if you desire easy-passing through toll gates.

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All-season tyres and winter tyres

Until the 31^st of October 2024, all-season tyres with an M&S symbol (Mud & Snow) were accepted as winter tyres. From the 1^st of November 2024, only tyres with the 3PMSF symbol (3 Peak Mountain Snow Flake, the 'alpine symbol' or snowflake symbol) are permitted as winter tyres in the French mountain areas where winter tyres are mandatory. These mountain areas include the Alps, Pyrenees, Jura, Massif Central, Vosges and Corsica. This obligation applies in zones indicated by special traffic signs, a rectangular white sign with a red border and symbols of a tire and chain. The obligation applies to all four wheels. If you only have all-season tyres with the M+S symbol on them, you must also bring snow chains with you. Always check the current rules and the list of departments in France where obligations apply on winter tyres before departure.

What is the difference between four-season tyres and winter tyres?

Winter tyres have a deeper tread pattern with many sipes (small notches) that provide optimal grip on snow and ice. The minimum tread depth for winter tyres is 3.5 mm. All-season tyres have fewer sipes and have a tread pattern that is a compromise between summer and winter tyres. Winter tyres are made of a softer rubber that remains flexible at low temperatures, which ensures better performance in the cold. All-season tyres use a mix of summer and winter rubber, which makes them usable all year round, but never performs as well as a real winter tyre in winter or a summer tyre in summer. Winter tyres are the safest choice when driving in snow, ice and temperatures below 7°C. These tyres perform better when accelerating, braking and steering on cold, wet, snowy or icy roads. In winter conditions, which you may expect when staying in the AlpResort Portes du Soleil resort, the braking distance of winter tyres is shorter than that of all-season or summer tyres. At 15°C and a speed of 50 km/h, a car with summer tyres stops within 12 metres, while winter tyres need 14 to 15 metres. At temperatures below 7°C, the difference is in favor of the winter tire. All-season tyres are especially suitable for mild winters and for drivers who drive few kilometres or do not drive in extreme conditions. All-season tyres usually last longer than winter tyres, mainly because they can be used all year round and do not wear out as quickly as winter tyres outside the winter period.

Studded tyres

Studded tyres are permitted to use in France from the 1^st of November till the 31^st of March. The speed limit with studded tyres is 90 km/h and the car must have a sticker indicating the use of studded tyres ("pneus cloutés"). Studded tires are allowed on all four wheels, but they are mainly intended for use in mountainous and snowy areas. Studded tires may be prohibited in some tunnels and on certain roads, so always pay attention to local road signs. Studded tires offer the best performance on slippery ice and in extreme winter conditions, with the shortest braking distances and maximum grip on icy roads. However, for most Western European winters, winter tyres are more practical and versatile.

Distances, efficiency and fuel consumption

It is often difficult to determine which winter tyres are suitable for your winter holiday in the Portes du Soleil and to choose from the wide range of winter tyres. Your choice may also depend on characteristics that are important to you, such as driving comfort over long distances, good mileage or the lowest possible fuel consumption. There are various tests and advice from experts.
Long distances - For long distances in winter, the most important criteria are: safety, comfort, abrasion resistance and good performance in a variety of conditions. The following winter tyres are recommended for such usage: Michelin Alpin 6 (long life, comfort on long journeys, wear-resistant), Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 (mainly for high-performance cars and long motorway journeys, also available as an SUV variant), Goodyear UtraGrip (good all-round performance, especially on wet roads) and Dunlop, Vredestein and Hankook (These three score well on abrasion resistance and comfort. Dunlop and Hankook offer a good balance between price and quality). When driving long distances during the winter, the Michelin Alpin 6 and Pilot Alpin 5 are the best choices due to their high wear resistance, comfort and excellent performance in all winter conditions. Goodyear, Dunlop, Vredestein and Hankook are strong alternatives for those who want to combine price, sustainability and safety.

Mileage – Michelin Alpin 6 (This tire scored highest in the wear test with an expected lifespan of 53,200 km), Goodyear UltraGrip (an expected lifespan of 49,100 km), Continental Wintercontact (a mileage of 43,800 km, although Continental's focus is slightly more on drivability than on maximum wear resistance). The Michelin Alpin 6 has the best mileage, followed by the Goodyear UltraGrip and the Continental WinterContact. These tyres are ideal for those who drive a lot of kilometres and value maximum lifespan.
Fuel consumption - Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 (This winter tyre is known for its fuel efficiency. Independent tests have reported savings of 0.2 to 0.3 litres per 100 km compared to other top-of-the-range winter tyres), Michelin Alpin 6 (Scores well on environmental properties, including low rolling resistance and therefore lower fuel consumption), Dunlop Winter Sport 5 (Tested as energy efficient and delivers good performance in terms of fuel consumption and driveability), Hankook Winter i*cept RS3 (Excellent performance on dry and winter roads and is praised for its low consumption and low cost per kilometre). When choosing winter tyres, you can look for the EU tyre label: tyres with an A or B rating in the "fuel efficiency" section have the lowest consumption. The Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3, Michelin Alpin 6, Dunlop Winter Sport 5 and Hankook Winter i*cept RS3 are among the winter tyres with the lowest fuel consumption.

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Snow chains in the French Alps

Snow chains are legally allowed to be used as an alternative to winter tyres when going on a winter sports holiday in France, provided that you bring these snow chains with you. Snow chains only provide grip on snowy or icy roads and should only be used in those conditions. They are not intended for continuous use and are unsuitable on dry or wet roads without snow. Winter tyres, on the other hand, always offer more grip and safety at low temperatures, even when there is no snow. Snow chains must be mounted on at least two driven wheels. The speed limit with snow chains is 50 km/h. On some roads, it may be mandatory to fit snow chains, even if you are already driving on winter tyres. This is indicated by a round, blue traffic sign with a white band and snow chain. Snow chains are therefore legally an alternative, but they are not a full-fledged replacement for winter tyres.

What types of snow chains are there?

For French roads and winter sports areas in the Alps, there are no legal requirements for a particular type of snow chain, but some types are more practical and safer due to the specific conditions:
Traditional snow chains - offer maximum grip and are robust, but require sufficient space in the wheel arch. They are suitable for heavy snow and icy conditions, as is often the case in the French mountains.
Tread snow chains - are ideal for cars with little space between tire and wheel arch. They only cover the tread and prevent damage to the suspension. This type is useful if your car is not suitable for traditional chains.
Fine-meshed snow chains - provide even grip, less vibration and often feature rim protection and self-tensioning systems. These are mainly used for cars with limited space. They provide a good balance between comfort and performance.
Snow socks - are allowed as an alternative, but offer less grip than metal chains. They are especially suitable for occasional use or if your car is not allowed to wear chains.

Which snow chains have the best performance?

For winter sports and winter conditions in France, the following brands of snow chains are popular and widely used:
Pewag - Known for their high quality, durability and ease of use. Models such as the Pewag Snox and Pewag Servo have been scoring well in tests for years and are easy to install.
König - This brand offers a wide range of snow chains, including innovative tread chains for cars with little space in the wheel arch. König is often chosen for its reliability and ease of use.
RUD - The RUD Hybrid is particularly popular due to its simple mounting system and good performance with various drives. RUD is often recommended for those who want quick and easy assembly.
Thule - Known for its CS 10 chain, appreciated for its easy installation and good grip on snowy and icy roads.
Weissenfels, Maggi, Veriga - These brands are also often cited as reliable and of good quality, with various models for different cars and conditions.

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Snow chains for heavy snow and ice

For maximum grip in heavy snow and icy conditions, the following snow chains are rated the best. Preferably choose chains with a diamond or cross pattern and that are made of hardened steel.
Pewag Snox Pro and Pewag Brenta 9 - Praised by various tests and the ANWB. These snow chains are robust, wear-resistant and easy to install.
RUD Hybrid and RUD Centrax - Especially popular in mountainous areas. These snow chains offer reliable grip and are a favorite of experts in Alpine countries.
Carpoint KNS-100/140 and Husky Butzi 90/140 - Practical tests show that these chains are sturdy, durable and easy to mount.
ProPlus Snow Chains KNN80 - These crosswise pattern chains offer optimal traction and are TÜV-approved for safety and performance.

All-wheel drive and electric cars

There are snow chains that are specially designed for all-wheel drive cars (4x4, SUVs). These chains are sturdier and often larger than standard chains, so they can handle the extra weight and power of four-wheel-drive vehicles. Well-known brands such as König and Pewag offer special 4x4 chains, such as the König EasyFit SUV, König XB-16, Pewag Brenta C 4x4 and Pewag Snox SUV SXV. Special snow chains are recommended for electric cars because of the higher weight, direct pulling force and often limited space in the wheel arch. Recommended are: König K-Summit MAX, K-Summit, K-Summit XL/XXL, König EasyFit CU-9 and CU-10, Pewag Snox Pro SXP and Pewag Servo 9 RS9 and RUD Centrax.

Are snow socks an alternative to snow chains?

Snow socks provide extra grip on snowy roads and are light, easy to fit and friendly to the rims of your car. They are especially useful as a temporary aid in light snowfall or if you need extra grip quickly. However, snow socks are not a full-fledged alternative to snow chains in harsh winter conditions. They provide less grip on ice and in deep snow, and are often not allowed on roads where snow chains are mandatory. Authorities may deny you access to mountain passes if you only have snow socks with you.
Snow chains: more grip, especially in heavy snow/icy conditions.
Snow socks: easier to mount, more comfortable, but less grip and less suitable for extreme situations.

Checks, fine and liability

In France, there are specific checks for winter tyres in the designated mountain areas during the winter period. Police and other authorities can check that your vehicle has four approved winter tyres (with the snowflake symbol, 3PMSF) or that you have snow chains or snow socks in your car as an alternative. If you do not comply with the rules, you risk a fine of € 135 and you can be stopped or sent back. If you have an accident in France without winter tyres in an area and period where they are mandatory, you run the risk of being held (partially) liable for the damage, even if the accident was not entirely your fault. Insurers and authorities may judge that you were negligent because you did not meet the legal requirements, especially if winter tyres could have prevented or limited the damage.

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