Driving on the snow often worries people heading off on their first ski holiday. Yet with a well-equipped car and a few good habits, the drive up to Val Thorens is straightforward. Here are our 8 practical tips, drawn from almost 30 years of seasons in the resort, for driving on the snow with peace of mind.
The Road to Val Thorens: What You Need to Know
Val Thorens lies at the end of the Belleville valley, about 37 km from Moûtiers. The road passes through Saint-Martin-de-Belleville and Les Menuires before reaching the resort at 2,300 m. It is well maintained and regularly cleared, but it climbs and has many bends: when it snows, you need to adapt your driving.
1. Equip Your Car: a Legal Requirement in Winter
Under the French Mountain Law, vehicles driving in mountain areas, including Savoie, must be equipped in winter, from 1 November to 31 March: either with winter tyres, or with snow chains or snow socks in the boot. Before driving on the snow, make sure your car complies, especially if it is a rental car.
2. Practise Fitting Chains Before You Leave
Fitting chains by the side of a snowy road, in the cold and dark, is much harder than at home. Have a go before you leave. On the day, use the chain-fitting areas along the road: they are safe and signposted.
3. Slow Down and Anticipate
The golden rule for driving on the snow is to be gentle. Reduce your speed, greatly increase your following distance and anticipate bends and stops. On snow, braking distances can be three times longer or more.
4. Avoid Sudden Movements
Accelerate, brake and steer smoothly. Uphill, keep steady momentum and avoid stopping in the middle of a climb: pulling away again on snow is often difficult. Downhill, use engine braking by changing down rather than braking hard.
5. Prepare the Car
- Coolant and screenwash suitable for freezing temperatures.
- Wipers in good condition and an ice scraper in the car.
- A full tank before starting the climb.
- Tyres in good condition and correctly inflated.
6. Pack an Emergency Kit
Keep a blanket, a torch, gloves, a snow shovel, water and a few snacks in the boot. If there is a traffic jam or a temporary road closure, you will stay warm and relaxed.
7. Check the Weather and Road Conditions
Before leaving, check the forecasts from Météo-France and the road information on the Val Thorens tourist office website. Our Val Thorens webcam also shows you the conditions live.
8. Choose Your Timing
On school-holiday Saturdays, the road is very busy. If you can, leave early in the morning or arrive late in the afternoon: our keys are handed over from 5 pm, which gives you time to drive up calmly.
What to Do If the Car Starts Spinning
If your wheels spin on a climb, do not press harder on the accelerator: it digs into the snow and makes things worse. Ease off, let the car roll back gently if needed, then pull away smoothly in a higher gear. If nothing works, park safely and fit your chains. If you skid, look and steer towards where you want to go, without braking sharply.
Rental Car: What to Check
If you hire a car at the airport or station, say when booking that you are driving up to a ski resort. When you collect the car, check that it has winter tyres or removable equipment, and ask how to fit it. It is the best way to drive on the snow with confidence, even in a car you do not know.
Driving on the Snow: and Once You Arrive?
Val Thorens is a pedestrian resort: you park in the resort car parks and only take the car again when you leave. Our apartments, Silveralp 329 and Silveralp 330, are 20 m from the slopes: for the whole week, no more driving on the snow, everything is done on foot.
Driving on the Snow: Quick Questions
Are snow socks enough?
Snow socks are accepted as winter equipment and are easier to fit than chains. They are fine for occasional snowy stretches, but chains grip better in heavy snow.
Do I need four-wheel drive?
No. A front or rear-wheel-drive car with winter tyres or chains reaches Val Thorens without trouble when driven carefully.
What If You Came Without a Car?
To avoid driving on the snow, taking the train to Moûtiers and then a shuttle bus or taxi to Val Thorens is a very good alternative. Chambéry, Lyon and Geneva airports are also linked to the resort in season. All access information is on our contact page.
With a well-prepared car and these few habits, driving on the snow becomes just another part of the journey. And take time to enjoy the view on the way up: it is worth it. To book your stay, head to our booking page.