Snow chains for crossing the Pyrenees?
Someone (who has a motorhome) has just expressed surprise that I don't have snow chains ready to cross from NW France to Pamplona next week. They said they thought I would need them.
Do I? I do hope not, I know its very cold in Spain and snowing in Alicante and Majorca, but surely the motorways will be ok?
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If there is snow on passes over the Pyrenees you will go to Pamplona round the coast via Bayonne, won't you?
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It is not compulsary to carry snow chains in Spain but if the roads you want to travel on are covered in snow you will not be allowed to use them without them. The option is to sit it out until the roads are cleared which in Spain on the mains routes does not take very long.
peedee
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Like PD says it is not compulsory to have snow chains in Spain but the Spanish have an excellent work force who keep major roads clear as much as any other country in Europe. Have actually followed a snow plough over the A15 from Pamplona to the other side three years ago.
Don't know whereabouts' in Spain you are going but have you thought of using A9/AP7 route down the coast side close to Barcelona,we live near Alicante and when the weather is like it is now we use this route because it is not so high up and the crossing is shorter before you arrive in the sun. Its is 8.30pm here and it is snowing and Thunder/Lightening at the same time so why you are coming here heaven knows, enjoy.
Phil
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On the French side of the Pyrenees, snow chains are not compulsory but recommended, and on routes where you may need them you should see a sign stating that they should be used. Generally the high passes have notices indicating whether they are passable or not. If such notices are displayed then do not take the road!! There may even be a police presence turning you back or suggesting an alternative route, or 'Route Barree' signs and you'll have to find your own alternative.
Snow can come (and go) very quickly in the high Pyrenees.
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the 'general' forecast is for the whole of Spain to return to more 'normal' weather around Tuesday, with a slow improvement as we move over the weekend, although today and tomorrow look pretty 'cold/damp'.
even Zaragosa moves up to 10-13 deg (clear, dry, sunny) from Tuesday.
we will be travelling in the same direction in the next or so, and Phil knows why....because, while there is a 'blip' in the weather at the moment, the longer term outlook will be better than Feb/March at home..
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We're planning a similar trip in our motorhome in a few weeks and I'm thinking of getting snow socks which to all intense and purposes should be quicker to fit and if the worst did happen (one came apart) the damage should be a lot less to the 'van' than what snow chains will cause. Apart from that snow socks are cheaper in general and how many times would you use them? I've found a site which may be of use if Halfords or wherever can't supply - autosockdirect.co.uk. Have fun on your trip
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Good forecast that BB, although we should lose the worst of this by tomorrow evening.
We were attempting to build a snowman on the beach at Guardamar yesterday, while friends were doing the same at Benicassim! Interestingly there were some folk out with their cameras who have never seen real snow.
This winter's been very changeable, but as you know, those sunny days are well worth it.
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Generally people don't advise snow socks for use in France because the snow turns to ice, when they are no use! You can buy snow chains for not very much, even in the supermarkets on routes which lead into the high Pyrenees. For a small investment at the very last minute before you need it, it might be better to get something you can actually use, or as Peedee says, find an alternative route or sit it out.
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JK
We were down at Guardamar beach yesterday afternoon and wasn't it cold my car read 2 degrees and yet Tuesday was 18 degrees, the local media from Torrevieja say it is the first time it as snowed like this since 1904.
Anyway which site are you on Marjal or La Marina.
Phil
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