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In brief
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Duration: Preparation — 1–2 h ; route — with hourly margin
Cost: Chains/pneus + emergency kit — once
On-site only

Who this guide is for

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  • All those who climb in winter (stations, passes)
  • Families with unexperienced children and drivers
  • New arrivals driving for the first time on snow and ice

To be prepared in advance

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  • Winter tires or chains (check condition in advance)
  • Emergency kit (cover, water, lamp, battery)
  • Weather forecast and road info

Step-by-step procedure

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  1. 1Check weather forecast France (snow/verglas surveillance) and road condition on Bison Fute/departmental advice; on a red level, report the departure.
  2. 2Mount winter tires or carry chains — in the mountain departments, this is the law of the 1st November to the 31 March on certain sections.
  3. 3Practice setting up the chains BEFORE the start (on dry road) — on the bottom side under the snow, it's difficult.
  4. 4Prepare an emergency kit: hot blankets, water, food, lamp, external charger/battery, shovel and emergency kit.
  5. 5Communicate your itinerary to a loved one and plan an hourly margin; have a fully charged phone.
  6. 6When driving, follow the limitations and increase distances: on snow and ice, the braking distance increases sharply; drive flexibly, without sudden manoeuvres.

Common mistakes

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  • Drive without chains/pneus in compulsory zone — fine and half turn
  • Ignore vigilance Weather France (red level)
  • Do not warn a loved one or have contact in case of blocking

Official sources

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Show sources in this section

Useful links

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Criterion Air and ZFE

Important remark

Rules, tariffs and restrictions (ZFE, Crit的Air) are changing regularly. This information is general; check the current conditions on the official sites of the transport operators and the ANTS.

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