Trip to Morzine
Discussion
My son is in Morzine in the French Alps at the moment and we're thinking of a trip down there at the end of March to have a long weekend and bring him home. Anybody on here know what the roads are like at that time of year in Morzine? Will I need snowchains? Apparently the road up there is usually pretty clear of snow but would like conformation of this. Any relevant info would be much appreciated.
My brother's lived in Morzine for 10 years now, I've driven down many times. You'll have no problems until the last 500 yards. At least past Les Gets.
When it's actively snowing the cops will make you pull over in an 'area de chainage obligatoire' which is a lay-by, unless you have chains on. How many times have I seen this happen.... about two in total. Also if you travel on a Sat or Sunday (change-over days) the roads are kept clear by the sheer volume of traffic.
It's a decent 8 hours from Calais to the relevant motorway junction (Cluses) and all this should be fine.
When it's actively snowing the cops will make you pull over in an 'area de chainage obligatoire' which is a lay-by, unless you have chains on. How many times have I seen this happen.... about two in total. Also if you travel on a Sat or Sunday (change-over days) the roads are kept clear by the sheer volume of traffic.
It's a decent 8 hours from Calais to the relevant motorway junction (Cluses) and all this should be fine.
Well I live an hour away in Switzerland currently - Morzine is too low really to have any problems right up until the last stretch into town. It is France not switzerland so I dont think you legally need chains.
This last week and a half has also been very warm, so the roads are fine, and clear of snow. You only need to worry if there are snow showers expected when you are thereto be honest, in which case I would stay off the road. Even roads up in higher resorts have been clear mostly for this season.... I have snow chains, but not used them once even!! That said, I also have winter tyres which make a huge difference in basic snow conditions....
Honestly, as we are approaching the end of the season - this one hasnt been great for snow, and its also currently quite warm, so I reckon you should be absolutely fine.
This last week and a half has also been very warm, so the roads are fine, and clear of snow. You only need to worry if there are snow showers expected when you are thereto be honest, in which case I would stay off the road. Even roads up in higher resorts have been clear mostly for this season.... I have snow chains, but not used them once even!! That said, I also have winter tyres which make a huge difference in basic snow conditions....
Honestly, as we are approaching the end of the season - this one hasnt been great for snow, and its also currently quite warm, so I reckon you should be absolutely fine.
Thanks for the info, every little bit helps, so to speak. Our trips been delayed until the week after Easter added to which I was speaking to my son yesterday and it's raining in Morzine, snow higher up. I've been told to get off the autoroute before Cluses and take the road that runs aprox parallel to it which misses one of the climbs, allegedly.
timbo48 said:
Thanks for the info, every little bit helps, so to speak. Our trips been delayed until the week after Easter added to which I was speaking to my son yesterday and it's raining in Morzine, snow higher up. I've been told to get off the autoroute before Cluses and take the road that runs aprox parallel to it which misses one of the climbs, allegedly.
Jct 17 is the one he means... saves the climb and hairpins out of Cluses but still gets you to the same point just below the Col de Chatillon by a long traverse up the side of the mountain!!Gassing Station | France | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff