Snow chains for 997T...

[Snicks]

So I'm driving down to the alps over NY and making sure I have all I need. I've been looking for snow chains or socks with limited success.

The snow socks seem to be very difficult to find in the right size meanwhile compatible snow chains are horrendously expensive!!

Anyone done this / have any ideas?

Thanks in advance!

[cayman-black]

What about a set of winter tyres? Thats all you will need.

[911Viking]

You got 4WD, you will be fine, no need of snow chains. Just be careful when going down, break early if snowing or slippery and continue checking grip. Going up is really a no issue with 4WD. I have a ski house in 1850 meters and go there during season every other week. Never needed snow chains regardless how much snow, even when I drive my 9e Porsche which is a completely different league power wise to a 997T, I get up fine. Just don't start playing Sebastian Loeb in the mountains, you might think you are great in snow, but remember that many accidents in the Alps actually happen with other cars out of control sliding into you. Every season I see clowns not used to the Alps and the changing conditions smashing cars all over the place, keep and eye on things around you and leave room to get your self out of trouble... If dry, have fun, its big fun blasting a T up the mountain

[911Viking]

You got 4WD, you will be fine, no need of snow chains. Just be careful when going down, break early if snowing or slippery and continue checking grip. Going up is really a no issue with 4WD. I have a ski house in 1850 meters and go there during season every other week. Never needed snow chains regardless how much snow, even when I drive my 9e Porsche which is a completely different league power wise to a 997T, I get up fine. Just don't start playing Sebastian Loeb in the mountains, you might think you are great in snow, but remember that many accidents in the Alps actually happen with other cars out of control sliding into you. Every season I see clowns not used to the Alps and the changing conditions smashing cars all over the place, keep and eye on things around you and leave room to get your self out of trouble... If dry, have fun, its big fun blasting a T up the mountain

[911Viking]

You got 4WD, you will be fine, no need of snow chains. Just be careful when going down, break early if snowing or slippery and continue checking grip. Going up is really a no issue with 4WD. I have a ski house in 1850 meters and go there during season every other week. Never needed snow chains regardless how much snow, even when I drive my 9e Porsche which is a completely different league power wise to a 997T, I get up fine. Just don't start playing Sebastian Loeb in the mountains, you might think you are great in snow, but remember that many accidents in the Alps actually happen with other cars out of control sliding into you. Every season I see clowns not used to the Alps and the changing conditions smashing cars all over the place, keep and eye on things around you and leave room to get your self out of trouble... If dry, have fun, its big fun blasting a T up the mountain

[andy74b]

911Viking said:

You got 4WD, you will be fine, no need of snow chains. Just be careful when going down, break early if snowing or slippery and continue checking grip. Going up is really a no issue with 4WD. I have a ski house in 1850 meters and go there during season every other week. Never needed snow chains regardless how much snow, even when I drive my 9e Porsche which is a completely different league power wise to a 997T, I get up fine. Just don't start playing Sebastian Loeb in the mountains, you might think you are great in snow, but remember that many accidents in the Alps actually happen with other cars out of control sliding into you. Every season I see clowns not used to the Alps and the changing conditions smashing cars all over the place, keep and eye on things around you and leave room to get your self out of trouble... If dry, have fun, its big fun blasting a T up the mountain

Sorry but completely disagree. Doubt you can get chains that fit a 997t given the clearence. Just put winter tyres on it, far better in the uk for the cold months and all you need out there in the alps.

[RiccardoG]

Just yesterday I met an ex 997T owner who has some Maggilock snow chains he wants to sell (as he now has sold the 997). These are the type that you don't need to faff around with too much to fit. They definitely do fit as he even sent me a pic of his previous 997 with them on (he goes skiing regularly).

If you want I can get you two in touch, PM me your details.

[911Viking]

andy74b said:

Sorry but completely disagree. Doubt you can get chains that fit a 997t given the clearence. Just put winter tyres on it, far better in the uk for the cold months and all you need out there in the alps.

What do you disagree about? ... Winter tires are logical to use in colder temps for obvious reason, Alps or no Alps. Snow chains are a waste of time/money.

[andy74b]

911Viking said:

What do you disagree about? ... Winter tires are logical to use in colder temps for obvious reason, Alps or no Alps. Snow chains are a waste of time/money.

Sorry, thought you meant the op would be fine on his normal tyres as he has 4wd.

Agree with the snow chains bit. Never bothered and never stuck but always had snow tyres.

[SunDiver]

andy74b said:

911Viking said:

What do you disagree about? ... Winter tires are logical to use in colder temps for obvious reason, Alps or no Alps. Snow chains are a waste of time/money.

Sorry, thought you meant the op would be fine on his normal tyres as he has 4wd.

Agree with the snow chains bit. Never bothered and never stuck but always had snow tyres.

I was about to disagree too. There was no mention of winter tyres. 4wd helps little without them.

But yes, what you want is some winter tyres - along with 4wd, you'll be fine.

[Redarress]

Bear in mind it is a legal requirement in France when you are over i think a certain altitude or above the snow line to carry snow chains.

[911Viking]

Redarress said:

Bear in mind it is a legal requirement in France when you are over i think a certain altitude or above the snow line to carry snow chains.

It is and local police regularly through the season stand a little up the mountain checking with whoever stops... But in reality, chains are for tourist that shouldn't drive in the mountains anyway. Just pass while nodding in their direction. Done that 100's of times and they cant be bothered. With winter tires + 4WD, not sure how you would get stuck. Its common sense using winter tires in the period with temps close to or below zero.

Its going down where you gotta watch out, going up is a no brainer.

[Rockster]

Snicks said:

So I'm driving down to the alps over NY and making sure I have all I need. I've been looking for snow chains or socks with limited success.

The snow socks seem to be very difficult to find in the right size meanwhile compatible snow chains are horrendously expensive!!

Anyone done this / have any ideas?

Thanks in advance!

Put the car off the road because you didn't have the compatible snow chains on the car then let me know if you still think those chains are expensive.

Geesh.

Even for my lowly VW Golf TDi I had a set of snow cables in a nice plastic carrying in the car just in case I ran into driving conditions that required them.

If I ran my Turbo in that kind of weather/driving conditions I'd have the best damn chains/cables in the car just in case.

[GC8]

cayman-black said:

What about a set of winter tyres? Thats all you will need.

Other may have said this, as I havent read beyond your post, but: whilst Winter tyres will be worthwhile the OP may find that he is stopped and directed to either fit chains or turn back.

I havent experienced this personally, but Ive heard about it often enough to be confident that it is the case. If you cant find an alternative route which isnt as affected by snow, then youre stuck without chains.

This reminds me - I have to see whether my chains will fit over my new over-tyred rears.

[PGM]

I agree snow chains are needed due to reasons stated above. I regularly drive into the Alps in winter in our 4wd legacy with m&s tyres on without problem but always carry chains due to potential Gendarme stoppage.

Just a quick query to those who have driven 911 into the Alps during winter, are they OK on summer tyres with chains for snow? I was lucky enough to get a set of unused genuine Porsche chains via preloved for £40 so planning a ski trip in January in the 997!