Gents,

Quick question: We are planning a drive to the French slopes in 2017. I have a set of nice new Pirelli Scorpian Zero tyres on the FF which I assume are for road/off road summer use. Do I need to look at a set of winter tyres or will the FF be okay with the existing tyres?

Thanks in advance!

Jase

Tyres are fine but you still need snow chains or socks. They close the roads to cars without chains or socks regardless of tyres.

I used cheap socks on the front wheels only. Good for three or four trips provided you take them off as soon a you are off the snow since they wear very quickly on tarmac. 2012 5.0L S/C
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As above, there is no requirement for winter tyres to be fitted in france. Socks will work well but a cheap set of chains is even better. In the mountains you should carry chains. They are good at clearing the roads and the chances you will have to fit them is small, but should you come to a bit of roads where they need to be fitted you will be stuck.

Chains should be fitted to the driven wheels but in the case of the FF the rear wheels. I have a set which I bought for my 19" rims, they will also fit on the 255/50 20 tyres as the rolling radius is the same.

www.snowchains.com do some which fit the 255/50 20 and the 255/55 19 rims for about £60. They are the polar brand ones. Perfectly adequate as the chances you will need them are small. There is nothing that can't be fixed with a hammer😜😜
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Thanks for the advice Gents!👍

Which resort are you going to ?

I've been going for years and never had to actually fit the chains - it's a legal requirement to carry them though so wouldn't go without.

You may need them if you accommodation isn't on the main road.

Wise to take chains with you. Although there is no general requirement for chains, if a B26 panel (blue with white letters) is displayed then chains are obligatory.
(You might get away with socks instead.) John
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Been using socks in the French Alps for years. On each occasion I actually had to use them they were easy to put on and accepted by the genndarme who was checking every car at the check point. Many were turned back for not having chains or socks.

I agree that chains are technically better but you have to get a proven set that are easy to put on. Socks just work easily and cheaply for the occasional user.

Another tip is that if you have to park outside always put the chains/socks on when you arrive even if it's not bad. Difficult to put them on if you're stuck in snow and ice...  2012 5.0L S/C
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I go out each year and have done for donkeys. Have always carried chains, but never had to fit them. Snowchains.com are excellent, bought all mine from them as well as my thule roof bars. Just down the road from me too, so very convenient. Current chains are still in the original oackaging, but get loaded into the FF each year. When you swap cars, snowchains do you a good p/x on new chains if your old ones are unused.