Thanks Rob, That is what concerns me. I was in Chamonix on the 24th and
couldn't get up a mild slope to my hotel in Les Houches which is quite low.
I hadn't prebooked chains and couldn't get any added to the hire at Geneva.I
don't know the southern alps
At what stage did you find the col was closed and do you have to go back
north of Grenoble to pick up the tunnel road?

Thabks for your help, peter
"Rob White" wrote in message
...
I did the same journey on the 24th January. The pass was closed, so chains
were irrelevant. We had to take the motorway and go round the Frejus
tunnel and then via Cesana and Montgenevre. We did that without chains but
it was very a very close run thing. Coming back last Saturday the Col was
completely clear. We wasted £55 on hiring chains with the car, but it
would have been bloody silly not to have had them. Unless you can
guarantee the road conditions you really must have chains.

Rob

PS snow conditions were awesome - evidently the best since 1972!!



"Snorer" wrote in message
...
Hi, I plan to drive from Grenoble to Villeneuve in 2 weeks and have been
told that the highest point of the journey over the Col du Lautaret is
2000m. Is this often a problem passing or is the road usually clear. Do
you think chains are advised. I arrive 10.00pm so would have little
chance to raid the supermarket for chains. Any thoughts would be
appreciated. Thanks