Road condition from Nice to Isola 2000 in Jan

Hi, we're going to Isola 2000 in the southern Alps for a week in late
January, taking advantage of cheap flights to see a bit of the Mote Carlo
Rally and hit the snow for a few days.

We're looking to book a hire car with snow chains, but not knowing the area
I'm not sure if this is likely to be adequate. Will I need a fully
winterized car with snow tyres do you think?

Thanks in advance

Steve

"Stephen Millband" wrote in
message ...
| Hi, we're going to Isola 2000 in the southern Alps for a week in late
| January, taking advantage of cheap flights to see a bit of the Mote
Carlo
| Rally and hit the snow for a few days.
|
| We're looking to book a hire car with snow chains, but not knowing the
area
| I'm not sure if this is likely to be adequate. Will I need a fully
| winterized car with snow tyres do you think?
|
| Thanks in advance

I've driven whole seasons around the southern French Alps, and have
hardly ever needed chains, although the snow tyres have been useful now
and again. It's more than likely that you won't need chains, but I hope
I'm wrong! ;o)

However it's impossible to say for sure - seeing as you're talking about
late Jan.

Pete
http://bsm.alpesprovence.net SNOWeSCAPE

Thanks, that's what I hoped. Sounds encouraging :-)

"PG" wrote in message
...

"Stephen Millband" wrote in
message ...
| Hi, we're going to Isola 2000 in the southern Alps for a week in late
| January, taking advantage of cheap flights to see a bit of the Mote
Carlo
| Rally and hit the snow for a few days.
|
| We're looking to book a hire car with snow chains, but not knowing the
area
| I'm not sure if this is likely to be adequate. Will I need a fully
| winterized car with snow tyres do you think?
|
| Thanks in advance

I've driven whole seasons around the southern French Alps, and have
hardly ever needed chains, although the snow tyres have been useful now
and again. It's more than likely that you won't need chains, but I hope
I'm wrong! ;o)

However it's impossible to say for sure - seeing as you're talking about
late Jan.

Pete
http://bsm.alpesprovence.net SNOWeSCAPE

Stephen Millband wrote:

Hi, we're going to Isola 2000 in the southern Alps for a week in late
January, taking advantage of cheap flights to see a bit of the Mote Carlo
Rally and hit the snow for a few days.

We're looking to book a hire car with snow chains, but not knowing the area
I'm not sure if this is likely to be adequate. Will I need a fully
winterized car with snow tyres do you think?
I think hire car companies regard renting you snow chains as the full
extent of winterisation.

Just make sure you get chains with the car, and a ski rack if you need
one, other than that it'll just be a standard hire car and you should be
fine. Just take it easy if it snowy and don't be tempted to try and keep
up with the locals who probably have studed tyres, local knowledge and a
death wish anwyway.

If for some reason you can't get chains when you rent it (possible if
you rent the car away from the Alps maybe, or if they are just awkward
sods at the rental station) then pick up a set at a Hypermarche -
they'll be the same price as renting anyway, give or take a Euro or 2.

If you need snow chains and a ski rack, we recommend requesting them
and booking the car as far in advance as possible. Car rental brokers
like Europe by Car can confirm their availability well prior to pickup.
Snow tires are actually mandatory in some locations. Quick and easy
price comparisons are available through Europe By Car (or one of our
competitors).


Julia Treike
Europe By Car

1-800-223-1516
www.europebycar.com