Winter gear: what the law says

The Mountain Law in Savoie

Savoie is one of the departments subject to the Mountain Law II, which requires specific snow equipment on all vehicles traveling on the affected roads from November 1 to March 31.

Specifically, your vehicle must be equipped with one of the following options:

4 3PMSF-certified snow tires — this is the most convenient and recommended option for regular use in the mountains
Removable anti-skid devices fitted to at least the two drive wheels: metal snow chains (recommended for frequent use) or fabric snow socks (accepted for occasional use)

For more details on the regulations, visit the official government website.

photo voiture route enneigée corbier
Once you arrive,

How's it going?

In the mountains, the weather has the final say! That’s why it’s best to do your research before setting out and check the forecast.

In clear weather with snow-cleared roads, approved snow tires are sufficient in the vast majority of cases. But conditions can change quickly: a snowfall overnight or an icy road at higher elevations can completely alter the situation.

In bad weather, the police may be deployed on access roads to the resort to check vehicle equipment. In this case, fabric snow socks—which provide less traction on snowy or icy roads—may be deemed insufficient. Metal chains then become mandatory for all vehicles, including those equipped with snow tires.

Our advice: if you visit the mountains regularly or if your trip falls during the peak of winter, invest in approved metal chains and keep them in your trunk. A few minutes spent fitting them at the chain-fitting areas will ensure you reach your destination safely!

Good to know:

Trail conditions change daily depending on the weather. The Corbier Tourist Office regularly posts updates on trail access via its social media channels—be sure to follow us on Facebook and/or Instagram to stay informed before you head out.

©CorbierTourisme _Neige station (17)
Traffic and road conditions

in real time

Before hitting the road, one last thing to do: check real-time road conditions. The Savoie Route website brings together all the information you need for your trip—traffic conditions, roadwork, incidents, temporary closures, and alert levels on the department’s major roads.

Check road conditions at savoie-route.fr

A simple tool, updated continuously, that can save you precious time—and sometimes spare you an unpleasant surprise just a few miles from the resort. We strongly encourage you to check it the day before and the morning of your departure, especially during long weekends or snowstorms.