True snow tyres are a rare commodity anywhere in Europe, and the UK in particular. It is more usual to have winter tyres fitted, and I suspect that tyres referred to are winter tyres. Winter tyres have special treads, and compounds to provide increased grip in frosty, icy, and snow conditions; they contribute to a more sure grip on wet, and muddy roads as well.

I first started using winter tyres on the fron driving wheels of my renault laguna when travelling to the continent on ski trips – mainly to get up hills, and occasionally increasing confidence on steep downhills. They were also very useful on wet, muddy Norfolk roads.

I then fitted winter tyres to the front driving wheels on my Mercedes Vito van. Again great in the snow going uphills as the mainly Huntly GBNDS will testify to when towing them up the hill in their hire mini bus on a Lofer trip.

That said same Huntly members will remember the incident when turning of the main Lofer – Salzburg road to go up to Ruhpolding. At a low speed having just turned of the top of a “T” junction into the “leg” of the T in snowy condirions the rear end of the vehicle slowly waltzed around to take its place leading down the road before completing the pirouette – all at low speed thankfully. When I moved to austria all vehicles were fitted winter tyres to all 4 wheels. I made enquiries about winter tyres on the driving wheels only. I was advised by the specialist that it is extremely dangerous to just for these tyres to driving wheels.

I am sure that people think they drive carefully, and feel confident getting up the hills etc on their driving wheel winter tyres, however, they should be aware of the dangers. The vehicle can drift when driving round bends, but it is when making turns at junctions that it is particularly dangerous.

I make that 44 continuous days of skiable snow in the Clash so far this season – is that a record?

I had an excellent day out when I was expecting only a soggy drudge. It’s a testament to the Clash’s ability to surprise the skier and offer pleasant conditions when its miserable elsewhere.

“Where The Bears Live” has got to be one of the most beautiful routes on the Clash and is well worth a detour (Turn Right at the top of Highland Fling -as if to go to Herringbone hill – and then do a left after about 100 metres, it’s the first turn).

Thanks again for showing me these unfrequented spots.

Cheers

Alan