I took my 997.2S to Les Menuires in Jan 2013.

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We were on the Bridgestone RE050 standard summer tyres on the 19" wheels (305 rear section from memory). In poor conditions it would be hard work.

I did it on summer tyres, my view is that it would be best to get another set of wheels, 18" with winter tyres on to make your life a lot easier. Chains are still essential for driving on snow.

Clearance is OK for chains as standard but the width of the standard tyre makes it very difficult to get chains on, I had to previously remove some plastic protection trim from the rear lower wishbone to increase clearance enough to get even a thin chain on.

My chains were a little small for the car and although I'd gladly lend them would not like to be relying on them if it was me doing the trip again.

I don't have the car any more, if you could take a picture of your suspension arrangement behind the rear wheel I'll tell you which bit it is.

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Aftermarket option:

http://www.roofbox.co.uk/scripts/rbvehs ... g~2P%7DbOP

This would save the considerable ballache of reaching through wheelarch installing chains over the wide wheels onto the back of the wheel in the cold and negate the need for trim removal.

Not sure how good they are but I'm sure given they're Thule I'd probably think they are having used their bike carriers, roofracks and roofboxes.

Off skiing tomorrow to Les Arcs in the Panamera and expecting decent snow during travel up the mountain so probably won't reply to this for another week but will let you know how we get on!

We didn't need our snow chains yesterday, I followed the Panamera , light snow and slush on the mountain roads . Both cars were Fab but Paul does have winter tyres.

Sometimes when snow is bad you are told to fit chains. Otherwise, fit when you start to loose traction.

Winter tyres are definitely the answer to hassle free travel in the Alps, good for home in the winter too.

I sailed up a steep snowy road without the chains without even breaking traction, came back down the other side without engaging the ABS, surprising how hard you can actually brake before skidding too (tested it as generally just drove in low gear downhill). Very confidence inspiring on the damp icy roads up and down the mountain too.

Chains will always be needed though as if you get a big dump of snow and a few inches are lying on the road you will need to use them and the Police can enforce this at the bottom of the mountain, only 4x4 with full winter tyres are allowed up the mountain without chains at these times.

With regard to when to put chains on, it needs to be full snow coverage and when you start to loose traction, take the nearest 'aire de chainage' aka layby and put them on. They are a total nightmare on tarmac, like riding a jackhammer!