Chamonix road report

Chamonix road report

Snow chains - often neccessary!

We have compiled some useful information on driving in the resort, whether you will be hiring a car from the airport, or driving your own vehicle from the UK.

When driving in the Alps you should ensure your vehicle is properly equipped. If you are heading to the mountains in a hire car you should always request winter tyres. Snow-chains are a neccessary precaution. If you are driving your own car check out Skidrive.co.uk for equipment.

If you are looking for a good route planner we regularly use ViaMichelin, and their map features road works and fixed speed-camera details as well.

Radarsfixes.com is seemingly the most up-to-date resource for details of France's fixed speed camera locations, also detailed on a region-by-region map

Chamonix speed camera - direction Chamonix>Geneva

A new speed camera has been installed on the dual carriageway down from Chamonix to Le Fayet (in the direction of the main motorway to Geneva), on the turn-off to Servoz (about 8 minutes from Chamonix, 4 from Les Houches) - which is well signposted ahead of time and there are speed trap warning signs just before the hill down to the camera. Speed limit is 90km/hr.

The camera, situated at the end of a downhiull staight, is grey coloured against the grey concrete of a road bridge just behind it making it hard to spot.

Another camera is due for installation on the way up the hill, probably by the Total garage (not sure if this is the one at the bottom of the hill or opposite the one near Les Houches - we'll let you know, hopefully without getting flashed!)

Chamonix local road report

Last Updated: Wednesday 9th August 2006 21:32:07

Weekend Traffic Status: GREEN (Normal): Constantly moving traffic (unless there is an accident or extreme weather conditions)

Normal

Busy

Delays expected at peak times

Heavy congestion throughout region

Resort Roads: Normal

Snow Chains: Chains are not currently required in this resort. Please note: carrying snow chains in your car is essential in mountain resorts, whatever the weather, as driving conditions can change suddenly.

Access Roads: Clear
Bison Futé map of road incidents in the region

Auto Routes: Road deaths in the region have dropped sharply in the past year (26 fatalities this year compared with 53 last year) due to the new speed cameras, more police checks and a national road safety campaign.

Some weekends during the season see very heavy traffic on the roads to the ski resorts. Avoid the worst days by consulting the French traffic site Bison Futé which gives masses of useful information on the French roads, inlcuding a long-range forecast of the busy days to avoid.