[Redotter12345]

Hi guys, I've got a 2012 vitra, 5 door, in July we've planned a trip up to the snow to camp in national and state forests. Just wondering what you're guys experience has been with them in the snow. Did you end up needing chains, or just put in in 4x4 the while time? Did you need to put it in low, and how well did it do in relatively deep snow?

Thank you

[Pico42]

In my snow driving experience, you are fine in just 4WD in reasonably fresh snow, and snow with a bit of texture coming through (eg grit, chip, gravel). Once the snow gets packed down by traffic, and especially if there is then a freeze, then it is more ice than snow and you need chains.

And if in a environment where there is plenty of other traffic, we tended to fit chains very proactively so you could drive defensively to the antics of dickheads fishtailing their way along with little control. Often fitted two pairs.

For depth, the deepest I have driven through successfully is 0.5m. But that was fresh powder and I had a full set of chains (we were the first on the track that day and on our own). Could have probably managed deeper, but that was the depth that day.
In heavy/spring snow, we have gotten immediately stuck in the same depth. And with a wedge of snow built up in front. A lot of digging that day.

Now I want to do a snow trip.

[Gwagensteve]

Do not drive above the snow line alone, ever. Three cars is the bare minimum.
Chains are for groomed resort roads where the roads refreeze to ice overnight. Chains are terrible in actual snow- they just dig and you end up doing a lot more recovery. We drive snow deep enough that overheating is a real problem because the snow blocks the radiator. Driving on snow takes advanced skills and a very, very careful and patient approach.

The highest drivable road in Victoria (the Jamison to Licola road over Mt Skene) is gazetted closed over winter and access is by permit only due to the number of rescues the police/SES have had to do over winter because of people travelling alone.

Don’t underestimate the risk. Things get real very fast, even with decent sized groups. I’ve been snow camping for over 30 years- I’m speaking from experience.

I don’t want to scare you off- good snow driving is awesome, but it’s high risk.

[Brenno]

Agree with Steve, have done a heap of snow driving, never with chains but on the way back through the Tas highlands only this week I encountered ice on the roads and it was undriveable without chains.

This is the section of road.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NpQEstz ... x=82&t=14s