Hi Martin
I've driven there and back several times, and you're right that the conditions can change quickly, so it's best to be prepared! A few years back it was the end of November and we hit heay snow just as we left Calais!! You can buy snow chains online before you go, as if you chance it and have to buy them from a garage at the side of the road you can end up paying a lot more, plus you have to hope they have the correct size for your car.
My tip would be to bit the bullet with the French motorway tolls and just stick to the motorway all the way. The road up from Hospitalet up to Pas de la Casa can be very difficult if it has snowed and you can be turned back if you don't have chains, but only when it is snowing. If there's no snow it's dead easy though.
When you get to Pas de la Casa you can either take the pass over the mountain or you can take the tunnel under it - the tunnel is around €7 now but saves 10 minutes - if it's snowing or has been recently then definately take the tunnel as that mountain pass doesn't get cleared very well.
Hope this helps!
Steve
I've driven there and back several times, and you're right that the conditions can change quickly, so it's best to be prepared! A few years back it was the end of November and we hit heay snow just as we left Calais!! You can buy snow chains online before you go, as if you chance it and have to buy them from a garage at the side of the road you can end up paying a lot more, plus you have to hope they have the correct size for your car.
My tip would be to bit the bullet with the French motorway tolls and just stick to the motorway all the way. The road up from Hospitalet up to Pas de la Casa can be very difficult if it has snowed and you can be turned back if you don't have chains, but only when it is snowing. If there's no snow it's dead easy though.
When you get to Pas de la Casa you can either take the pass over the mountain or you can take the tunnel under it - the tunnel is around €7 now but saves 10 minutes - if it's snowing or has been recently then definately take the tunnel as that mountain pass doesn't get cleared very well.
Hope this helps!
Steve