godwin | 03-16-2012 06:20 PM | To the OP, you can't gain experience with your RWD ride in the snow unless you are really in the situation... so take your car and take care. It should be fine.
My suggestion:
1. If you are really paranoid, look over the map/ streetview on Google when you have time. Try to visualize the tricky parts. There are a few turns that can creep up on you.
2. Check the weather report the morning / you are about to leave or even at the McD on the way while breakfast eg Squamish. Weather report in our area get better prediction only for about 12-24hours.
3. Check the highway cameras (despite what others might say, it gives you more information ahead of time).
4. Do all the basic preparations: tires' pressure, windshield fluid (important).. top it up or maybe have a spare can (of that), brush etc.
5. Don't drive like an idiot... drive at the speed you are comfortable with and let other people pass if they are pressuring you. In an RWD, You will only get into trouble when you change your weight / momentum around eg hard braking, so reduce your chances of that you should be okay.
6. Be prepared to be turn back if things really go to crap (I doubt it)... don't pressure yourself to hurry.
7. When you get to Whistler / surrounding area.. find a empty parking lot to practise / get the feel of hard braking etc on icy surface.. (late at night is usually the best).
I drove my e36 with stock MXV4 tires up and down Sea to Sky close to 20 years ago every weekend.. no traction control, no nothing.. Go easy on your gas and brake, and just build on your experience. The only trouble I had, was at Cypress at the final hairpin which I forgot, car spun around into the snow filled ditch.. waiting for the tow truck and bruised ego was the result. |