[TheSalesman]

Just wondering, is there somewhere where they stop you from going to whistler if you don't have snow tires?

[Mugen EvOlutioN]

dont think so


but better safe than sorry i guess, get some snow tires or chain

[cl9]

When can I legally use Tire Chain ?
Please

[Volvo-brickster]

They have random tire checks / road blocks done by the RCMP.

If you don't have winter tires, or all seasons with chains ( mounted or in your trunk ) they will not let you proceed.

Generally chains are used to get you unstuck. You could drive the whole sea to sky from squamish and on with chains, but it would take you forever doing 50 km/h and would piss off quite a few other drivers

[falcon]

just pick up a set of chains. leave them in the trunk and use them if needed. the S2S since the big reno has been maintained very well. Usually kept clear from Squamish -> Whistler. I didn't hit snow until in Whistler when I went a few days ago.

[1990TSI]

They'll have road checks during busy times at alice lake,(just north of squam) ONLY if the weather is so bad that you honestly need good snow tires.

if people are crashing, they'll check for snowies, but I have never in my life been checked or stopped there.

[jeff_alexander]

went there last year with a protege and worn all seasons in heavy snow storm

[TheSalesman]

alright, ill be doing the drive there tonight.

[RabidRat]

went there last year iwth a protege and worn all seasons in heavy snow storm

HAHA didn't you end up driving too? was it a sketchy drive at all or was it pretty manageable?

[LiquidTurbo]

Just wondering, is there somewhere where they stop you from going to whistler if you don't have snow tires?

Oh yes, you'll slip off the cliff, thats how they stop you.

Honestly, it's worth it to pick up some snowies if you're going to drive to Whistler during this time.

What have you got to lose? Your car car/insurance and life worth the several hundred bucks?

[GabAlmighty]

Been going to whistler for the past 8'ish years. Never ever seen a road check. If you're AWD or 4x4 you can get away with good all seasons if you're careful. It's not that bad of a drive, people just get worked up over it.

[TheSalesman]

the drive was fine. no snow or ice the whole way.

[TheSalesman]

Oh yes, you'll slip off the cliff, thats how they stop you.

Honestly, it's worth it to pick up some snowies if you're going to drive to Whistler during this time.

What have you got to lose? Your car car/insurance and life worth the several hundred bucks?

yeah, right.
I do have snow tires, just havn't put them on yet. Too lazy and not much snow anyways. Never had a problem with snow before. Not even last year. People need to learn how to drive, thats all.

[Greenstoner]

they have checkpoint near squamish once awhile (usually early or mid way into January)..sort of like a road block
so the answer toward your question is YES

[flagella]

went there last year with a protege and worn all seasons in heavy snow storm

lol wtf liar. Brand new all all seasons were installed earlier that day! thanks to rabid

Also the reasons we installed new all seasons was because there is roadcheck. If you are using snow tires it's fine, but if you're using all seasons, the tread has to be very good otherwise they will send you back.

[Lowered_Klass]

yeah, right.
I do have snow tires, just havn't put them on yet. Too lazy and not much snow anyways. Never had a problem with snow before. Not even last year. People need to learn how to drive, thats all.

Winter tires aren't just for when there is snow on the ground...:rolleyes:

[TheSalesman]

Winter tires aren't just for when there is snow on the ground...:rolleyes:

Yeah it's for ice and rain too right?

[The_AK]

yeah, right.
I do have snow tires, just havn't put them on yet. Too lazy and not much snow anyways. Never had a problem with snow before. Not even last year. People need to learn how to drive, thats all.

unless you're sporting Falken 512s :tantrum

[TheSalesman]

unless you're sporting Falken 512s :tantrum

actually, i have falken 912s

[RabidRat]

actually, i have falken 912s

wow good luck with those. i've heard horror story after horror story with those. apparently they're completely awful in the snow.

i could be wrong.

[TheSalesman]

wow good luck with those. i've heard horror story after horror story with those. apparently they're completely awful in the snow.

i could be wrong.

Actually I just saw a civic get stuck driving by my alley right after I parked. He had snow tires on. And I had no problems on my 912s. My alley is like an ice rink. I'm still gonna put my snow tires on though.

[too_slow]

I've witnessed two roadchecks in my life.. They're located on that bridge thing 8km past Squampton.. Maintain your distance, and don't try to be a hero and pass people on the left if you're running A/S tires..

[TheSalesman]

The grounds were bare when i drove up there. No problems at all. Not sure about now though.

[GabAlmighty]

The roads will be fine. Snows coming over night and part of tomorrow, may have snow on the roads then. If I go to Whistler tomorrow i'll bump the thread

[kitsune]

Anyone go up to Whistler recently?
I'm heading up over the weekend.. worried because we've only got A/S.. -_-
If there's any updates, can someone bump the thread? I need to know if I gotta bus.. lol
TIA~ :D

[Jackygor]

You can actually get away with all season tire...some all season tires are actually REALLY good in snow, for example...

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/testDisplay.jsp?ttid=124

[yau1225]

where can you buy chains locally?!

[GabAlmighty]

where can you buy chains locally?!

Canadian Tire
Lordco
Costco
Anywhere:P

[dton13]

Anyone go up to Whistler recently?
I'm heading up over the weekend.. worried because we've only got A/S.. -_-
If there's any updates, can someone bump the thread? I need to know if I gotta bus.. lol
TIA~ :D

Went up yesterday. It was clear till about 10km from the village, where it was slightly snow covered.

However, on the way down, it was raining and everything washed away.

Be very careful though. Saw cops pull a guy over at 7:30AM, and 2 accidents on the way up.

The snow/powder was amazing though. If the weather clears up for the weekend you'll have a blast.

[christiankirana]

anyone recently went to Whistler?

[TOS'd]

^ clear going up and down.

[christiankirana]

thx..


^ clear going up and down.

[christiankirana]

is there any time allowance for going down from Whistler to Vancouver?

[TOS'd]

thx..

np, brah

[TheSalesman]

anyone recently went to Whistler?

just make sure you got some washer fluid. windshield gets pretty dirty.

[|<e|_]

yahh washer fluid is a must
i went up in 912's no problem with them
it was snowing like mad too.
butttt i was in a camry

[racerman88]

if it is snowing the road check will be up and they will turn you away if you do not have snow tires or chains.

[observer]

Just went last night, very nice drive road is great, no traffic.

[!SG]

in a couple months (during the olympics), unless you have some sort of pass, or show that u are going there for the games flashing ur tickets or something, they will not let u go up there.

but its better to be safe than sorry. 2 snow tires is better than no snow tires.

[GabAlmighty]

in a couple months (during the olympics), unless you have some sort of pass, or show that u are going there for the games flashing ur tickets or something, they will not let u go up there.

but its better to be safe than sorry. 2 snow tires is better than no snow tires.

Half Fail, I talked to a local on the lift yesterday. This is true between the times of 6am and 6pm. So either early morning or evening time you can drive up. But, you need somewhere to park your car. All the parking lots are being taken over, so basically the only option I see is to ask someone you know who owns a place up there if you can park your car there, which is what I am doing. Or, you can pay the $25 for the shuttle ride up there.

[!SG]

still sucks for trucking companies that use the route instead of duffy lake old hwy 1 route. its like the long way round.



Half Fail, I talked to a local on the lift yesterday. This is true between the times of 6am and 6pm. So either early morning or evening time you can drive up. But, you need somewhere to park your car. All the parking lots are being taken over, so basically the only option I see is to ask someone you know who owns a place up there if you can park your car there, which is what I am doing. Or, you can pay the $25 for the shuttle ride up there.

[GabAlmighty]

still sucks for trucking companies that use the route instead of duffy lake old hwy 1 route. its like the long way round.

Good point I never thought about commercial use, maybe they'll issue special "commercial" permits or something. Man, thats a kick to the nuts hahah

[alwaysideways]

if it is snowing the road check will be up and they will turn you away if you do not have snow tires or chains.


Someone had told me if your car is AWD or 4X4 that they will let you pass without snowtires or chains......can anyone chime in on that?

[GabAlmighty]

I can chime in on saying that I have never seen a roadcheck ever on the sea to sky.

[observer]

I have witness a roadblock on Sea to Sky and have heard of another story at least, with police turning back SUVs with no snow tires.

I have winters on the 911 I was in and was allowed to proceed.

Source:
http://www2.canada.com/victoriatimescolonist/news/comment/story.html?id=eca8f6d8-516c-4064-a77d-8aff3088f7d3

A reader raised the issue of winter tires and the requirements in B.C. (Dec 16).
Winter tires are not mandatory.

However, the Transportation Ministry does place signs on highways requiring vehicles to have winter tires or chains to travel on them. This gives police the authority to deny improperly equipped vehicles access to these roads and issue tickets to those who ignore the requirement.

Given that winter tires are not mandatory, driving without them will not void your insurance in the event of a claim.

However, when ICBC reviews any claim we look at all the factors involved in the crash. Drivers involved in a crash who were not using tires appropriate to the road conditions may be deemed negligent and this could affect how their claim is settled. But it would not put you in breach or make you necessarily at fault.

Whatever the road conditions, you need to always make sure that the tires on your vehicle are roadworthy. It's little use having the right tires for the conditions if they are badly worn, bald, or not properly inflated.

If you are in doubt about the condition of your tires, then it's certainly a smart idea to get those looked at by an expert. But there is also a quick check you can do at home first. Place a toonie between the tread of your tire. If the tread doesn't reach the gold centre of the toonie, it's time to think about getting new tires.

Char Roth
Manager
Victoria Claims Centre
ICBC

[GabAlmighty]

Hmm, I see. How do they tell if it's a snow tire?

Take this for example:
http://www.tirerack.com/images/tires/general/ge_altimax_arctic_ci2_l.jpg

I can tell it's snow tire, the "roughness" (can't think of the word right now) of it gives it away but if you were to "smooth" it out then it wouldn't look much different than a set of normal tires.

[observer]

http://www.rubberassociation.ca/wintertires.html

Tires marked with the mountain snowflake symbol meet or exceed industry established snow traction performance requirements, and have been designed specifically for use in cold weather and severe snow conditions.

http://www.rubberassociation.ca/images/snowflake.jpg

[observer]

Someone had told me if your car is AWD or 4X4 that they will let you pass without snowtires or chains......can anyone chime in on that?

Maybe in the US? Here in BC, seems to be either winter tires or chains, regardless of AWD or 4X4.

[threezero]

going to take a trip with the family next monday, its not the olympic yet sea to sky is still open right? anybody been up there recently? how is the condition of the road? snow? ice? debris? rock chips etc?

[Westcoast67]

As of Feb 11 you will need a pass. Don't bother going up during the Olympics in your own car, the parking situation is horrendous. VANOC has taken over every lot essentially. If you guys are wondering about road conditions check the webcams on the link below. Just know that in Whistler it can get ugly, and fast. I commute every day, in fact today there was a 4Runner on its roof in the ditch just south of Function Junction. Drive according to the road conditions, turn your lights on, and don't be a douche.

http://images.drivebc.ca/bchighwaycam/pub/html/www/178.html

[threezero]

so i'm good anytime before feb11 than? there is no more construction on the sea2sky any more right? I checked out the cams and am aware of the icy condition but just wondering if i should tape up my car to prevent rock chips. My frd went up few month back when there was still construction going on and he came back with a hood and bumper that looks like it went to iraq and back.

[Volvo-brickster]

. Just know that in Whistler it can get ugly, and fast. I commute every day, in fact today there was a 4Runner on its roof in the ditch just south of Function Junction. Drive according to the road conditions, turn your lights on, and don't be a douche.



I drove up tuesday night at around 9pm in crazy rain and fog and there were guys doing 130km/h uphill and around corners like it was nothing

Visibility was next to zero and they were booking it like it was a dry summer day

I am surprised there were no accidents

[speedking]

so i'm good anytime before feb11 than? there is no more construction on the sea2sky any more right? I checked out the cams and am aware of the icy condition but just wondering if i should tape up my car to prevent rock chips. My frd went up few month back when there was still construction going on and he came back with a hood and bumper that looks like it went to iraq and back.

tape it up. the rock chips is crazy ones you past squamish area.

[christiankirana]

Bump, do we need snow tires to get into Whistler this year?

[Nechako87]

Bump, do we need snow tires to get into Whistler this year?

If you get into an accident, ICBC will bend you over backwards and continually fuck you for it.

You can get to whistler without snow tires, but being as you're obviously questioning yourself as a driver to get to whistler, then yes, you need snow tires.

[MindBomber]

Bump, do we need snow tires to get into Whistler this year?

You need snow tires, with the mountain snowflake rating, every year from October 1st to April 1st regardless of conditions.

[GabAlmighty]

You also need to do exactly the speed limit going up. Nothing more.

[wasabisashimi]

You need snow tires, with the mountain snowflake rating, every year from October 1st to April 1st regardless of conditions.

whats the www.@#$%. Gov.bc.ca link for the mandatory note on winter tires to whistler.

I got no winters, went once already without it. I dont speed, i brake early, and i take my time. Also have a set of chains on the trunk.

roads on sea to sky is fairly clear with constant salt and plowing.

Don't want to break the law if they did implement it somewhere. I checked with tourism whistler site and found nothing but " winter tires are recommended between oct1 -april 1st"....

[MindBomber]

Posting at 3am results in typos, the actual requirement is October 1st to April 30th.

[Volvo-brickster]

You also need to do exactly the speed limit going up. Nothing more.

Do you ? :rofl:

[Jayhall]

Ive got snow tires on my tacoma but I still carry chains knowing I will most likely never need them. Mostly to make sure that the RCMP wont turn me around at a check. I figure if the signs say carry chains they could turn you around, even with a 4x4 and 4 snowtires if you didnt have chains

[GabAlmighty]

Do you ? :rofl:

:fuckyea:

[GabAlmighty]

even with a 4x4 and 4 snowtires if you didnt have chains

You're invincible in the snow, don't worry about it.

[Jayhall]

thats what the salesman told me. 4x4 is great for getting going in the snow, stopping isnt any easier ;)

[achiam]

Yes they have roadchecks. Last weekend when it was heavy snowing they had a tire check somewhere between Squamish and Whistler northbound, nothing southbound though...

[GabAlmighty]

thats what the salesman told me. 4x4 is great for getting going in the snow, stopping isnt any easier ;)

Oh ya, stopping's a different story... What I've sort of come to see is if you have it in 4x4 it's almost better to keep the power on sometimes to keep control. Sort of like on a seadoo

[Jayhall]

if you start to slide ya power is a good thing. I dont like to get to that point though. People behind me probably think my lights are out because I'll just gear down and let the motor slow me down. My truck doesnt have abs so if I lock my tires even for a second the truck will stall. Cant do to much when that happens

[BrRsn]

Are M + S tires ok (by ICBC requirements + roadcheck requirements)? That's all I've got and I plan on going up early next week for a few days of drunken skiing.


Btw, Is it just me or are there way too many douchebags in giant lifted chevy's trying to race you?

[Jayhall]

Are M + S tires ok (by ICBC requirements + roadcheck requirements)? That's all I've got and I plan on going up early next week for a few days of drunken skiing.


Btw, Is it just me or are there way too many douchebags in giant lifted chevy's trying to race you?

m+s tires are not ok at a road check. You have to have the snowflake stamp on the sidewall for it to be considered a winter tire.

as for the lifted chevys, you gotta realize that to them you are the douche bag who is not prepared for the weather driving around without winter tires getting in their way.

[BrRsn]

m+s tires are not ok at a road check. You have to have the snowflake stamp on the sidewall for it to be considered a winter tire.

as for the lifted chevys, you gotta realize that to them you are the douche bag who is not prepared for the weather driving around without winter tires getting in their way.


I'll have to double check if I got the snowflake, if not I have a set of chains but I doubt they'd want me running around on the highway with those on.

and it was summer when I last went =|

I've honestly made it around town with my M+S tires just find everytime it's snowed , I will double check for the flake though

[Jayhall]

if you've got the m+s stamp, you wont have a snowflake stamp. If you have those and chains I think you would be ok at a road check, but dont take my word for it as I dont know for sure.

Your definition of "just fine" will differ greatly from mine Im sure of it. When it snows I try not to drive during the day when there will be a lot of other people on the road. Far too frustrating. Vancouver has a good fleet of plow trucks. Couple years ago Surrey didnt have any roads plowed. Well there was one route that got plowed, from the mayors house to her office. 2 feet of snow on the road will give any fwd or rwd nothing but trouble, snow tires or not

[MindBomber]

I'll have to double check if I got the snowflake, if not I have a set of chains but I doubt they'd want me running around on the highway with those on.

and it was summer when I last went =|

I've honestly made it around town with my M+S tires just find everytime it's snowed , I will double check for the flake though

You would need a full set of chains, and I'm not sure they would actually let you through a road check with just chains since you can't really break 30km/p with them. I would call ahead and check.

[christiankirana]

just had a daytrip to whistler no roadcheck there road is very clear (the put salt)..

[TOS'd]

There was a road check on saturday during the afternoon just passed squamish going north.

[Jayhall]

checking the weather network isnt a bad idea either, if theres nothing but sun in the forcast you probably be ok, until the road freezes and there is black ice everywhere..... damn, all signs point to just get some proper winter tires

[alphakilo]

http://images.drivebc.ca/bchighwaycam/pub/html/www/178.html

These are live webcams so you have an idea what's the drive going up like.

[GabAlmighty]

Holy fuck, went there. No roadblock!

[akyr]

Drove down today. Roads were extremely clear.