Going to Falls Creek snow - RE050's good enough?

by **arrow224** » Mon May 14, 2012 10:45 pm

Looking at going to the snow for a weekend this coming season, am still in the early research phase, so not sure if I will stay on-mountain or off-mountain. I am not sure if I want to drive up and on to the mountain.

Not having driven in any sort of snow before, will the standard RE050's do for the trip up and back to Falls Creek? I would like to think that the roads would be graded regularly? I would not be doing anything remotely off-road, all driving will be done on tarmac roads.

The tyres are the standard ones that come with the car, probably about 3 years / possibly up to 30,000km old, not sure of tread depth.

I understand that snow rated tyres are a great idea, but for just 1 weekend I think it would be a little excessive. I also know that RE050's are useless for snow driving. Of course chains will be carried.

by **bass_straitener** » Mon May 14, 2012 11:13 pm

The roads are pretty good and well cleared. You should have no problems with those tyres if your also carrying chains.

Is your car standard height as fitting chains to a very low car can cause damage.

We used to stay at the Frying Pan in the early days as they had the best entertainment and easy to get back to bed after a night out.

by **mynameisdaniel** » Mon May 14, 2012 11:21 pm

Went up there a few years ago and it seemed alright, lots of cars drove up pretty far without chains (I was in a coach). Saw a spun out WRX though, obviously no one told him AWD doesn't help you stop any faster...

by **bosc0** » Tue May 15, 2012 7:02 am

bass_straitener wrote:We used to stay at the Frying Pan in the early days as they had the best entertainment and easy to get back to bed after a night out.

Ahhhh...... the Fry Pan. Nothing like a messy pub at the snow.

You'll be fine on those tires as long as you have tread and you drive to the conditions. Don't forget to carry chains (which is a legal requirement).
I can recommend staying at http://www.fvfalls.com.au/ and http://www.cedarwoodfallscreek.com/ if on a budget.

Staying off the mountain is for pussies. Ski in , ski out is where it's at.

by **blacktop™** » Tue May 15, 2012 9:17 am

Hhmmm...didn't realise making smart financial desisions made me a pussy.

Maybe I should stay on snow every time I head down to utilise my season pass this year...

On topic, as long as you don't have semi slicks, you'll be fine on any tyres as long as you have decent tread.

by **bosc0** » Tue May 15, 2012 9:20 am

The time you spend driving up and down the mountain everyday could be better spent popping Barocca's, drinking beer and placing bets on snow bunnies

by **RUSHN** » Thu May 17, 2012 12:04 am

definitely will be fine - just dont drive like a maniac - black ice on bends + high speeds = danger!

bass_straitener wrote:definitely will be fine - just dont drive like a maniac - black ice on bends + high speeds = danger!

Hey, never thought about this lowering issue - im getting coilovers pretty soon - would this just need a re-adjustment of height before the snow trip to avoid problems?

thanks
cant wait for snow season! enjoy!

by **RUSHN** » Thu May 17, 2012 12:06 am

bass_straitener wrote:The roads are pretty good and well cleared. You should have no problems with those tyres if your also carrying chains.

Is your car standard height as fitting chains to a very low car can cause damage.

We used to stay at the Frying Pan in the early days as they had the best entertainment and easy to get back to bed after a night out.

weird - i quoted you as saying what i said...?! anyway, i was referring to you low car comment...cheers

by **bosc0** » Thu May 17, 2012 7:03 am

I had to jack the front of the RS up once to fit chains.... on the side of the road, in the snow. I could think of more enjoyable things to be doing.
On any given day the weather can get nasty and you'll have to fit chains. Fitting to a lowered car can be a PIA and physically not possible if you go too low.

by **chris12** » Thu May 17, 2012 7:31 am

I'm thinking of going to the snow (just overnight) and probably at Buller. Same situation as you arrow. Not sure if I should stay on or off the mountain. Don't care about drinking, just want to ski. I'd perhaps like to drive up so I can experience what it's like driving in the conditions, but I haven't thought about the costs.

by **arrow224** » Thu May 17, 2012 8:11 am

Thanks people, I will be driving up, and staying somewhere on the mountain.
For the record, it is standard height with standard rims. Nothing special here.

Would I need to take anything for the car apart from the usual waterproof gloves, tarp, torch (to do chains if/when)?
Would I need anti-freeze in my coolant?
I keep jumper leads and tow straps in the boot at all times, just in case, so I will have those as well.

by **bosc0** » Thu May 17, 2012 8:33 am

Sounds like you have it all sorted. If its super cold and snowing while your parked uptop, don't forget to put your wipers up and leave the handbrake off.
Most coolants have some form of anti-freeze in them these days don't they?

Going to Falls Creek snow - RE050's good enough?

Going to Falls Creek snow - RE050's good enough?

Re: Going to Falls Creek snow - RE050's good enough?

Re: Going to Falls Creek snow - RE050's good enough?

Re: Going to Falls Creek snow - RE050's good enough?

Re: Going to Falls Creek snow - RE050's good enough?

Re: Going to Falls Creek snow - RE050's good enough?

Re: Going to Falls Creek snow - RE050's good enough?

Re: Going to Falls Creek snow - RE050's good enough?

Re: Going to Falls Creek snow - RE050's good enough?

Re: Going to Falls Creek snow - RE050's good enough?

Re: Going to Falls Creek snow - RE050's good enough?

Re: Going to Falls Creek snow - RE050's good enough?

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