WINTER
IN THE
ALPS
Living in a van during a ski season is the ultimate test of your build quality. If you cut corners on insulation or heating, the Alps will expose them immediately.
The Legal Requirements: Tyres & Chains
In France (from Nov 1st to March 31st), and in parts of Italy, Switzerland, and Austria, it is a legal requirement to have either dedicated Winter Tyres (marked with 3PMSF) or carry snow chains in mountainous regions.
3PMSF vs M+S
"Mud and Snow" (M+S) marking is no longer legally sufficient in France. Your tyres must display the "Three Peak Mountain Snowflake" (3PMSF) symbol to be classed as a legal winter tyre. The popular BFGoodrich KO2 All-Terrain tyre has this rating.
The 3 Winter Killers
1. Frozen Water Systems
If your fresh water tank is underslung (outside the van), it will freeze solid at -10°C, destroying your water pump.
Fit 12V heater pads to your underslung tanks (activated via a thermostat), or build your water system entirely inside the insulated envelope of the van.
2. High Altitude Diesel Heaters
Standard diesel heaters (like cheap Chinese models) struggle above 1500m. The thinner air causes the fuel-to-air mixture to run 'rich', which soots up the combustion chamber and causes the heater to fail when you need it most.
Buy a heater with an automatic high-altitude sensor (like the Truma Combi Diesel or Webasto Air Top 2000 STC with the altitude switch).
3. Condensation & Mold
When it's -15°C outside and +20°C inside, every cold surface (windows, metal structural ribs) will drip with condensation from your breath. If left unchecked, this turns into black mold behind your cladding.
You MUST crack your MaxxAir roof vent slightly and leave the heater running 24/7 on a low setting. Airflow is the only way to beat condensation.