Fresh Pow and Chain Checks: What You Need to Know Before Heading Up ❄️🚗

The Snow is Here! Are You Ready?

If you’ve been dreaming of deep turns and fresh powder, wake up—it’s real! Mammoth and SoCal resorts just got a fresh dump of snow, making for some of the best late-season conditions we’ve seen in years. But with all that beautiful white gold comes the reality check: Chain Control is in effect. Even if you drive an all-wheel drive (AWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD), California law says you still need to carry chains. No excuses.

The Truth About Chains ⛓️

Chains aren’t just something you throw in the trunk and forget about. They wear out, they break, and if they don’t fit, they can turn your dream ski trip into a nightmare. I’ve seen it happen firsthand.

Do Chains Last Forever? Nope.

Most chains have a lifespan of about 2-3 seasons, depending on how often you use them. Like ski edges, they get dull. Rust weakens them. Cheap ones can snap under pressure. When was the last time you checked yours?

The Great Chain Debacle: A Cautionary Tale

A buddy of mine (we’ll call him Mike) learned the hard way. He had some old chains rattling around in his trunk from who knows when. First big snow of the season, he pulls over, struggles to get them on, and boom—SNAP! One of the links breaks free at 30 mph, whips around, and shreds his wheel well like a cheese grater. A $50 set of chains turned into a $2,000 repair bill.

The lesson? Test your chains before you need them.

Top Chain Brands to Trust

Want to avoid a "Mike Moment"? Get a solid set. Here are some of the best:

• Pewag – Built like a tank, lasts forever.

• Thule/König Chains – Smooth ride, great fit.

• Security Chain Company (SCC) – Budget-friendly but reliable.

• Glacier Chains – Lightweight and easy to install.

💡 Pro Tip: Make sure you get chains that match your exact tire size. No "almost fits"—that’s how you end up calling AAA.

Spring Skiing = Unique Hazards 🚨

Spring skiing is rad—longer days, warmer temps, and soft turns—but don’t let your guard down.

✅ Morning Ice, Afternoon Slush: Roads and runs are icy in the morning, slushy by noon. Adjust your speed and edge control.
✅ Hidden Ice Patches: Just because the sun is out doesn’t mean the roads are clear. Slow down on shady corners.
✅ Stay Hydrated: It’s warmer than mid-winter, and dehydration sneaks up fast.
✅ Don’t Trust the Lot: Resort parking lots are slush pits. AWD helps, but chains give you that extra grip when trying to exit a frozen mess at 4 p.m.

Final Word: Be Prepared, Have Fun! 🎿

Late-season storms are delivering the goods—deep snow, soft turns, and bluebird days. But to enjoy it all without a roadside disaster, make sure your chains are the right size, in good shape, and ready to go before you hit the road. Safe travels, and see you on the slopes! ❄️🚗

Got a chain horror story? Drop it in the comments—let’s learn from each other before we learn the hard way! ⛷️🚗❄️

Stay safe, stay stoked, and may your chains (and turns) always hold! 🎿❄️🚗

Sasha & the Ski SoCal Insiders

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