As far as I can recall, whenever the road is too snowy they make chains compulsory with 4x4's being exempt from chains. Never only open to 4x4's. Of course you might not like putting chains on.

However last winter I believe it was not once so restricted. Closed because the car parks up top were all full maybe but that's something else. Why not take the lift from Unterterzen / Oberterzen anyway? Or go to Pizol where everything is at valley level.

Wasn't it the Yeti that Clarkson liked?

I recommended a Yeti to another forum member, who then went out and bought one


I'm waiting for the bottle of wine or punch in the face - depending on how they get on with it!!!



And yes it was the car Clarkson like - better than a Maybach, Ferrari - and tough enough for the fire service. I loved the bit when he stalled it on the muddy hill - and he had to use the hill start technology.

yes..my bad...Yeti...cool little under appreciated ride..

ungrateful basterds

yes...i think it was few episodes later where he ripped the X6 apart...truly the most ridiculous car BMW ever produced
of course, in few of the scenes they had the summer tires mounted while trying to go uphill in the snowy mountains...but still...ridiculous car/SUV whatever..

Just buy a car that you like, get good winter tires, and keep some chains on hand for that tricky situation that might come up every 3 years (check your chains- the rubber can rot out while you're waiting to use them!).

If you're really worried get a good runaround car and the little monster Lada Niva



Seen many of those in the Jura mountains with little plows on the front. Unstoppable, loud, gas guzzling Commie joy.

exaaaactly...at least it is unique and with some pimpin' around interior, engine etc it would be awesome ol' skool ride...

Top spec Yeti is 45,000chf - without pushing for any discount - and that is for the 170ps diesel - 6sp manual gearbox - sat-nav and sunroof.

Bloody nice bit of kit - good economy, spacious, pretty quick - and a 2000kg towing capacity.

mitsubishi asx? can swap between 2 and 4wd! came out last year some time so should have 2nd cars on the market by now.

...and VAG quality and parts

I have never even needed chains in the last 9 years since driving BMW 3series (E36) with limited slip diff. I have several times been stuck with front wheel drive, winter tires & chains as I do spend a lot of time in the mountains!

If I could choose, I'd go with a good solid limited slip too. Can outdo a 4x4 at times, and less moving parts to go wrong.

you're such a tough guy...you stud you

I just popped in to a local garage for the car I wanted, and happened to get an Italian Swiss salesman who spoke no English. We ended up completing the transaction in Spanish.

My point is... focus on the car you want. Language will sort itself.

now that is a good advice....cheers!

Thanks for all the help (so far!) all. (I've just had Swisscom activated - was without the Net for a few days in between!)

I'm pretty much set on a 4x4 just for that last few hundred yards (e.g. the ski resort car park) where a 2wd might struggle. Winter tyres I hear are a must.

I'll check out the Dacia as well - have seen a few about and they don't look bad (but I remember the "old" Duster in the UK - deathtraps those!). I have the assistance of a relocation agent here who I'm hoping can translate / do the deal for us if the dealer can't speak English.

I like the idea of a new car for 20k ish as looking at used car prices 15k will just about buy a 4 year old model, and I'd like to avoid garage bills if anything goes wrong! (Note to self - stop comparing to UK prices!)

Totally agree that you don't need 4 wheel drive to ski in Switzerland, the roads are the best cleaned roads in the world! But you DO need winter tires for the insurance, and chains are obligatory to carry on some roads.

about "Totally agree that you don't need 4 wheel drive to ski "
I agree you need skis; not 4 wheel drive.