Snowdrive

Today I was invited to a customer event called Snowdrive, aiming to improve the driving skills on snow and ice. Meeting point was 9 am on the Schwägalp, 1350 m above sea level in really harsh winter conditions. Cold, windy and grey.

First block of theory, then a first round of driving experience (all cars were 4 wheel drive and provided by the organisers). Downhill, 55 km/h, full ABS breaking in different variations: normal, releasing steering wheel (!), drive round an obstacle, etc. After a next theory block then technical driving on the icy parking space and cautiously approaching the maximal grip of car/tyre when driving eights and slaloms. After some warm up rounds then in parallel competition with other cars. It was not racing, some really icy bends only allowed walking speed (the car in this shot was a bit too fast and the copilot had to get out and put the cones back in place). In the afternoon then some sliding experiences and a final 'race' on a full course.

What did I get as as main messages ?
- Adjust SPEED to road conditions
- The EYES always follow the desired direction, never where the car is sliding towards
- If necessary BRAKE fast and hard
- The rear wheels stabilise the direction of the car