You don't say which country you plan to ski in, there is a list of requirements here from the AA.

www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/overseas/snow-chains...l

A Hi-viz gilet for every car occupant is required in France and must be accessible before getting out of the car, if it isn't flic will take great pleasure in dishing you out a hefty on-the-spot fine - that's why the french drivers have them draped over the back of the seats.

Don't forget that a lot of the stuff is not optional - if it's required and you get controlled and you haven't got it you could have the car impounded until you put it right.

Edited by focussed on 06/07/2016 at 21:05

decent strength screnwash - go for -15 if possible, certainly not less than -10

not a top-up but a full washer bottle!

if you are going to be in France do NOT use speed camera detection radar - if caught your car will be confiscated

All tips graciously received

Is this not a 4WD? Unless you are going up the side streets of a snowy Alpine village you will have no trouble at all. Roads up to ski resorts are either very briefly closed or easily passable by even RWD Mercedes (as long as they're on winter tyres - ordinary tyres were good enough for our FWD Audis and Passats). This is because the well engineered roads are not actually steep like some of our Lake District and Pennine roads, they just have lots of curves and hairpins up the mountain side, maintaining a steady shallow gradient.

Plan a cheap fuel stop at a large supermarket near a big town before you get to the Alps.

Carry drinking water (and possibly a shewee!) if joining a Saturday approach road traffic jam. Take a good supply of chocolate. And flask of strong black coffee if lone driver.

If you do one thing and one thing only, invest in winter tires. Totally worth it. Going up a hill you'll be fine, but trying to turn or stop is a different matter and can be quite scary no matter how skilled we think we are.