those guys are nuts w/the chains there! We were 500 feet from entrance to Alpine Meadows and were forced to stop and put them on in a blizzard. Buy them now and practice. We had to patronize one of the several entrepreneurs who stand there selling them to all the morons (us) who didn't have them. They make an unbelievable difference. Be careful. Where are you staying/skiing? I love Squaw. Very jealous.