As I skidded for the umpteenth time it was obviously and quite apparently EXCEPTIONAL.
I'm not casting doubts on your driving ability, please don't take it that way, but in other countries where snow is the norm, winter/snow tyres or studs are used, in some countries they are mandatory. Also the roads seem to be better prepared with grit or salt, and the drivers seem to be more used to such conditions and consequently are prepared for it and take it in their stride, rather than what happens here. Also, the railways don't come to a grinding halt.
As to the Express, it serves more than Gatwick nowadays
I'm not quite sure about this. I've seen the Gatwick Express rolling stock on other routes but I think it is leased to other rail operators. No doubt there's an anorak or two here who could enlighten us on this!