 Poster: A snowHead
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I'm happy with the route to my chosen destination in Austria for a week in Jan but I'm thinking of extending and driving to a few more places the week after. Is there a good resource for finding out what roads/passes are generally kept open over the winter season? My cars sat nav will no doubt tell me the fastest/shortest route but I don't think it take into consideration seasonal road closures. Looking at routes from Ski Amade area to Dolomites/Brenta Dolomites and possibly Bormio/Livigno and returning through eastern Switzerland etc.
Thanks!
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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@japes1275, https://www.drive-alive.co.uk/driving/alpine-passes.htm has some pointers.
Google Maps is generally aware of closures, as the traffic stats are based on automated user feedback and so their system can detect a closure within a few hours because the traffic levels drop to zero. They also get data fed to them by government bodies, so you'll frequently see timed closures on motorways be flagged up as well - that isn't based on real time information because I've had a couple of occasions where the road ahead was shown as closed in the app and I was recommended a diversion, but as I got to the start of the closure the road crews were in the process of closing it and had cones out over 1 lane at that point. Five minutes later it would have been fully closed, so they were running about 15 minutes behind schedule.
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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does your sat nav have live traffic ? if so then it should get road closures. Evidently our Volvo did this via FM, the Merc has it for new cars then as a subscription option after 3(?) yrs.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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Slight thread stray. Don't have a car but would like to try driving to a european ski resort this winter.
Does anyone know if it is possible to take a uk hire car abroad and if so any hire company that does this?
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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@japes1275, just use your smartphone (with data roaming) and Google Maps, the live updating shouldn't send you on a closed route and will reroute around any problems (not just snow-related) ahead.
The way from Ski Amade to the Dolomites is via the Katschberg or Felbertauern tunnels, down to Lienz and up the Drau/Drava valley into Italy or alternatively motorway all the way back out via Germany, Innsbruck and the Brenner motorway. All routes pretty much kept open throughout Winter, but a really heavy snowfall could mess things up.
Depends exactly where you mean in Dolomites and Brenta Dolomites as to routes through there. Even high passes are often kept open through winter, but look for a valley approach route if possible.
Eastern Switzerland is beyond my experience, but to get there from the Brenta will involve mountain passes (or a long detour) as there are no transalpine tunnels except the one-way one from Livigno into Switzerland. I believe there are car trains in winter to get out of the Engadine valley across into the Rhine Valley.
The fastest way out of N Italy to the UK is via St Gotthard tunnel with its motorway approaches both sides, but it's a fair way west of the Brenta.
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@nahdendee, Europcar used to allow their cars out of the UK, my knowledge here is pre Brexit so things might have changed since. You might struggle to get winter tyres
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From Bormio, the Bernina Pass between Tirano and St Moritz is usually open.
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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Having been diverted from the Brenner Pass ( closed due to accident) I was diverted via Merano (ss40) and I did notice the road to St Moritz was being well used , it is not a major road but it doesnt go over any high passes
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Thanks everyone, some good info and suggestions there. I’ve just managed to work out how to connect my phone to my cars ‘infotainment’ system and I can now use Google maps sat nav on my cars screen - which is pretty handy! So I should be able to have live traffic info as long as I have a signal and enough data while roaming. Still makes it a bit difficult to plan ahead for a route but to be honest I’m probably just going to head for where the snow is best (for skiing and/or driving) so will be doing that at the last minute anyway.
If I head that way I was thinking of returning via Livigno so I’ll either use the tunnel or maybe go through St Moritz.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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| Quote: |
Still makes it a bit difficult to plan ahead
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That's the nature of the beast. Some passes are likely to be closed all winter (e.g. the Cormet de Roselend) and some will be open except when it's very snowy (e.g. Col des Montets). Some will be signposted as closed ALL the way up the valley and then an Italian policeman will let you through if he's in the mood, and you have snow tyres (e.g. the Passo Campolongo between Corvara and Arabba when I drove over it during the famous "snowmageddon" event)
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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| BoardieK wrote: |
| https://www.alpen-journal.de/alpenpaesse |
Good link.
There are at least 414 major Western European Alpine and near-Alpine passes (mountaintop roads).
Austria = 31%
France = 28%
Switzerland = 20%
Italy = 15%
Slovenia = 4%
Germany = 3%
Total = 100% (rounded)
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You know it makes sense.
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That is a great link BoardieK, thanks!
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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In case it's helpful to those driving around the Alps looking for a place to stop and ski, I've found that Chamonix has quite a bit of short-stay accommodation available at short notice.
If i spend a week in an alpine resort, and then fancy another couple of days given fantastic conditions, then Chamonix is where i look to first.
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