Munich to Turin end of Jan - snow?

[N24]

HI,
I'm planning to drive from Munich to either Milan, Turin then into France.

Munich's had a fair bit of snow recently, but any local knowledge on likely road conditions through Austria/Swizerland?Are routes open, or likely to be subject to closure?

thanks!

[annsxman]

The main routes will be open but any pass over 2,000 metres will be shut. Even the main routes could have snow/ice on the road. I see from Via Michelin that their route from Munich to Milan takes you over the San Bernardino. The pass was shut 2 months ago but the tunnel is at 1,600/1,700 metres and when I drove it 6 weeks ago there was a heavy snowfall and without winter tyres I wouldn't have got up to the tunnel. The alternative looks like via Innsbruck and the Brenner pass which isn't as high but you would be best advised to have snow tyres on either way.

As for going from Milan/Turin into France it depends where you want to go. If it's in the direction of Albertville then you can go through the Frejus tunnel. Towards Brandon you'll go over the Col de Montgenevre. This is high but snow tyres will be highly advisable. The easy route will take you to the coast and then along the coastal motorway towards Nice.

Edited by annsxman on Monday 26th January 15:27

[N24]

Winter tyres isn't really possible / may need to look at chains/socks... Was hoping Brennar Pass motorway would be pretty clear or cleared of snow?

Plan to France is coastal into Monaco then Route Napoleon, Dijon, Reims, Calais, presuming France will be similar weather to UK rather than particularly wintry/snow conditions.

Cheers

[annsxman]

Brenner is 1370m. Not as high as the San Bernadino tunnel but quite high enough for plenty of snow. It is a main arterial route - it's at least a dual carriageway toll road - and so will be gritted and snow ploughs will operate, but don't underestimate the possibility that for you it may be temporarily impassable if the snow really tips down. When I crossed the San Bernardino last month it was still snowing at 500m.

Coming into France on the coastal motorway will not be a problem, but inland France can have plenty of snow even on the peage. As a general point mainland Europe away from coastal areas is much colder than the UK and much more susceptible to snow and icy conditions. Snow socks are better than nothing and provided you check the forecasts you should be able to find a snow free route.

[N24]

Good advice - much appreciated!

[AlexIT]

With no winter tyres go for the Brenner. Both Austrians and Italians clean the roads far more often than Swiss do.

Last Thursday I drove through the San Bernardino and it was snowing.
From Chur to Mendrisio the road had not been cleaned at all and there would have been no chance to arrive home without winter tyres on.

[Zed 44]

looked like lots of snow from 30,000 feet on monday.

[AdiT]

Bear in mind winter tyres are required by law in Gearmany at this time of year (not unknown for police to stop non-german reg vehicles just to check). Think Austria as well and the French/Italians won't look kindly on you should you get stuck in the mountains without and many roads will have a sign meaning you must have chains with you beyond that point.

[N24]

When does the winter tyre /chains requirement end - April?

Are summer tyres plus chains a valid option?
Thanks

[AdiT]

N24 said:

When does the winter tyre /chains requirement end - April?

Are summer tyres plus chains a valid option?
Thanks

In Germany there's not a fixed set of dates. The law just states you have to have winter tyres fitted during winter conditions. My brother lives in Munich and fits them (from memory) between 1stNov and 31stMarch. Carrying chains isn't an alternative. Fine on the spot for not having them when the police deem them necessary and doubled if you get stuck and cause a hold up. Austria states winter tyres required for winter conditions between 1 Nov and 15 April.