Driving from Maranello in Winter (Feb)
Discussion
Does anybody know if the roads are considered safe to drive a Ferrari back from Maranello in mid-February? Obviously you come through the Alps but as far as I believe you don't actually have to go up to much altitude so typically it should be fine?
My friend wants to collect his new car and I'd like to go with him but only if we think it's not too unreasonable to drive home!
My friend wants to collect his new car and I'd like to go with him but only if we think it's not too unreasonable to drive home!
you should be fine if you keep to the main passes/tunnels as the Italians ans Swiss are far better at keeping roads open than we are in the UK. Just avoid the more "spectacular" routes such as the Stelvio as they tend to be closed and, even if open, not for a brand new Ferrari (unless an FF I guess!!)I hope the weather is kind to you and good luck with the trip.Let us know how you get on (with pictures of course!).
Have done the drive a few times mid to late Jan from factory to Milan and back over to the riviera. It has almost always been snowing/wet which made it interesting to say the least. Never had a problem, wisely cruised most of the distance and had a little fun where conditions felt safer to do so.
Rather annoying seeing Golfs and lorries zipping by you on the snowy autostrada though
. If you are picking up an FF, different story.
Rather annoying seeing Golfs and lorries zipping by you on the snowy autostrada though
. If you are picking up an FF, different story. Justices said:
Have done the drive a few times mid to late Jan from factory to Milan and back over to the riviera. It has almost always been snowing/wet which made it interesting to say the least. Never had a problem, wisely cruised most of the distance and had a little fun where conditions felt safer to do so.
Rather annoying seeing Golfs and lorries zipping by you on the snowy autostrada though. If you are picking up an FF, different story.
So you would definitely recommend going that way rather than the more direct Mont Blanc tunnel way? No FFs are involved in this story.Rather annoying seeing Golfs and lorries zipping by you on the snowy autostrada though
. If you are picking up an FF, different story. The Stelvio is ever so slightly closed for about 4 months of the year due to snow.
http://www.passostelvio.com/ita-webcam.php
They do try to keep some of the important passes open against the odds but you are entirely at the mercy of the weather [on the days that you plan to travel]. It could be an epic drive but 2cm of settling snow could halt your progress at any point on the journey, including in the UK, so if the weather scuppers you, be preapared to set up camp at some shoddy 5 star establishment for a few days and allow it to blow over!
The below were probably taken in late April when the Gottard pass is generally always open. They must try to keep it open all season and the end result is that the snow banks at each side keep building up to 8m or so in height!
http://www.passostelvio.com/ita-webcam.php
They do try to keep some of the important passes open against the odds but you are entirely at the mercy of the weather [on the days that you plan to travel]. It could be an epic drive but 2cm of settling snow could halt your progress at any point on the journey, including in the UK, so if the weather scuppers you, be preapared to set up camp at some shoddy 5 star establishment for a few days and allow it to blow over!
The below were probably taken in late April when the Gottard pass is generally always open. They must try to keep it open all season and the end result is that the snow banks at each side keep building up to 8m or so in height!
Shmee said:
So you would definitely recommend going that way rather than the more direct Mont Blanc tunnel way? No FFs are involved in this story.
No experience of any other route I'm afraid. It's usually been snowing and/or icy up at Maranello so keep your wits about you. Should be a great trip regardless.If you can engineer-in a short delay or extended stay in Maranello go via the Mt Blanc tunnel and via Geneva and squeeze in the motor show that starts on the 8th March (press days 6th&7th if you can blag VIP tickets). You could have a problem with hotels though as it is always v.busy around the press days in particular.
MogulBoy said:
If you can engineer-in a short delay or extended stay in Maranello go via the Mt Blanc tunnel and via Geneva and squeeze in the motor show that starts on the 8th March (press days 6th&7th if you can blag VIP tickets). You could have a problem with hotels though as it is always v.busy around the press days in particular.
This trip is the first week of Feb, but I'm actually back in Geneva for the press days, and Dodgeball rally between them - it's a busy 4 weeks!At the moment I think we'll come back through the tunnel (I've driven it a few times before but in snow appropriate cars) and stop overnight in Dijon.
I picked my car up first week of Feb last year and had no issues coming back to the UK via the Mt Blanc tunnel so you should be fine in general.
If you want to see what the route was like some photos below:
http://www.munson.me/gallery/599_gto
If you want to see what the route was like some photos below:
http://www.munson.me/gallery/599_gto
Maff, Your GTO in the tunnel must have been a source of mental torture - so tempting to nail it but average speed cameras at both ends! I suppose going up and down the 'box at sane speeds was enjoyable enough though! P.S. You would have had no worries with snow last winter as it was the driest for 70 odd years but this year we appear to be getting all of last years snow as well as this years allocation..
Shmee, If you are not set on Dijon, Beaune is another great place to stop. Only 45kms south of Dijon but easier access off/onto the autoroute and excellent hotels/restaurants in the heart of Burgundy country.
Shmee, If you are not set on Dijon, Beaune is another great place to stop. Only 45kms south of Dijon but easier access off/onto the autoroute and excellent hotels/restaurants in the heart of Burgundy country.
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