european winter driving hols destinations (snowline?)

[Buffalo]

Curious to know if there is any kind of map, or what collective experience is, of european holiday locations that make good winter driving destinations, but with the least amount of snow preparations.

Is it best to just stick on snow tyres and throw caution to the wind, throw the chains in the back and see what transpires, or better yet, a collection of locations that require no prior planning?

That aside(even if preps are required), where does make good destinations to aim for (just for the thrill of it - not necessarily for skiing or any other particular "reason"?

[WH16]

'Europe' in winter covers a huge variety of conditions, from Southern Italy to North Norway, from the Algarve to the Urals, and the high Alps will no doubt see very different conditions to Gibraltar.

Can you be more specific about where you might want to go?

[omniflow]

Not really answering the question, but I have seen signs saying winter tyres needed in some surprising places, including most of Tuscany between Florence, Sienna and Arezzo. This is not somewhere that I would have expected to have snowy / icy driving conditions during Winter. I believe that winter tyres are needed up until mid-April.

I have also experienced the GrossGlockner being completely closed due to snow in the middle of May. Winter tyres and / or chains would have been pointless as the road was closed to all traffic. A week before, the road was completely open with no warnings or requirements for winter tyres or chains.

[Buffalo]

In answer to the question 'where do you want to go...?' I suppose that I don't have a specific destination in mind, perhaps the real question is, 'where can I go?'

To elaborate, I'm fond of a European road trip deep into Europe, but somewhat prone to a flash decision as it is related to my unusual work schedule where potential days off just suddenly appear. In the summer this is less of an issue, but in winter a lot of Europe does have requirements for snow chains and other precautions (fair enough).

Can we put together a list of routes/ destinations that require minimal prep, for a tour of say 7 days? Or is the basic requirement to fit the car with winter tyres, throw into the boot a backup set of chains, and just get out there?

[eyebeebe]

I live in Switzerland. I don’t know of any parts of here or the surrounding countries where you need snow chains outside of going up the mountains and only then if there is fresh snow. We’ve never needed them in 15 years. Winter tyres 100% - in some countries mandatory and in Switzerland foolish not to (if you’re in any kind of accident without them, you’re going to get the blame, which will involve fines as well as insurance issues). They are also more effective than regular tyres below 7 degrees, regardless of snow/rain conditions.