72625 posts
Hi shivverpl and welcome to MySwissAlps!
Eastern Switzerland, western Austria and southern Germany got hit with major snow storms the past few days. I wouldn’t make the drive if I could avoid it.
As far as I know the A13 is open but you need winter tires (of course) and I’d have chains if I had to make the drive. Mountain passes are mostly closed, but you’ll be able to take the San Bernadino Tunnel
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72625 posts
Thank you for your kind answer.
I saw some storms, but I thought they are only in higher placed areas, not in low lands where the motorway goes.
Unfortunately, I’m not able to cancel my trip tomorrow as I need to be in the evening in Germany.
You are saying about winter tires and chain, it means that the snow is lying on the motorway?
Thanks!
72625 posts
I would expect snow in some areas yes. The mountain passes are closed but not all the roads are at low elevation.
Are you renting a car? I’d make sure it has winter tires before traveling through Switzerland and other countries in the winter.
15484 posts
Hi Shivverpl,
Storms affect terrain in all altitudes, but could be a bigger problem in the high mountains. Your motorway is not just in the low lands. Motorways at any altitude can become difficult to drive if the weather is extreme enough, or closed even.
Winter tires or at least good quality all season tires are required in winter, regardless if there’s snow on the road. Driving on summer tires is taking a big risk for yourself and others in the road. If you don’t have a car that is equipped for winter, or if you don’t have the driving skills, I strongly recommend to go by train. Safety first!
72625 posts
Considering to go through Slovenia, but not sure if it will be better there, unfortunately, I’m not having winter tires with me in Italy as I didn’t expect to go North anytime soon, it’s an unexpected situation.
I will have a look to find the way through other countries.
72625 posts
I’d highly recommend taking a train or flying instead.
Best of luck whichever way you go!
http://www.ch.ch/en/winter-tyres/
72625 posts
Hello,
Just to say thank you for all your advice 😉 I passed through safely, there was snow on the mountains but nothing on the road. Probably I was lucky to pass this way during calm and warm hours.
All the best for you.
Thanks!
15484 posts
Glad to hear that! Thanks for letting us know.