10 Thrilling Winter Driving Experiences in the Alps

You’ll find incredible winter alpine driving adventures across Switzerland, Austria, and Italy’s mountain passes. Family-friendly routes like Lukmanier Pass offer manageable gradients and stunning snow-covered landscapes, while challenging roads like Giau Pass feature 55 hairpin turns through dramatic Dolomites scenery. Always check weather conditions, carry snow chains, and make certain you have proper winter tires before attempting these journeys. Many passes close seasonally, but tunnels provide reliable alternatives. These epic routes offer unforgettable memories when you’re properly prepared.

Lukmanier Pass: Switzerland’s Hidden Winter Gem

Why choose Lukmanier Pass for your family’s winter Alpine adventure? At 1,910 meters elevation, this Swiss gem offers breathtaking sunrise views and snow-covered landscapes that’ll captivate everyone.

You’ll drive through pine forests on manageable gradients—just 4% upward from Olivone and 3.7% downward toward Disentis.

Winter tires are mandatory, and you might need snow chains during heavy snowfall. The pass typically stays open year-round, but severe weather can cause closures. Check daily road updates on the Alpine Passes website before departing.

Your family can enjoy snowshoeing on marked trails, skiing, and tobogganing. Kids will love spotting deer along the route. The pass has been an important route since 720 a.d., when it first opened alongside Disentis Monastery as a key North-South passage to Italy.

The 39-kilometer journey takes just over an hour, making it perfect for families seeking accessible winter mountain experiences without extreme driving challenges.

Giau Pass: Epic Italian Alpine Journey Through Snow-Capped Peaks

When you’re ready for a more challenging Alpine adventure, Giau Pass delivers some of Italy’s most spectacular Dolomites scenery at 2,236 meters elevation.

You’ll navigate 55 sharp hairpin turns and 29 bends along the 20-kilometer route from Selva di Cadore to Pocol.

Winter driving here requires snow tires or chains by law, and you’ll need to check conditions carefully between November and April.

The road’s 13% gradients and narrow sections demand lower gears and careful speed control.

You’ll encounter three protective tunnels and some areas without guardrails.

Plan early morning drives to avoid traffic from camper vans and cyclists.

At the summit, you’ll discover Berghotel Passo Giau and breathtaking 360-degree views of snow-capped peaks that make this challenging journey absolutely worthwhile. The limestone formations and dolomite structures create dramatic geological features that remain impressive even when shrouded in winter mist and snow.

Bregenz to Arlberg: Austria’s Classic Winter Mountain Route

Moving from Italy’s demanding Giau Pass to Austria’s more accessible mountain routes, the Bregenz to Arlberg journey offers families a perfect introduction to Alpine winter driving. You’ll start at beautiful Lake Constance in Bregenz and travel 280 kilometers through stunning Austrian terrain over 2-3 days.

Winter preparations are essential: you’ll need 3PMSF-rated winter tires from November through April, plus snow chains for steeper sections like Flexenpass. Don’t forget your Austrian vignette for motorway travel and budget for tolls—€8 for the Bregenz-Arlberg segment and €11 for the Arlberg Tunnel. The Bregenz route provides faster and more straightforward driving conditions compared to alternative mountain passes.

The route stays open year-round, unlike many Alpine passes. You’ll experience breathtaking highlights including the Silvretta High Alpine Road‘s 34 hairpins and charming Montafon valley, making it perfect for cautious winter adventurers.

Falzarego Pass: Cortina’s Gateway to Dolomites Winter Magic

Rising to 2,105 meters above sea level, Falzarego Pass transforms your family’s Dolomites adventure into an unforgettable winter journey through some of Europe’s most dramatic alpine terrain.

You’ll navigate SR48’s well-maintained but narrow hairpin bends while enjoying breathtaking views of Mt. Cristallo and Mt. Pelmo.

Winter tires are mandatory from November 15th to April 15th, and you’ll need snow chains ready for changing conditions. The pass can close during heavy snowfall, so check weather reports before departing.

Your kids will love spotting the protective tunnels designed to shield drivers from avalanches. Beyond Falzarego, the route continues through Gardena Pass, providing seamless access to the complete Sella Ronda circuit.

From Cortina d’Ampezzo, this route connects you to the famous four-pass circuit, offering multiple scenic stops perfect for family photos and historical exploration.

Grossglockner High Alpine Road: Austria’s Most Spectacular Winter Challenge

While the Dolomites offer winter magic, Austria’s Grossglockner High Alpine Road presents an entirely different alpine challenge that’s best saved for your summer family adventures.

This spectacular mountain route closes completely during winter months due to snow depths reaching 20 meters and dangerous avalanche risks. You’ll need to wait until mid-May when specialized snow ploughs finish their incredible clearance work.

When it reopens, you’ll drive through towering snow walls at 2,571 meters elevation, experiencing breathtaking alpine scenery safely. The 70 km/h speed limit ensures you’ll savor every hairpin turn and mountain vista with your family. Modern rotary ploughs have revolutionized the clearing process, completing what once took 350 workers with shovels up to 70 days.

Remember to check official conditions before visiting, bring winter tires if traveling in shoulder seasons, and budget 45 EUR for car tolls in 2025.

Silvretta High Alpine Road: Hairpin Heaven Between Austria and Switzerland

Though the Silvretta High Alpine Road operates only from June to October, it delivers Austria’s most thrilling hairpin adventure with 34 spectacular bends climbing to 2,032 meters. You’ll navigate this 22.3-kilometer engineering marvel connecting Vorarlberg and Tyrol, experiencing gradients up to 12% while enjoying breathtaking views of the Silvretta reservoir and Piz Buin peak.

Drive carefully through the technical curves with speed limits of 30-70 km/h. The road’s high-quality asphalt and wide carriageway ensure safe passage, but you’ll need to pay tolls at both Partenen and Galtür stations. Don’t bring trailers—they’re prohibited on this route.

At Bielerhöhe summit, you’ll discover panoramic vistas of glaciated peaks and pristine alpine lakes that make this “Dream Road of the Alps” unforgettable. The route also follows the scenic Ill river, which runs parallel to the road and adds natural beauty to your alpine driving experience.

St. Gotthard Pass: Switzerland’s Historic Winter Crossing

Connecting Uri and Ticino cantons at a breathtaking 2,106 meters, St. Gotthard Pass offers you an incredible winter adventure steeped in history. You’ll follow the same route medieval pilgrims and traders used centuries ago, passing the legendary Devil’s Bridge from William Tell stories.

During winter months, this historic crossing typically closes from late October through May due to heavy snow and avalanche risks. When it’s open, you’ll need winter tires and snow chains, which limit your speed to 40 km/h on those steep, winding hairpins.

Before you go, check alpen-paesse.ch for real-time road conditions. Pack a first aid kit and fire extinguisher for safety. The pass stretches 24 km from Hospental to Airolo, making it a substantial journey through Switzerland’s most celebrated alpine crossing.

If the pass is closed, you can use the A2 Gotthard Road Tunnel as your alternate route through the mountains.

Stelvio Pass: Italy’s Legendary Serpentine Winter Adventure

Rising to an incredible 2,758 meters above sea level, Italy’s Stelvio Pass challenges you with 60 hairpin bends that twist and turn through some of Europe’s most dramatic mountain scenery.

However, you can’t drive this famous road during winter months—it’s closed from November through mid-May due to heavy snow and ice.

If you’re planning a summer visit, you’ll need winter tires even in July since snow can fall unexpectedly at high altitude.

The narrow road requires careful driving under 30 km/h through those famous hairpins.

You’ll share the route with cyclists and motorcycles, so patience is essential. This engineering marvel was built between 1820-1825 to connect the regions of Lombardy and Tyrol.

Check weather forecasts and webcams before starting your journey, and consider visiting in early summer when dramatic snow walls still line the roadway.

Furka Pass: Switzerland’s Dramatic Glacier Route Experience

When you’re ready for Switzerland’s most cinematic mountain drive, the Furka Pass delivers breathtaking glacier views and dramatic curves that’ll make your family road trip unforgettable. This spectacular route connects Andermatt to Gletsch, featuring smooth pavement with hairpin switchbacks and cliffside paths perfect for cautious family driving.

You’ll spot the famous Rhone Glacier and ice grotto, plus the iconic James Bond curve from Goldfinger. The nostalgic Furka Cogwheel Train adds extra excitement for kids watching from scenic overlooks.

Plan your trip carefully—the pass typically opens June through October, closing winters due to snow. Drive early summer mornings on weekdays to avoid crowds. Check Swiss traffic sites for current conditions, fuel up in Andermatt beforehand, and prepare for frequent photo stops at safe parking areas. For the ultimate alpine adventure, combine Furka with the Grimsel and Susten passes for a complete 120-kilometer full-day loop through Switzerland’s most spectacular mountain scenery.

Timmelsjoch: Austria-Italy Border Crossing Through Alpine Wonderland

While Switzerland offers spectacular alpine drives, Austria’s Timmelsjoch takes your family adventure to new heights at 2,474 meters—literally the highest drivable border crossing in the country. You’ll navigate 30 thrilling switchbacks connecting Austria’s Ötztal valley to Italy’s South Tyrol, but plan carefully—the pass only operates June through October, 7am to 8pm daily.

The Austrian side offers wider, safer roads built in the 1950s, while Italy’s section features narrow curves and dark tunnels requiring extra caution. At €24 for a return car trip, you’ll access both countries’ sides plus unique attractions like Europe’s highest motorcycle museum and six educational experience stations.

Remember: no trailers allowed on the Italian side, and weather conditions determine exact opening dates annually. This route serves as a “secret passage” compared to the busier Brenner and Reschen Passes, offering a more intimate alpine crossing experience.

The Sum Up

You’ve discovered nine incredible alpine passes that’ll create unforgettable winter memories! Remember, you’ll need proper winter tires, emergency supplies, and current road condition updates before heading out. Don’t attempt these routes during severe weather, and always tell someone your travel plans. Pack extra food, warm clothes, and a fully charged phone. These mountain passes aren’t just scenic drives—they’re serious adventures that require careful preparation. Drive safely and enjoy every snowy mile!