Are the Swiss Alps Passable in Late Feb and Tyre Laws

[Baldchap]

Hi all.

Currently in Spain (driven down) and toying with the idea of heading home via Como and Livigno, then taking in an Alp or two, Thun then head back to UK.

I'm currently on summer tyres though confident the local BMW dealership would be able to get me some all seasons that I'd then leave on the car permanently.

Which leads to two questions, one of which I'm pretty confident I know the answer to:

1: Are the Swiss Alps passable and pleasant to drive in late Feb or am I better off waiting until summer?

2: Are all seasons acceptable under the various winter tyre laws in Europe or do they have to be specific winter tyres?

Thanks.

[omniflow]

Passes will almost certainly be closed in late feb. Whilst not Swiss, this website should give you some idea

https://www.grossglockner.at/gg/en/thehighalpinero...

We had to abandon our plan to stay overnight on this pass last year, at that was in the middle of May.

I can't answer the tyre question, but I suspect it's not important as you won't be going over passes anyway.

[psi310398]

omniflow said:

Passes will almost certainly be closed in late feb. Whilst not Swiss, this website should give you some idea

https://www.grossglockner.at/gg/en/thehighalpinero...

We had to abandon our plan to stay overnight on this pass last year, at that was in the middle of May.

I can't answer the tyre question, but I suspect it's not important as you won't be going over passes anyway.

The tyre question is important as stretches of the Italian motorway network mandate winter tyres or chains between 15 November and 15 April. And, while checks on the motorways are rare, I have been checked on entry at both Frejus and Mont Blanc by the rozzeri stradale for compliance. My gommista tells me that if the tyre has the winter marking on it, you’re golden, if not, at least have chains in your boot.

In Italy if you do have an accident, and don’t have the right tyres, a fine will be levied and it might colour the view on causation.

I’m no expert, but I do believe, in Switzerland, while tyres or chains aren’t actually compulsory, you can be fined for causing an accident or delay if your car is deemed unsuitably equipped.

[Wills2]

Baldchap said:

Hi all.

Currently in Spain (driven down) and toying with the idea of heading home via Como and Livigno, then taking in an Alp or two, Thun then head back to UK.

I'm currently on summer tyres though confident the local BMW dealership would be able to get me some all seasons that I'd then leave on the car permanently.

Which leads to two questions, one of which I'm pretty confident I know the answer to:

1: Are the Swiss Alps passable and pleasant to drive in late Feb or am I better off waiting until summer?

2: Are all seasons acceptable under the various winter tyre laws in Europe or do they have to be specific winter tyres?

Thanks.

All the Swiss pass info on this link

https://alpen-paesse.ch/

[Kart16]

Baldchap said:

Hi all.

Currently in Spain (driven down) and toying with the idea of heading home via Como and Livigno, then taking in an Alp or two, Thun then head back to UK.

I'm currently on summer tyres though confident the local BMW dealership would be able to get me some all seasons that I'd then leave on the car permanently.

Which leads to two questions, one of which I'm pretty confident I know the answer to:

1: Are the Swiss Alps passable and pleasant to drive in late Feb or am I better off waiting until summer?

2: Are all seasons acceptable under the various winter tyre laws in Europe or do they have to be specific winter tyres?

Thanks.

In Italy winter tyres are mandatory.

[Baldchap]

Questions answered. Thanks all.

We're coming in the Evora in June, we'll head home as normal this time.

Thanks to all responders.