Talk Morgan Forums Community Vehicle Talk (non-Morgan) Alpine Touring Questions

I've just been on the AA website. I was planning on going on a drive through the Alpine passes, but now I'm worried.
1) What is the best time of year?
2) Snow chains are compulsory on certain Swiss roads. How will I know which ones? How will I fit snow chains?
3) What happens if I break down and I can't speak enough French, German, or Italian?

From May to September. You could go in April but there would be a risk of snow on the higher passes. It is always possible, but moderately unusual, to get snow even in summer. I would tend to avoid July and August as they are the peak summer holiday season.
They are only compulsory if there is snow. There is not an obligation to carry chains but there is an obligation to have them fitted when the sign is displayed and there is snow. My advice would be not to take a high pass if snow is forecast. There is an obligation to carry a first aid kit and triangles in some countries.

Don't worry you will have Assistance Insurance won't you? It is nearly always possible to find someone who speaks English. People that work at hotel reception desks or restaurants usually have at least some English.

If you come this way send me a PM.

In Switzerland most of the passes are closed during winter time anyway.
I advise to drive over passes between May and September. But it depends always on the weather…
Here you can find information about road conditions in Switzerland (only in German, Italian and French available).
http://www.tcs.ch/de/auto-mobilitaet/verkehrsinfo/aktuelle-lage.php

I did the Route des Grandes Alpes at the end of May, and the Col d'Iseran was closed so had to do a BIG detour through the Frejus tunnel which cost 40 euros !
So imho June is definitely the best month, still lots of snow around and some decent sunshine. No traffic apart from a few bikes.
As Gambalunga says, no need for chains if theres no snow on the roads.
Your breakdown cover will be english speaking.

What about spare light bulbs?

I've done Italian,Swiss & Austria passes several times in the Mog always found May to September to be the best, even in July had snow on Gotthard !
Just go and enjoy, all the people i've come across on my trips are so helpful,Morgan's are the best way of finding people who want to talk and be helpful

We did the Alps about 7 times and always in the third week of june, almost every time we had great wheather. Austria, Germany, Italie And french Alps. Brilliant trips.
paul

This is a good checklist ... Click here.

Thanks. Halfords has a good section.

its HAL-FROUDS....robbing B£££££ds