Seasonal driving
Planning a mountain-road trip: leave room for the mountains
Check pass access, opening hours, fuel stops and alternatives before turning a scenic road into the centrepiece of your itinerary.
- Topic
- Seasonal driving
- Published
- Last reviewed
- 18 September 2026
- Official source
- Open source ↗
A mountain road can be the highlight of a journey, but a line on the map says little about today's access. Plan the scenic section as a flexible part of the trip, with a lower-altitude alternative that still gets you to your overnight stop.
Check the operator, not just the map
Look for the road authority or operator's current status, seasonal opening period, daily entry hours and any vehicle restrictions. Tourist roads can have their own tickets and last-entry times. Austria's Grossglockner High Alpine Road, for example, publishes seasonal opening hours and live notices; its summer schedule is not permission to drive there at night or during a closure.
Make the whole day realistic
Allow time for slower traffic, viewpoints, roadworks and breaks. Put fuel or charging stops before the remote section, and verify opening hours where services are sparse. Download the alternative route as well as the scenic one. Tell your accommodation if your arrival depends on a pass that may close.
Prepare the vehicle and passengers
Use the manufacturer's guidance for tyres, load and braking on long descents. If you are unfamiliar with mountain driving or riding, practise on a less demanding route or seek instruction before attempting a challenging pass. Choose daylight and favourable weather for the first visit. A passenger who feels unwell or uncomfortable is a good reason to shorten the day.
Decide before the climb
• Is the road officially open for this vehicle today?
• Is the forecast suitable for the highest section, not only the valley?
• Can you complete the route within the operator's hours?
• Is there enough range for a diversion?
• Where can you turn back or stop legally?
Keep the viewpoint a place to stop
Pull completely into a designated parking area before taking photographs. Do not stop on a blind bend or try to save time by crossing a closure. If the conditions deteriorate, use the alternative. The mountain will still be there for another visit.
Sources and further reading
Grossglockner High Alpine Road — prices, opening times and road notices
https://www.grossglockner.at/en/for-your-visit/prices-opening-times
Check the operator, not just the map
Look for the road authority or operator's current status, seasonal opening period, daily entry hours and any vehicle restrictions. Tourist roads can have their own tickets and last-entry times. Austria's Grossglockner High Alpine Road, for example, publishes seasonal opening hours and live notices; its summer schedule is not permission to drive there at night or during a closure.
Make the whole day realistic
Allow time for slower traffic, viewpoints, roadworks and breaks. Put fuel or charging stops before the remote section, and verify opening hours where services are sparse. Download the alternative route as well as the scenic one. Tell your accommodation if your arrival depends on a pass that may close.
Prepare the vehicle and passengers
Use the manufacturer's guidance for tyres, load and braking on long descents. If you are unfamiliar with mountain driving or riding, practise on a less demanding route or seek instruction before attempting a challenging pass. Choose daylight and favourable weather for the first visit. A passenger who feels unwell or uncomfortable is a good reason to shorten the day.
Decide before the climb
• Is the road officially open for this vehicle today?
• Is the forecast suitable for the highest section, not only the valley?
• Can you complete the route within the operator's hours?
• Is there enough range for a diversion?
• Where can you turn back or stop legally?
Keep the viewpoint a place to stop
Pull completely into a designated parking area before taking photographs. Do not stop on a blind bend or try to save time by crossing a closure. If the conditions deteriorate, use the alternative. The mountain will still be there for another visit.
Sources and further reading
Grossglockner High Alpine Road — prices, opening times and road notices
https://www.grossglockner.at/en/for-your-visit/prices-opening-times