In addition to visiting other places in Italy, my husband and I would like to spend some time in the Dolomites region the first week of Jan. We will most likely be based in Bolzano and would like to drive from there to Merano, Cortina and towns in Val Gardena for day trips. Does Italy do a good job of keeping roads open and cleared from snow? I would think so for the skiers and vacationers to get around, but are they ever impassable? I know in some places outside Italy where we've stayed, road maintenance is a very high priority and very few roads have ever been impassable even right after a big storm as they are out clearing day and night . . . can I expect this also in the Italian mountain towns? I would hate to get stuck and miss our flight home (this is pretty much our last stop) or not get to see some of the cute small Dolomite towns. We do have back up plans, but I really want to spend some time in the mountains while we're there. I have tried researching road clearing in the Dolomites, but I'm not finding much so far. I know there are folks here who are very knowledgeable. Thanks!!
Posted by
Paris
6893 posts
You need to carry snow chains in your rental car: rent them with the car, and make sure that they are the right size for the vehicle. Carry some old gloves and a flashlight to be able to put them on when needed.
The chance you need to use them is low, but road clearing can take a while, and I believe the law mandates that you carry them in mountain regions anyway (to be checked).
Posted by
OP
california
40 posts
Thank you, I appreciate the info. I am hoping to get the chains with the car although we will get the car in Florence. I am hoping they have chains since that is not a mountainous area
Posted by
Boston
1698 posts
Tuscany also requires chains on board or snow tires mounted in winter. Go with one of the major rental companies who can specify what they will provide.
Posted by
OP
california
40 posts
Tuscany does as well? Okay, then we will be all set. Thanks!
Posted by
Firenze
500 posts
From Nov. 15th to April 15th you are required to have winter tyres or snow chains on board on selected itineraries including steep ramps where a blocked vehicle can stop traffic. These included the Apennines section of A1 from Modena to Arezzo (including Florence) and almost all the roads around Florence beginning from the road to Fiesole.
As for your plans, Bolzano to Merano is a low itinerary, val Garden is relatively low, but Bolzano to Cortina includes three passes, two of them (Pordoi and Falzarego) quite high in elevation, so the odds of snow on the road or even a closure are much higher.
Posted by
Emilia-Romagna, Italy
40 posts
From Nov. 15th to April 15th you are required to have winter tyres or snow chains on board everywhere in Italy.
Posted by
OP
california
40 posts
We will get chains from the rental company . . . thanks all!
Thank you for the heads up about possible closures on roads to Cortina. I guess all we can do is hope we can get through and that they make every effort to clear the roads quickly, but it is what it is. At least it sounds like we will most likely be able to see the lower elevation towns and countryside and that is good news. Thanks again
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
32745 posts
spam directly above from mr expired - don't click through - reported