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Switzerland Winter Driving? Carcassonne to Chamonix to Montreux and/or Interlaken

Posted by on

Curious as to the experience of others in driving any or all of this route. Carcassonne to Chamonix to Montreux and/or Interlaken.

Winter driving is not a problem for me as I am used to driving in the elements. I have driven only up mountains such as Mount Washington in NH, within the ski areas mountains of Salt Lake City Utah area, Vermont mountains, and Mauna Kea.

I have been a passenger in a 'k car' when I was younger through the high mountain roads of New Mexico which I envision are closer to driving in the alps. I don't recall fondly that ride, but the driver was riding the brakes rather than downshifting and smelling burning brakes on mountain roads is not a fond memory.

I have absolutely no idea how harrowing winter driving would be in Switzerland. I will try to get some of the Michelin maps that outline the difficulty of certain roads.

I have looked at the swiss train system ad nauseam and I am just debating what other options there are. I would like to visit Chamonix so perhaps we will drive there from Carcassonne and then ditch the car in Geneva to take the train instead to Montreux and onto Interlaken. I have seen other topics posted on winter driving, but I would like to get some additional information if it is available.

We were hoping to get to Tirano to take the back leg of the Bernina Express, but I couldn't figure out an easy way to get there from Carcassonne so it will need to wait for another trip.

Posted by
262 posts

I am not familiar with the journey from Carcassonne, but if you drive from Chamonix to Montreux, it's an easy one.
If you are going to spend time in Switzerland, traveling by train while you are here is almost always the better choice.

Posted by
12040 posts

The main pass into Switzerland from Chamonix, Col de la Forclaz, usually remains open in the winter, although it may close temporarily during a storm. You may need snow chains.

Once you reach Martigny, the route runs through the valley and along Lake Geneva. Towards the lake, the climate becomes almost Mediterranean. The direct Autobahn route to Interlaken runs through some hilly territory between Montreaux and Bern, but no mountain passes. Likewise, along the route to Interlaken, you skim the foothills of the mountains and the shores of the Thunersee, but no major altitude gain or switchbacks. Unless you're driving during an actual snowstorm, the roads should be completely clear.

Posted by
50 posts

This is good information. I have tried to search for videos on the Col de la Forclaz but i haven't been able to find any.

I am still debating if this is too risky of a proposition to make this drive. We intend to use the trains once we reach our destination but it would be a hassle to depend 100% on the train to get there.

Thanks again.

Posted by
262 posts

Very easy to take the train into Swiss from Chamonix and very scenic as well.

Posted by
50 posts

We planned on renting a car in Nimes to explore that area and then drive to Carcassonne. We'd also planned to drive from Carcassonne to Chamonix as there didn't seem to be an easy train from Carcassonne to Chamonix. I'd take the train from Chamonix but we plan on renting through Sixt and I would need to drop the car somewhere.

I've thought about driving to Geneva from Chamonix to drop the car prior to Switzerland adventures, but I am not sure where we are staying in Switzerland.

Posted by
262 posts

In Switzerland, you will find that public transport is usually much easier than a car. If you decide to head to Geneva, drop off your car in France before entering Switzerland. The airport or nearby might be convenient as you can take the train directly from there to your next destination.

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