Snow and winter in Europe — map, passes and rules
Winter arrives in Europe at very different times depending on where you are. Alpine passes hold snow in October while the Adriatic coast is still in the twenties. Below is a live map and the three things worth checking before you set off.
Snow and temperature map
Switch layers: snowfall, temperature, snow cover and radar. Temperature decides whether a cloud drops snow or rain — not the precipitation forecast on its own.
Snow map
By default you see forecast snow accumulation. Switch to temperature to check whether precipitation will stay as snow or turn to rain.
Model forecast, not an official warning. Pass closures and chain requirements are announced by national road authorities.
What to check before you go
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- Passes. Timmelsjoch and the Grossglockner usually close in October. Between November and May, plan through tunnels rather than passes.
- Equipment. Austria states dates; Germany looks at road conditions. Past a chain sign, driving without them is an offence even on winter tyres.
- Avalanches. The scale has five levels, but most deaths happen at level 3 — the terrain still looks inviting and one skier's weight is enough.
Emergency number across the EU: 112. Road status comes from national operators — ASFINAG in Austria, TCS in Switzerland, ANAS in Italy.
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