Winter Travel Tips

Weather conditions in mountainous areas can changed rastically within a matter of hours. A change in conditions, including high winds, and heavy snowfall, can happen rapidly and visibility can drop to almost nil, putting you and your family in a potentially dangerous situation. Pre-planning will help make unexpected roadblocks much easier to avoid.

Always ask for advice from hotel/resort staff on weather conditions (alpinekpk@gmail.com), and keep an eye on local forecasts and their predictions for temperature as well as snowfall.

Driving in winter is hazardous, so it is very important to be prepared for driving in icy conditions. Visibility can be limited and the road surfaces can become very slippery.

It is important to make sure that your car is in working order. Make sure your vehicle is fit for travel or rent a car better suited for your trip. Check if the battery is charged and your headlights, fog lights, and indicators are working? Are the tires inflated properly? Are your windscreen wipers working? Does the air-conditioning work if you need to demist the windscreen?

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Check your vehicle before leaving home

During the snow season, snow chains must be carried in the vehicle for use on roads covered with snow and/or ice. As snow tires and snow chains are a good way for your car to maintain traction on the road and avoid potential accidents. Remember to keep your fuel level full or at least close to it in the winter! And carry extra fuel in your vehicle for emergencies.

If you are stranded for an extended period of time, run your engine for about 10 minutes every hour to stay warm. Open a window slightly for ventilation while the car is running, to prevent any carbon monoxide buildup. Remove any snow that builds up on your car's exhaust pipe.

Below we have a short and informative video outlining all things to consider when driving in the snow

Try to reach your destination in the daytime and avoid driving at dusk and at night. If driving long distances, pack extra food or easy-to-eat food, water/warm drinks, blankets, snow boots, warm hats, scarves, gloves, and a flashlight with batteries.

Your body needs more nourishment in cold weather. Avoid candy bars and other quick-sugar-release snacks. Sandwiches, fruit, or a thermos of hearty stew are much better choices.

Let family members know where you are going and when you are expected to return. Make sure you have important phone numbers saved for emergency services and do not forget to bring a car charger for your phone or tablet as well.

Check the weather forecasts. The weather changes quickly and unpredictably in mountain areas.