Driving in a winter wonderland: 10 seriously snowy road trips
Put on your warmest coat and your studded tyres and join us as we reveal ten of the world’s best winter road trips.
Europe
Photo Marc Wieland / Unsplash
Lapland
There’s more to Santa’s homeland than Christmas trees and elves. For icy driving adventures the region’s frozen lakes are open for slip-sliding, sideways shenanigans. Discover more.
Photo Nik Berg
Nordkapp
If you’re seeking out extremes then Nordkapp is one for the list as it’s the most northern point in mainland Europe. Should you venture there in the depths of winter be prepared for almost no daylight and the chance that for the final few miles to the edge you’ll have to join a convoy behind a snow plough. Discover more.
Photo Einer Storsul / Unsplash
Svalbard
Even further north is the small island of Svalbard where you’ll need a 4x4 or snowmobile to get around as there are only 25 miles of roads. You’ll also need a gun, just in case one of the polar bears takes a shine to you. Discover more.
Photo Cassie Boca / Unsplash
Iceland
The clue is in the name. Iceland during the winter is blanketed in the white stuff, except for where the geothermal power of this island provides limitless heat. The landscape is so stunning that you’ll definitely want to visit again after the thaw as well. Discover more.
USA
Photo Dan Trent
Arizona’s Alps
Think of Arizona and you’ll probably picture the parched desert, but beyond the old capital of Prescott you’ll find an Alpine environment and twisty mountain roads. Discover more.
Canada
Dempster Highway
You’ll be following in the wheeltracks of the world famous Ice Road Truckers if you take the Dempster Highway in Canda’s Yukon. Temperatures can drop to minus 50 so you and your car will need to be properly prepared. Discover more.
Photo Aditya Chinchure / Unsplash
Sea to Sky Highway
This fabulous route from Vancouver to the Whistler ski resort has waterfalls, wales and wonder. Discover more.
New Zealand
Photo Nareeta Martin / Unsplash
The Remarkables
It’s quite a name to live up to, but the road to the Remarkables does just that, with many a twist and turn and vistas to leave you open-mouthed in awe. Discover more.
Russia
Photo Mazda
Lake Baikal
Siberia’s Lake Baikal is the most voluminous in the world, yet it still freezes solid every year allowing the brave to make a crossing by car instead of the usual ferryboat. Discover more.
Japan
Photo Shutterstock
Hokkaido
Home to some of the planet’s finest powder snow, Japan’s northernmost island is especially beautiful in the winter. After a drive over its mountain passes reward yourself with a bowl of hot noodles and cold Sapporo beer. Discover more.