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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.