Driving in January Germany, Austria, Switzerland
 

Driving in January. We are planning a trip from Munich to Salzburg to Maria Alm to Flims, and back up to Munich. We would like to rent a car and drive versus the train to allow more time to see other small villages on our way to each of these places. We live in the USA in the mountains and have driven in many places around the world. We would like to some input on driving conditions, potential road closures going from Maria Alm, Austria to Flims, Switzerland, especially. Any other driving or travel advise as well.

We have lots of flexibility in our schedule so we can not drive one day or another due to weather. We will be staying in Maria Alm from January 9 through 16 and Flims, Switzerland from January 16 to 23.

Thank you for your feedback/advice in advance.
Sheri and Daniel

In the countries that have frequent snow the major roads are kept in good condition and even the minor ones are passable unless there has just been a heavy snow. However, some alpine passes close completely for part of the winter (some passes are open only June through end of Sept).

However, Maria Alm and Flims (I'm assuming these are time shares) are tiny villages that are basically winter resorts and I'm not sure how long it would take you to get to anyplace with what most tourists think of as "sights". Other tiny villages yes, but not convenient to larger towns.

If you aren't going to ski or other winter sports not sure how much there would be to do.

All cars in Germany should have winter tyres. If not and you get stuck block the traffic. You can face a fine.

16 January is Hahnenkamm downhill race in Kitzbühel, if I am not totally wrong. Traffic jams around Kitzbühel are expected - and you'll pass right through. So get an early start, don't plan on doing much sightseeing/stops that day. And Saturday is always the big arrival/departure day in the ski resorts, plus day trippers going skiing. So heavy traffic definitely anywhere.

Frankly, drive the shortest route on the motorways via Innsbruck - Arlberg tunnel (ok, if the weather is excellent, then drive over the pass, but it does take a lot of additional time.) - Chur - Flims.

Flims is a major ski resort, lots of sight in the region. Chur, the Benedictine Abbey in Disentis, the spa in Vals, the late Gothic frescoes in Waltensburg, Via Mala gorge ...

How many days between Flims and Munich?

we have verified the car we are renting has snow tires. Our intent is to enjoy many of the winter activities including snowboarding, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and possibly try something new for us ice skating. We will fly into Munich then drive to Salzburg. We will be in Salzburg for two days. We we will be staying at time share in both Maria Alm and Flims. A week in each one. We will have 3 days to drive from flims to munich. we are not big city people. We do not enjoy museums. We are planning to take time to see a few castles on our way to Munich. Possibly see the BMW Museum or other recommendations in Munich.