25 Best Winter Drives In the World –

With the onset of winter, travel enthusiasts get an adrenaline rush as there are some magical winter road trips across the world that you can embark upon. Equip your vehicle with some basic winter driving amenities like flashlights, batteries, blankets, gloves, boots, first-aid kit, tyre chains, ice scraper, jumper cables, road flares, water and snacks and you are all set for some fun and frolic on snow-covered roads.

1. Icefields Parkway, Canadian Rockies -

One of the most picturesque mountain drives of the world is the Icefields Parkway stretching about 140 miles at the heart of the Canadian Rockies from Banff to Jasper. Lovely stops enroute include Tangle Falls, Bow Lake, Crowfoot Glacier, Peyto Lake, Nigel Pass, Moraine Lake. You can come across wildlife like big-horn sheep, mountain goats and woodland caribou.

 2. Bowvalley Parkway –

Bowvalley Parkway starting from Lake Louise and ending at Banff offers another exciting route for winter drives. Some of the scenic highlights include more than 8000 years old Johnston Canyon and Morant’s Curve with panoramic views of the Canadian Rockies over the horizon. You only need to remember that driving is not allowed here from 8 pm to 8 am.

 3. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming  –

The route stretches for 47 miles from Mammoth Hot Springs to the northeast entrance on the Grand Loop Road or you could take the Buffalo Bill Scenic Byway from Cody to Yellowstone. Ski or explore the trails through the Old Faithful Geyser Basin. Guided snowmobile or snowcoach will reach you to the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. Experiencing the landscape filled with steam from the thermal features is indeed mindblowing.

 4. Seward Highway, Alaska –

The Seward Highway from Anchorage to Portage in Alaska becomes a magical winter wonderland as you cruise through the Chugach National Forest, Turnagain Arm and cross the Kenai Lake. Stop at the Alaskan Wildlife Conservation Centre to see native wildlife like reindeer, lynx, moose and grizzlies. 

 5. Yosemite National Park, California –

Yosemite National Park offers awe-inspiring views in winter as snowfall envelopes its granite monoliths and Bridalveil and Yosemite Falls turn into frozen sheaths of ice. Despite many winter closures in the area, Yosemite Valley and Wawona are accessible by car throughout the year. 

 6. Parke County, Indiana –

Parke County is famous as the Covered Bridge Capital of the World with its 50 mile loop covering 31 historic covered bridges. There are five driving routes, each about 30 miles starting from Rockville. The colourful 1800s built red bridges going over icy rivers present a striking contrast with meadows blanketed by snow, sandstone cliffs, dramatic ravines and cliffs. Highlights here include the Turkey Run State Park that has creeks that look more enchanting when draped in snow.

 7. Arches National Park, Utah –

Beginning at Moab, approximately 36 miles of scenic drive covering Arches National Park offers breathtaking views. Desert photographers will specially adore the snow-clad natural sandstone sculptures twinkling in soft winter light. Wolfe Ranch, Windows Section and the Delicate Arch viewpoint attracts a large number of tourists here.

 8. Lake Tahoe, Nevada -

The 72 mile drive along the perimeter of Lake Tahoe will mesmerize you as the surrounding Sierra Nevada mountain’s reflection falls on the lake’s glassy surface. The eastern side of the lake is a National Scenic Byway. Sand Harbour, part of the Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park deserves special mention as it is the perfect place to dip your toes in icy waters as it never freezes.

 9. Stowe to Rochester, Vermont –

Vermont is popular among tourists as a winter escape but the 50 miles Vermont Route 100 is divine specially if you pause to unwind in the Green Mountain villages of Wilmington and Weston as well as the Mad River Valley and Moss Glen Falls. You can splurge on some practical souvenirs at Weston’s Vermont County Store and another must-visit is Ben & Jerry’s factory at Waterbury.

 10. Great Smoky National Park, Tennessee and North Carolina – Another US national park that offers striking views specially in winter is the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. As you drive through the park’s hills and valleys, you will come across myriad trees and shrubs like sweet pignut hickory, smooth hackberry and pumpkin ash. Pull over to admire the lofty ,Mount Cammerer and if you are lucky you can see scampering elks and deer among the southern alpine wilderness.

 11. High Road to Taos Scenic Byway, New Mexico –

If you wish to experience the beauty of desert with snowflakes dancing on junipers and pines, you need to take the route through the Sangre De Cristo Mountains between Santa Fe and Taos on NM 76. Amazing sights of the 14th century Nambe Pueblo and wood-carving village of Cordova await you. Stop to marvel at the snow-capped Truchas Peak rising to 13,000 feet. Other halts can include San Jose de Gracia de Las Trampas, a National Historic Landmark as well as centuries old San Francisco de Asis Mission Church.

12. Skylight Drive, Shenandoah National Park – Virginia –

The 105 miles route running between Front Royal and Rockfish Gap through Shenandoah National Park offers stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains in eastern United States. You can choose any of the 70 overlooks for stupendous views of the sprawling Shenandoah Valley to the west or Piedmont to the east. Do not be surprised to come across foxes and bobcats enroute and stick to the speed limits.

13. The Great Dolomites Road, Italy –

An ideal day trip from Venice consists of cruising through the 86 mile Great Dolomites Road, one of the world’s most exhilarating alpine drives. Hairpin bends revealing sawtooth mountain peaks and grand valley views greet you here. Starting from Bolzano, winding east to Ponte Nova, you can drive through Valle di Fassa before reaching the magnificent Passo Pordoi, a mountain pass, at an altitude of 7,345 feet.

 14. Lofoten Islands, Norway –

Norway has many scenic routes through which a road trip stretching 143 miles through the Lofoten Islands will surely be quite memorable. Enroute you can stop at Nusfjord, one of the oldest fishing villages in Norway, for an overnite stay. The precipitous peak views at Reinehalsen are a must-see. Adrenaline junkies can rent sea kayaks or opt for snorkeling in chilly Arctic waters or you can opt for the tamer sport like cod fishing.

 15. Ring Road, Iceland –

Ring Road or Route 1 that runs close to Iceland’s coast is quite stunning all year round but becomes more ethereal during winter as black sand beaches gets covered in sparkling snow. Adventure seekers can rent four wheel drives with tyre chains and brave blinding snow and sleet to be rewarded with magnificent views of frozen waterwalls, icebergs and even active volcanoes. If luck permits, you can even see the Northern Lights.

16. New Zealand’s Southern Scenic Route –

New Zealand’s Southern Scenic Route will take you through quaint towns, distant beaches, majestic waterfalls and fjords. Just remember that winter months here are June, July and August when the mountain tops glisten with snow and a cool breeze comes off the water along the coasts. Explore the underground Milford Sound and Waitomo Glowworm Caves as well as the Willowbank Wildlife Reserve which has lemurs, wallabies and kiwis.

 17. Northern Germany, Cologne to Berlin –

A two day winter drive through Northern Germany starting from Cologne and ending Berlin can be an incredible experience if you are looking to explore the hidden treasures of the country. In particular, cities like Hamburg and Dusseldorf are clothed in snow during winter and really take your breath away. Experiencing Snowfall on the beach in Rostock will simply be a memory to cherish forever.

18. Northern Portugal, Lisbon to Guimeraes –

Northern Portugal offers a fantastic road trip starting from the historic city of Lisbon through the streets of Porto, renowned for vibrant tiles and the namesake drink. Head further north and you will reach lesser known but equally interesting cities like Guimaraes and Braga.

 19. Slovenia to Italy –

You can start from Slovenia’s Triglav National Park area and move deeper into the mountains while the Soca river gurgles beside you for the first half of the route. Tolmin Gorges and Slap Kozjak, the highest waterfall in Slovenia are noteworthy stops. Bovec is a small town enroute where you can enjoy adventure sports like canyoning, kayaking, hiking and paragliding. Vrsic Pass in the second part of the route has 50 thrilling hairpin turns.  Finally, the road leads to the spectacular Laghi di Fusine in Italy.

 20. The Golden Circle, Iceland –

A popular driving route to experience the classic beauty of Southern Iceland, this route starting from Reykjavik is only 190 miles but has a lot of photo opportunities along the way. Sightseeing can include Gullfoss Waterfall, Geysir Geothermal Field, Thingvellir National Park. Watch out for Icelandic ponies all along.

21. Sonmarg to Gulmarg, Kashmir, India –

You can explore the breathtaking beauty of Kashmir in winter by taking the road covering Srinagar, Pahalgam, Sonmarg and Gulmarg. Considered among the best road trips in winter in India, the 123 km long route offers some mesmerizing sights as the Kashmir Valley turns into a frozen paradise.

 22. Leh – Manali Route, Himalayas, India –

The Leh-Manali route offers the ultimate mountain driving expedition in India. You start from Solan Valley through the Rohtang Pass, with the bewitching Chandra River beside you with its many glaciers. Baralach La and Lachung La passes with their mindblowing landscapes and views of Himalayan meadows and canyons will surely amaze you.

23. Gangtok to Zuluk Route, India –

The famous Zuluk loops are an exciting option for any mountain driving enthusiast. There are 96 hairpin turns on this route between Gangok and Zuluk which will thrill the daredevil spirit inside you. It is advisable to have lemons and chew on candies to avoid motion sickness. Be cautious while taking the turns and stick to the speed limits.

 24. Scotland’s Western Highlands –

Scotland’s Western Highlands offer a delightful 250 miles route from Edinburgh to Isle of Sky Architecture and history buffs will adore the Linlithglow Palace, Strirling Castle, Wallace Monument as well as the lovely Eilean Donear Castle on Sky. You can also relish fresh seafood like scallops, mussels and oysters.  Splendid loches and coves on the Atlantic at Morar and seacliffs and rocky outcrops at the Isle of Skye offer superb photo opportunities.

 25. Jebel Jais Mountain Road, UAE –

The partially constructed Jebel Jais Mountain Road in UAE lures mountain drivers and tourists a lot these days. Temperatures can be quite chilly here often ranging between 30 - 40 deg F. You will be greeted with blacktop mountain views including the highest peak of UAE rising to an altitude of around 6000 feet. Thrill seekers can also enjoy the world’s longest zipline here travelling at speeds of up to 150 kph at a height of 1680 metres above sea level.