Alpine Driving for Motorhome Owners

Britain is known for tough winters and tricky driving conditions, but campervan driving at altitude becomes tougher and requires some preparation. This doesn’t however stop the hordes of campervan drivers who descend on the Alps, Pyrenees and Dolomites each year and, despite the difficult driving, the mountains remain a firm favourite destination for UK campers interested in skiing, mountain biking or hiking. The appeal of a campervan trip into the mountains is obvious, but the pitfalls aren’t, so here’s our guide to alpine campervan driving.

Go Prepared

Before you set off, make sure you have prepared adequately for a trip to Europe, for example make sure you have at least six months left on your passport prior to departure. To avoid falling foul of any restrictions, visit our guide to Travel in Europe after Brexit.

Mountain climates are extreme and to be taken seriously; it is clear that you need to wrap up warm and keep your sunglasses handy, but you should also ensure your campervan is well prepared. Snow chains are essential for most mountain ranges and a legal requirement for many, so don’t leave home without them. It’s also vital that your campervan has a good tyre tread; lower slopes can be a nasty mixture of ice and tarmac too rough for chains but still a challenge for ordinary tyres.

Uphill Driving

Driving to a resort like Alpe d’Huez involves a 2000m climb over about 15km. If you then imagine cycling that, you get an indication of the amount of power it will take to pull you over the hills. Your campervan should be in a low gear at all times and you’ll want to keep your vehicle moving slowly and smoothly. Sudden stops could make it difficult to get started again on severe inclines; it’s best to navigate danger safely rather than just slam the brakes on.

Breakdown Services

On the mountain, campervan breakdown be a serious problem and you’re unlikely to find any garages to help you with anything more than a flat tyre above 1500m. Prior to travelling make sure you’re properly covered with a recovery service that will come and pick you up if you get into trouble. This is included on some campervan insurance policies and often policies can be extended to facilitate these needs.

Changeable Weather

Altitude on alpine roads means you really need to be prepared for changes in the weather and even the most spectacular sunny day can very quickly turn into rain, hail or even snow. There’s nothing you can do about the weather, you just need to be prepared for it – ensure your windscreen wipers are working well, you have sufficient screen-wash and you’re prepared for the worst.

Going Downhill

The biggest danger when travelling downhill is that your campervan brakes will overheat, leaving you helpless and in need of an escape lane. The key is to really start off slow before a big drive down, and to use your engine as a brake as best as possible. If you do need to use the footbrake use it in short, sharp bursts and make sure to give it plenty of release. Burnout comes when you drag your brakes for an extended period of time; make sure you use what power you have wisely.

Wildlife and Nature

You’re really at the mercy of nature in the mountains so don’t assume you’re alone on the roads. Wildlife like deer, mountain goats and cattle are all common in Europe so expect to meet something and have to stop. You also can’t rely on your path not being blocked by a heavy waterfall, ice or simply good old snowdrifts. Be aware of what you might meet.

Other Drivers

In the mountains one of your biggest dangers is other drivers. Your campervan will be slow when going uphill and may not corner particularly well going downhill so expect pressure from other drivers, particularly locals who know the roads well. All you can do is to drive at your own pace, making sure you’re comfortable with your speed; don’t let pressure change your driving style.

Alpine driving isn’t to be underestimated so make sure you acknowledge the dangers and don’t drive carelessly. All the roads in alpine passes are designed for cars but you are always travelling at your own risk. If you don’t think something is passable, turn around and find another route. Though all roads are dangerous, alpine roads present by far the biggest risk so make sure you’re comfortable and confident before going ahead.

Get Ready to Hit the Slopes

At Comfort Insurance, we’ve helped thousands of our customers find excellent value campervan cover so that they can embrace and enjoy the outdoor lifestyle all year round, whatever the weather. We’re here to help you to get behind the wheel with complete confidence in your insurance wherever you decide to travel. Why not get an online quote or give us a call on 0208 984 0666 to speak to our friendly team today.