Road Safety Tips for Snow & Winter

Spain is one of the most mountainous countries in Europe. Not far inland from any of the popular beach areas in this sun-spilled country you’ll find a “sierra” waiting to be explored. In winter, this often means winter sports, which – in turn – translates to driving in the snow. You'll want to read this article on road safety tips for snow because winter requires the fitting vehicle preparation if you want to make it back home safely.

Trip pre-planning, revision and set-up of your vehicle, and information on the state of the traffic are all vital aspects to your winter adventure – in addition to a cautious driving style. When choosing to look up some snow activities in Spain, you have to be well prepared. Let’s start with your vehicle.

How to Prepare Your Vehicle for Snow

Road safety tips shouldn't leave out maintenance for winter. Correct maintenance improves safety and extends the life of your vehicle. To withstand the cold there are a series of basic rules:

• Check fluid levels, with special attention to antifreeze. It is important the brakes are in perfect state, as well as the steering wheel, battery, and tire treads.
• In case of snow, ice, or rain, you can suffer the 'spray' effect of the vehicles that drive ahead, so double-check that your windscreen wiper blades work perfectly.
• With so many sierras everywhere, meaning lots of snowfall in Spain, you should always carry snow chains or winter tires in your car.
• In addition to items like an emergency triangle and reflective vest, it is also advisable to carry a blanket in case you’re retained by snow.

Road Safety Tips: Things to Keep in Mind Before Traveling

There are a number of safety tips that can be followed to improve safety even before setting off:

• Check the traffic and weather conditions at and en route to your destination for the duration of your trip.
• Always write down assistance and emergency numbers, or use geolocation applications.
• Study the route and plan alternatives in case your vehicle is detained by snow. Look up rest areas along the way, especially if traveling with children.
• Distribute your luggage and equipment correctly to prevent it from flying around in the event of braking or impact, paying special attention to skis and anything else mounted to the top or back of the vehicle.

Road Safety Factors Once En Route

• If the road is shiny, there may be ice!
• Increase stops on long trips: winter driving increases fatigue. While driving, increase the safety distance between cars, especially in case of rain, fog, ice or snow. Use you hazard lights to alert other drivers to any traffic jams or stoppages ahead.
• At night, check and clean the headlights, as they may become unusable when snow or dirt accumulate.
• If you park in an area with a risk of frost, your break pads may freeze. Verify their effectiveness before starting to drive.
• Always have enough fuel; In addition to using more heating during cold weather, it will provide additional weight to move in slippery areas.

Where to Find Snow in Spain

Spain gets snowfall in a vast part of its territory, which is why there are so many ski resorts throughout the country. Even in the Canary Islands you can exchange the black volcanic beaches for a touch of white on top of the country’s highest peak, El Teide volcano, located on Tenerife.

But from the southern heights of Sierra Nevada (Granada) to the majestic border massive of the Pyrenees and the astonishing Picos de Europe, passing by Madrid’s unexpected Sierra de Guadarrama or Gredos, you can enjoy enough mountain fun for a lifetime!

Snow Sports & Activities in Spain

The options for outdoor and cultural activities in all these destinations are endless. In sorts, they’re all similar; in winter, they include all the snow activities you can imagine – skiing, snowboarding, snow shoe hiking, even dog sled riding in the north. But the beauty of Spain exists in its cultural diversity, meaning each destination will give you a completely unique experience.

One potential wintertime Spanish road trip is to drive an hour outside Madrid, ski at Puerto Navacerrada until you’re famished, and then enjoy some “judiones” and “cochinillio” in the royal town of La Granja de San Ildefonso or the roman aqueduct of Segovia. Another option is to head south to Andalucia and mix some snowboarding in Granada with a visit to the wonders of the Alhambra palace.

If you prefer a more high-end version of winter sports, why not pay a visit to Baqueira Beret, the Spanish royal family’s favourite option. And just outside of northern Spain you can head to Andorra, a tiny country nestled in the Pyrenees mountains that’s famed for its snow sports.

In any case, Spain has lots of snow – at least during the winter months. Enjoy the snow while you still can, and if you need ideas for outdoor activities and adventure tours in Spain and Portugal, check out Olé Outdoors. Our last tip for road safety would be to get the proper insurance for when those inevitable winter accidents happen. Read our car insurance guide: