This winter, the traffic conditions on Swiss roads have been particularly changeable. Fog, sunny thawing phases, snowfalls, and icy roads alternated and forced drivers to be more cautious. Even with adapted equipment, one can quickly get into trouble under wintry conditions. Driving errors are frequent: inappropriate speed and too close a following distance are among the most common causes. 'Most people forget that snow significantly increases the braking distance,' explains Adrian Suter, Head of Education and Development at the Touring Club Suisse. Many drivers do not know how to react when their vehicle starts to skid.
Specialised Centres for Training Under Real Conditions
Given these challenging conditions, training in a safe environment helps develop the right reflexes and better anticipate risky situations. In addition to the fifteen driving training centres accessible year-round in Switzerland, TCS runs special winter courses for driving on snow and ice in two centres during the winter season. These are located in the mountains: one in Zernez in the canton of Graubünden, the other in Bourg-St-Pierre in the canton of Valais. Until the end of February, a winter driving training can be completed there under real conditions.
From Dry Snow to Ice
These high-altitude facilities are specially designed for driving on snow and ice. They feature prepared tracks that simulate various winter situations in a controlled and safe environment. Depending on the temperatures and weather developments, the training surfaces can transition from firm snow to ice, thus providing conditions as they may occur on mountain roads. These locations allow drivers to practice safely under the supervision of experienced instructors.
Objective: Prevent Accidents
The winter driving trainings offered at these centres aim primarily to increase road safety and prevent accidents. Participants learn to better understand their vehicle's behaviour under challenging conditions and how to react correctly. The training begins with a review of the physical basics of driving, followed by practical exercises such as emergency braking, slalom with weight shifting, or evasive maneuvers on slippery surfaces. These exercises help improve vehicle control, adjust speed, and correctly estimate safety distances. Particular attention is also paid to comfort and driving enjoyment, so that wintry conditions can be mastered with more confidence.
TCS Winter Driving Trainings
- A day course 'Snow & Ice' costs from 420 francs (for TCS members CHF 380) including meals.
- The course must be completed with one's own vehicle. Winter tires are mandatory. Studs and snow chains are not permitted.
- Winter course locations are Zernez/GR and Bourg-St-Pierre/VS.
- Dates: Winter driving trainings 'Snow & Ice' - TCS Switzerland
Press Contact:
Vanessa Flack, TCS Media Spokesperson
Tel. 058 827 34 41