Why the Alps Are the GT Driver's Natural Habitat

If you own a grand touring car, the Alps are calling you. Few places on Earth combine jaw-dropping scenery with roads engineered specifically for the kind of rhythmic, flowing driving that GT cars excel at. Long straights give way to sweeping bends, then tighten into technical hairpins, all framed by peaks and valleys that make you grateful to be alive — and driving.

Here are the routes that should be on every GT enthusiast's bucket list.

The Stelvio Pass, Italy (Passo dello Stelvio)

Perhaps the most famous driving road in the world, the Stelvio Pass sits at 2,757 metres and features 48 numbered hairpin bends on its northern approach alone. The road is typically open from late May to early October, weather permitting.

Best approach: Drive up from Prato allo Stelvio in the north. The ascent is dramatic and the view from the top is extraordinary. Descend towards Bormio for a more fluid, flowing road surface.

GT tip: Visit early morning on a weekday to avoid motorcycle groups and tourist coaches. The road is narrow in places and patience is required.

The Grossglockner High Alpine Road, Austria

Austria's highest surfaced road climbs to 2,504 metres and cuts through the Hohe Tauern National Park. Unlike some mountain passes, this one charges a toll — but the road quality and scenery justify it completely. The road features well-maintained tarmac, gradual gradients, and incredible views of the Grossglockner glacier.

Best direction: North to south (Zell am See towards Heiligenblut) for the most dramatic opening views.

Col de la Bonette, France

At 2,802 metres, the Bonette loop road is the highest paved road in the Alps. It lacks the drama of the Stelvio's hairpins but compensates with a profound sense of isolation and open, flowing tarmac that suits a GT car beautifully. The approach from Jausiers in the south is particularly rewarding.

Route des Grandes Alpes: The Full Picture

For those with more time, the Route des Grandes Alpes is a multi-day touring route running from Lake Geneva to Nice, crossing 16 mountain passes along the way. It's one of the great long-distance drives of the world and covers roughly 700km of the finest mountain roads in France.

  • Duration: Allow 4–6 days to do it justice
  • Best season: June through September
  • Highlights: Col du Galibier, Col de l'Iseran, Col d'Izoard
  • End point: Nice — ideal for a celebratory dinner on the Côte d'Azur

Practical Tips for Alpine GT Driving

  1. Check pass opening dates: Many high passes only open from June and close in October. Check current status before planning.
  2. Tyre condition matters: Mountain roads will expose worn tyres. Ensure your rubber is in good condition before the trip.
  3. Brake management: Long descents can overheat brakes. Use engine braking and your gearbox on the way down.
  4. Fuel planning: High mountain areas can have sparse fuel stations. Fill up in valley towns.
  5. Accommodation booking: Mountain village hotels book up quickly in summer. Reserve ahead.

The Alps will show you what your GT car is truly for. Few drives are as rewarding, and fewer still will leave you with memories to match.