The Best European Tires for Alpine Winter in 2024-2025 by TiresVote.com 2025

The Best European Tires for Alpine Winter in 2024-2025 by TiresVote.com

Navigating the challenging terrains of the European Alps during winter demands nothing but the best when it comes to tire performance. At TiresVote.com, we've dedicated ourselves to the pursuit of identifying the top-performing winter tires for such demanding conditions. After an exhaustive review of dozens of professional tests and charts from all corners of the world, we've curated a list that represents the pinnacle of tire technology for the 2023-2024 Alpine winter season.

Our rankings are anchored by our proprietary CoreScore, a comprehensive metric that amalgamates user reviews with the results of professional tire tests conducted by a myriad of experts. This ensures that our recommendations are not just popular, but are backed by real-world performance and expert evaluations. The information we present is the culmination of extensive research, subtraction, and elimination processes, ensuring that you are equipped with detailed and truthful insights into the best tires the planet has to offer for the Alpine winter.

  1. Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 - Winner Recommended
    Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10
    94 58
    · Winter · 2021 · Passenger - Studdable Winter / Snow · Studded · For Nordic Winter x
    Verdict:

    The Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 is a premium studded winter tire designed for extreme winter conditions. It delivers exceptional grip and control on icy and snowy roads, excelling in cornering stability and precise steering response. Known for its superior traction, the Hakkapeliitta 10 ensures confidence even at higher speeds on snow and ice. However, its performance on wet and dry asphalt is less impressive, with extended wet braking distances and limited resistance to hydroplaning. Despite these minor drawbacks, the tire stands out for its quiet ride, fuel efficiency, and dependable winter grip, making it a top choice for drivers seeking maximum control in severe winter conditions.

    • Outstanding grip on snow and ice, with precise steering response.
    • Reliable high-speed control on snowy surfaces.
    • Quiet ride with moderate rolling resistance for improved fuel efficiency.
    • Lower performance on wet and dry asphalt with reduced hydroplaning resistance.

    Results of Professional Tests and Custom Top-Charts:

    • Winner - NAF Motor: Studded Winter Tire Test R17 (2025).
    • Winner - UTAC Ivalo: Studded Winter Tire Test R16 (2025).
    • Ranked #7th of 16 - Teknikens Värld: Winter Tire Test R17 (2025).
    • Winner - Vi Bilägare: Winter Studded Tire Test R17 (2024).
    • Winner - Aftonbladet: Winter Tire Test R16 (2024).
    • Ranked #10th of 18 - Teknikens Värld: Big Winter Tire Test R17 (2024).
    • Winner - UTAC: Large Winter Tire Test R16 (2023).
    Comfort   Snow Handling   Snow Traction   Snow Braking   Ice Braking   Ice Handling   Driving Safety   Dry Handling   Course Stability   Hydroplaning   Wet Braking  
    North America North America · Europe Europe
  2. Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 Recommended
    Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
    93 44
    · Winter · 2014 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow
    Verdict:

    The Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 is a premium winter tire designed for drivers seeking precision, comfort, and performance across diverse winter conditions. Known for its superior handling on snow, wet, and dry surfaces, it delivers short braking distances and precise steering response, providing confidence in unpredictable weather. The tire's low noise levels enhance comfort, while its long tread life ensures durability throughout the season. Though it carries a higher price tag, the Pilot Alpin 5 justifies its cost with top-tier performance and efficiency. However, its rolling resistance and hydroplaning resistance are average compared to competitors.

    • Outstanding snow traction and wet performance with excellent handling.
    • Superior dry braking and precise steering response.
    • Low noise levels and durable tread life.
    • Slightly higher rolling resistance and moderate hydroplaning resistance.

    Results of Professional Tests and Custom Top-Charts:

    • Winner - Autobild Allrad: Winter Tire Test R18 (2025).
    • Winner - Autobild Sportcars: Winter Tire Test R19 (2025).
    • Winner - Tyre Reviews: Winter Tire Test R19 (2025).
    • Ranked #2nd of 11 - Autobild: Winter Tire Test R18 (2025).
    • Ranked #2nd of 9 - Auto Bild Allrad: SUV Winter Tire Test R18 (2024).
    • Ranked #2nd of 11 - Auto Bild Sportscars: Winter Tire Test R18 (2024).
    • Winner - Autobild: Large Winter Tire Test R18 (2024).
    • Ranked #2nd of 10 - Tyre Reviews: Winter Tire Test R18 (2024).
    Comfort   Snow Handling   Wet Handling   Snow Traction   Wet Braking   Dry Handling   Longevity   Driving Safety   Rolling Resistance   Hydroplaning   Price  
    USA+ USA+ · Canada Canada · Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+ · Japan Japan
  3. Michelin X-Ice North 4 Recommended
    Michelin X-Ice North 4
    92 52
    · Winter · 2018 · Passenger - Studdable Winter / Snow · Studded · For Nordic Winter x
    Verdict:

    The Michelin X-Ice North 4 is a top-performing studded winter tire, known for its exceptional grip on ice and snow. Despite being one of the oldest models in its category, it remains competitive due to its well-rounded performance. The tire offers outstanding snow and ice braking, smooth handling, and high directional stability on dry surfaces. With a focus on comfort, low noise levels, and fuel efficiency, it delivers a balanced driving experience in winter conditions. However, it exhibits some limitations in snow braking and wet handling, with slightly lower cornering grip and increased understeering.

    • Exceptional ice and snow grip with smooth handling on dry surfaces.
    • Low noise levels and solid fuel efficiency for a studded tire.
    • Reliable straight-line stability on asphalt and predictable control.
    • Moderate performance in snow braking and wet pavement handling.

    Results of Professional Tests and Custom Top-Charts:

    • Ranked #3rd of 8 - NAF Motor: Studded Winter Tire Test R17 (2025).
    • Ranked #3rd of 11 - UTAC Ivalo: Studded Winter Tire Test R16 (2025).
    • Ranked #11th of 16 - Teknikens Värld: Winter Tire Test R17 (2025).
    • Ranked #2nd of 8 - Vi Bilägare: Winter Studded Tire Test R17 (2024).
    • Ranked #3rd of 17 - Aftonbladet: Winter Tire Test R16 (2024).
    Ice Handling   Fuel Efficiency   Comfort   Snow Traction   Driving Safety   Snow Handling   Ice Braking   Low Noise   Wet Handling   Understeering   Fuel Economy   Snow Braking  
    Canada Canada · Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+
  4. Continental WinterContact TS 870 Recommended
    Continental WinterContact TS 870
    91 61
    · Winter · 2020 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow
    Verdict:

    The Continental WinterContact TS 870 is a versatile winter tire that excels across various conditions, offering outstanding performance on wet, snowy, and dry surfaces. Known for its precise handling, short braking distances, and fuel efficiency, it ranks among the top choices for European winters. With high scores in aquaplaning resistance and wet braking, the TS 870 ensures driver confidence in rainy conditions. Its long lifespan and low rolling resistance make it both environmentally friendly and cost-efficient. While it performs exceptionally well in most areas, it is priced higher than some alternatives.

    • Superior wet braking and aquaplaning resistance.
    • Excellent traction and control on snow.
    • Precise dry handling with stable cornering.
    • Long tread life and low rolling resistance.
    • Higher price compared to competitors.

    Results of Professional Tests and Custom Top-Charts:

    • Ranked #6th of 16 - Teknikens Värld: Winter Tire Test R17 (2025).
    • Winner - Autobild: Winter Tire Test R18 (2025).
    • Winner - ADAC: Winter Tire Test R16 (2025).
    • Winner - Auto Express: Winter Tire Test R18 (2025).
    • Winner - Motor: Winter Tire Test R16 (2024).
    • Winner - ADAC: Winter Tire Test R17 (2024).
    Hydroplaning   Fuel Efficiency   Longevity   Dry Handling   Comfort   Wet Braking   Snow Traction   Driving Safety   Snow Handling   Price   Rolling Resistance  
    Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+
  5. Continental WinterContact TS 870 P Recommended
    Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
    90 55
    · Winter · 2021 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow
    Verdict:

    The Continental WinterContact TS 870 P is a premium winter tire designed for high performance across varied conditions, from wet to snowy roads. Known for its low rolling resistance, it appeals to eco-conscious drivers and electric vehicle owners. It provides superior wet braking, stable snow handling, and reliable dry-road control. However, some limitations in snow traction and wet handling make it slightly less competitive in extreme winter conditions. Despite its higher price, the tire justifies its cost with a blend of comfort, efficiency, and safety.

    • Excellent wet braking and hydroplaning resistance.
    • Reliable snow handling with consistent performance in mild winter conditions.
    • Smooth and comfortable on dry roads, with precise control at high speeds.
    • Eco-friendly with low rolling resistance, ideal for fuel savings.
    • High price with moderate snow traction and wet handling limitations.

    Results of Professional Tests and Custom Top-Charts:

    • Ranked #2nd of 11 - Autobild Allrad: Winter Tire Test R18 (2025).
    • Ranked #3rd of 9 - Autobild Sportcars: Winter Tire Test R19 (2025).
    • Ranked #5th of 6 - Tyre Reviews: Winter Tire Test R19 (2025).
    • Ranked #3rd of 7 - Autozeitung: Winter Tire Test R17 (2025).
    • Ranked #6th of 16 - ADAC: Winter Tire Test R17 (2025).
    • Ranked #2nd of 10 - Auto Motor und Sport: Winter Tire Test R18 (2025).
    • Winner - Auto Bild Allrad: SUV Winter Tire Test R18 (2024).
    • Ranked #3rd of 11 - Auto Bild Sportscars: Winter Tire Test R18 (2024).
    • Ranked #3rd of 20 - Autobild: Large Winter Tire Test R18 (2024).
    • Ranked #2nd of 8 - Al Volante: Crossover Winter Tire Test R18 (2024).
    • Ranked #5th of 15 - ADAC: Winter Tire Test R16 (2024).
    • Ranked #4th of 8 - ACE/ARBÖ/GTÜ: Winter Tire Test R18 (2024).
    • Ranked #3rd of 10 - Tyre Reviews: Winter Tire Test R18 (2024).
    Fuel Efficiency   Dry Handling   Comfort   Wet Braking   Rolling Resistance   Driving Safety   Snow Handling   Wet Handling   Price   Snow Traction  
    Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+
  6. Continental VikingContact 7 Recommended
    Continental VikingContact 7
    90 55
    · Winter · 2018 · Passenger - Studless Ice & Snow · For Nordic Winter x
    Verdict:

    The Continental VikingContact 7 is a studless winter tire celebrated for its exceptional performance on snow and ice, making it a reliable choice for challenging winter conditions. It offers precise steering, stable handling, and top-tier snow traction. This tire excels in providing smooth, predictable control on icy roads while maintaining comfort and low rolling resistance. However, it reveals some limitations in wet performance, with room for improvement in hydroplaning resistance and braking on wet and dry pavements. Despite these minor drawbacks, the VikingContact 7 stands out as a balanced option for drivers seeking safety and control.

    • Exceptional traction and handling on snow and ice.
    • Predictable steering response, even under challenging conditions.
    • Comfortable ride with low rolling resistance.
    • Moderate wet performance and hydroplaning resistance.

    Results of Professional Tests and Custom Top-Charts:

    • Ranked #2nd of 16 - Teknikens Värld: Winter Tire Test R17 (2025).
    • Winner - Vi Bilägare: Winter Studless Tire Test R17 (2024).
    • Ranked #4th of 17 - Aftonbladet: Winter Tire Test R16 (2024).
    • Winner - Teknikens Värld: Big Winter Tire Test R17 (2024).
    • Ranked #7th of 19 - UTAC: Large Winter Tire Test R16 (2023).
    • Winner - Tyre Reviews: Studless Winter Tire Test R16 (2023).
    Ice Handling   Comfort   Snow Traction   Rolling Resistance   Driving Safety   Snow Handling   Low Noise   Hydroplaning   Wet Braking   Dry Handling  
    USA+ USA+ · Canada Canada · Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+ · East Asia East Asia
  7. Continental IceContact 2 Recommended
    Continental IceContact 2
    90 26
    · Winter · 2014 · Passenger - Studdable Winter / Snow · Studded · For Nordic Winter x
    Verdict:

    The Continental IceContact 2 is a studded winter tire engineered for reliable performance on icy and snowy roads. While it offers dependable traction and stability in typical winter conditions, it faces challenges in tests against newer models, particularly in competitive categories. This tire excels in ice handling and snow control, delivering predictable driving dynamics, but its overall ranking reflects some limitations compared to more modern alternatives. Its strong points include solid braking performance on snow, though it underperforms in wet conditions and exhibits slightly higher noise levels typical of studded tires.

    • Reliable grip and stability on ice and snow.
    • Predictable handling with effective snow braking.
    • Higher noise levels due to studded design.
    • Underperforms in wet conditions compared to competitors.

    Results of Professional Tests and Custom Top-Charts:

    • Ranked #5th of 5 – Test World: Winter Studded Tire Test R17 (2021).
    Ice Handling   Driving Safety   Snow Handling   Snow Braking   Hydroplaning   Wet Performance   Noise  
    USA+ USA+ · Canada Canada · Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+
Year
2025
Max Score, points
100
Season
Winter
Auto Type
Passenger
List Type
Top Chart
Region
Europe
Date added
Sep 24, 2023
Date updated
Oct 30, 2024

See another Tire Tests