- Home
- Third-Party Tire Ratings, Bestsellers and Top Lists
- The Best European Tires for Alpine Winter by TiresVote.com
The Best European Tires for Alpine Winter by TiresVote.com 2026
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 2025-2026 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.
-
Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 - Winner Recommended
· Winter · 2014 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow93 44Verdict:Snow Handling Comfort Snow Traction Driving Safety Longevity Wet Braking Dry Handling Wet Handling Price Rolling Resistance HydroplaningThe 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).
USA+ ·
Canada ·
Europe ·
Russia+ ·
Japan
-
Continental WinterContact TS 870 Recommended
· Winter · 2020 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow91 61Verdict:Snow Handling Comfort Snow Traction Driving Safety Longevity Fuel Efficiency Hydroplaning Wet Braking Dry Handling Price Rolling ResistanceThe 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).
Europe ·
Russia+
-
Hankook Winter i*cept evo3 W330 Recommended
· Winter · 2020 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow90 44Verdict:Snow Handling Snow Traction Driving Safety Aquaplaning Steering Response Wet Braking Dry Handling Snow Braking Treadwear Noise Comfort Rolling ResistanceThe Hankook Winter icept evo3 W330 is a performance-oriented winter tire designed for passenger vehicles that delivers a strong, balanced performance in a wide range of cold-weather conditions. It successfully replaces the icept evo2, building a reputation as a value-packed contender that often challenges more premium brands. It excels particularly in snow traction and wet road safety, offering drivers confidence and security. However, this capability can come with some trade-offs in ride comfort and noise insulation compared to the segment's very best.
- Excellent traction, braking, and handling on snow-covered roads.
- Strong wet performance, with good aquaplaning resistance and short braking distances.
- Provides precise steering response and dynamic handling on both wet and dry pavement.
- Offers a very attractive price-to-performance ratio, delivering premium-level capabilities at a competitive cost.
- Durable construction with good treadwear potential.
Results of Professional Tests and Custom Top-Charts:
- Winner - Autobild: Winter Tire Test R18 2025
- Winner - AutoView: Winter Tire Test R19 2025
- Winner - Auto Bild Sportcars: Winter Tire Test R18 2021
- Ranked #2 - Auto Bild Sportscars: Winter Tire Test R19 2023
- Ranked #2 - Auto Bild: Winter Tire Test R18 2020
- Ranked #4 - Tyre Reviews: Winter Tire Test R18 2023
- Ranked #5 - ADAC: Winter Tire Test R18 2026
- Ranked #6 - Auto Bild: Winter Tire Test R18 2026
USA+ ·
Canada ·
Europe ·
Russia+ ·
South Korea
-
Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 Recommended
· Winter · 2023 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow89 53Verdict:Snow Handling Comfort Cabin Noise Driving Safety Aquaplaning Wet Braking Wet Handling Snow Braking Treadwear Ice Braking Rolling ResistanceThe Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 is a premium, modern winter tire designed for passenger cars and SUVs, offering a refined and highly balanced performance profile. Launched in 2023, it replaces the UltraGrip Performance+ and has quickly established itself as a top contender, frequently winning major comparative tests. It excels as an outstanding all-rounder, delivering exceptional safety in wet conditions, confident handling on snow, and a notably quiet and comfortable ride. Its well-engineered balance makes it a superb choice for the variable winter conditions typical of European climates.
- Exceptional wet performance, with class-leading braking, handling, and aquaplaning resistance.
- Confident and secure traction, braking, and handling on snow.
- Offers a very quiet and comfortable ride, with advanced noise-reduction technology.
- Provides precise steering response and stable handling on dry roads.
- Demonstrates excellent treadwear and longevity for a winter tire.
Results of Professional Tests and Custom Top-Charts:
- Winner - ADAC: Winter Tire Test R18 2026
- Winner - Auto Zeitung: Winter Tire Test R16 2026
- Winner - Auto Bild Sportscars: Winter Tire Test R18 2024
- Ranked #2 - Auto Express: Winter Tire Test R17 2026
- Ranked #2 - Auto Motor und Sport: Winter Tire Test R17 2026
- Ranked #2 - Die Reifentester: Winter Tire Test R17 2026
- Ranked #2 - Autobild: Winter Tire Test R18 2025
- Ranked #3 - Tyre Reviews: Winter Tire Test R19 2025
Europe ·
Russia+
-
Bridgestone Blizzak 6 Recommended
· Winter · 2024 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow89 48Verdict:Snow Handling Durability Rolling Resistance Aquaplaning Wet Braking Snow Braking Treadwear Ice Braking Wet HandlingThe Bridgestone Blizzak 6 is a modern performance winter tire that replaces the Blizzak LM005, integrating the brand's innovative Enliten technology to deliver a focus on efficiency, longevity, and sustainability. It is engineered to provide safe and confident mobility in winter conditions, particularly excelling on wet and snowy roads. While it demonstrates strong all-round capabilities, its most defining characteristic is its class-leading low rolling resistance, making it an excellent choice for eco-conscious drivers and electric vehicles. It presents a balanced, if not class-leading, performance profile across dry, wet, and snowy conditions.
- Outstanding fuel efficiency and the lowest rolling resistance in its category.
- Confident and secure handling and braking performance on snow.
- Strong wet braking capabilities and straight-line aquaplaning resistance.
- Significantly improved treadwear and extended mileage over its predecessor.
- Eco-friendly construction, utilizing recycled and renewable materials.
Results of Professional Tests and Custom Top-Charts:
- Ranked #3 - Auto Express: Winter Tire Test R17 2026
- Ranked #3 - Die Reifentester: Winter Tire Test R17 2026
- Ranked #3 - ADAC: Winter Tire Test R18 2026
- Ranked #3 - Auto Bild: Winter Tire Test R18 2026
- Ranked #4 - Auto Zeitung: Winter Tire Test R16 2026
- Ranked #4 - Autobild Allrad: Winter Tire Test R18 2025
USA+ ·
Canada ·
Europe ·
Russia+
-
Continental WinterContact TS 870 P Recommended
· Winter · 2021 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow88 54Verdict:Comfort Cabin Noise Rolling Resistance Wet Performance Driving Safety Aquaplaning Wet Braking Dry Handling Steering Response Wet Handling Ice BrakingThe Continental WinterContact TS 870 P is a premium performance winter tire designed for passenger cars and SUVs, replacing the TS 850 P. It is engineered as a quintessential "Central European" winter tire, prioritizing exceptional performance on wet and dry asphalt, which characterizes most winter driving in that region. It delivers a refined, comfortable, and safe driving experience with best-in-class aquaplaning resistance and low rolling resistance. While it provides competent and safe handling on snow, its focus is firmly on asphalt performance, making it less suitable for regions with persistent deep snow and ice.
- Outstanding wet braking and handling, with superior straight and curved aquaplaning resistance.
- Exceptionally low rolling resistance, promoting fuel efficiency and extended electric vehicle range.
- Provides a very comfortable and quiet ride for a winter tire.
- Confident and stable handling on dry roads with precise steering response.
- Balanced and safe performance on snow, offering predictability and control.
Results of Professional Tests and Custom Top-Charts:
- Winner - Die Reifentester: Winter Tire Test R17 2026
- Winner - Auto Motor und Sport: Winter Tire Test R17 2026
- Winner - Auto Bild Allrad: SUV Winter Tire Test R18 2024
- Winner - Auto Motor und Sport: Winter Tire Test R19 2022
- Winner - Tyre Reviews: Winter Tire Test R18 2021
- Ranked #2 - Autobild Allrad: Winter Tire Test R18 2025
- Ranked #3 - Autobild Sportcars: Winter Tire Test R19 2025
Europe ·
Russia+
-
Goodyear UltraGrip Performance+ Recommended
· Winter · 2019 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow88 53Verdict:Snow Handling Durability Snow Traction Driving Safety Dry Handling Steering Response Snow Braking Snow Performance Treadwear Noise Rolling Resistance Wet BrakingThe Goodyear UltraGrip Performance+ is a predecessor to the UltraGrip Performance 3, launched in 2019 as a premium performance winter tire. It established a strong reputation as a well-balanced and durable tire, particularly acclaimed for its excellent snow traction and dynamic handling. While it has since been superseded by a newer model, it remains a competent and reliable choice, often praised for its longevity and solid all-winter capabilities. Its performance profile is that of a confident snow performer with good overall balance, though it may not match the latest generation of tires in wet refinement and rolling resistance.
- Excellent traction, braking, and handling on snow-covered roads.
- Strong and dynamic handling on dry roads with precise steering response.
- High durability and impressive treadwear, offering a long service life.
- Provides a comfortable and stable ride in various winter conditions.
- Good aquaplaning resistance for safe performance in wet conditions.
Results of Professional Tests and Custom Top-Charts:
- Winner - Auto Bild Allrad: Studless Winter Tire Test R17 2020
- Winner - Auto Bild: SUV Winter Tire Test R17 2020
- Winner - Auto Express: Winter Tire Test R17 2019
- Winner - Auto Motor und Sport: Winter Tire Test R17 2019
- Ranked #2 - ADAC: Winter Tire Test R17 2023
- Ranked #3 - Autobild: Large Winter Tire Test R17 2022
- Ranked #3 - ADAC: Winter Tire Test R16 2022
Europe ·
Russia+ ·
China
-
Pirelli Scorpion Winter 2 Recommended
· Winter · 2022 · Light Truck / SUV - Light Truck/SUV Performance Winter / Snow87 45Verdict:Comfort Snow Traction Cabin Noise Dry Braking Dry Handling Snow Braking Snow Performance Treadwear Lateral Aquaplaning Rolling Resistance Wet HandlingThe Pirelli Scorpion Winter 2 is a premium winter tire engineered for high-performance SUVs and light trucks, replacing the original Scorpion Winter. It is designed to deliver safety and control in winter conditions, with a particular focus on strong snow traction and confident dry-road handling. As evidenced by its original equipment status for vehicles like the Porsche Cayenne, it is built to meet the demands of powerful, sophisticated vehicles. It performs reliably across winter conditions, though its wet handling, specifically in lateral aquaplaning, can be a step behind the very best in its class.
- Excellent traction and braking performance on snow.
- Confident and stable handling on dry roads, with short braking distances.
- Provides a comfortable and quiet ride, enhancing driving refinement.
- Durable construction with good treadwear potential.
- Strong straight-line aquaplaning resistance for safety in wet conditions.
Results of Professional Tests and Custom Top-Charts:
- Winner - Al Volante: Crossover Winter Tire Test R18 2024
- Ranked #4 - Auto Motor und Sport: Winter Tire Test R18 2024
- Ranked #4 - Auto Bild Allrad: SUV Winter Tire Test R18 2024
- Ranked #6 - Tyre Reviews: Winter SUV Tire Test R18 2023
Europe ·
Russia+ ·
China
-
Continental WinterContact TS 860 Recommended
· Winter · 2016 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow87 57Verdict:Comfort Cabin Noise Rolling Resistance Wet Braking Dry Handling Steering Response Wet Handling Ice Braking Snow TractionThe Continental WinterContact TS 860 is a previous-generation performance winter tire, released in 2016 and since replaced by the TS 870. It was designed as a quintessential "Central European" winter tire, prioritizing exceptional safety and handling on wet and dry cold roads, which are common in milder winter climates. During its prime, it was a multiple test winner, celebrated for its balanced and secure driving characteristics. While it provided adequate snow performance for most European winters, its focus was firmly on asphalt, making it less capable in deep snow and on ice compared to dedicated Nordic winter tires.
- Exceptional braking and handling performance on wet roads.
- Confident and stable handling on dry roads with precise steering response.
- Offers a comfortable and quiet ride for a winter tire.
- Low rolling resistance, contributing to good fuel efficiency.
- Well-balanced all-around performance for variable winter conditions.
Results of Professional Tests and Custom Top-Charts:
- Winner - Auto Bild: Large Winter Tire Test R17 2019
- Winner - ADAC: Winter Tire Test R16 2018
- Winner - Auto Express: Passenger Winter Tire Test 2017
- Ranked #2 - Auto Express: Winter Tire Test R17 2019
- Ranked #4 - ADAC: Winter Tire Test R15 2019
Europe ·
Russia+ ·
South Korea
- Year
- 2026
- Max Score, points
- 100
- Season
- Winter
- Auto Type
- Passenger
- List Type
- Top Chart
- Region
- Europe
- Date added
- Sep 24, 2023
- Date updated
- Oct 30, 2025