Swiss roads to get busier in February due to 2026 ski holidays

The Federal Roads Office (ASTRA) has issued a traffic warning for parts of Switzerland ahead of school ski holidays in February. Travellers should expect increased traffic and delays on the roads.

Swiss motorways to get busy in February

Ahead of the 2026 ski holidays set to start in February, the Federal Roads Office has issued travel advice for parts of Switzerland. ASTRA is expecting an increase in traffic and congestion as many flock to the Swiss mountains to go skiing. 

“The effects of winter sports and holiday travel will be particularly noticeable on weekends in February,” according to an ASTRA press release. In particular, the A1, A2, A3, A8, A9 and A13 motorways could experience more traffic.

Furthermore, roads surrounding Basel, Bern, Chur, Lucerne, Lugano and Zurich and routes to the Bernese Oberland, Valais and the Gotthard tunnel may also be impacted.

Traffic puts pressure on Swiss towns

Higher numbers of drivers can add pressure to ”residents in towns and villages along the national highways and ultimately causes traffic gridlock”. To avoid impacting local residents and public transport in small towns, ASTRA asks that “travellers remain on the highway even during traffic jams and do not leave it, not least out of consideration for the local population”.

The school holidays in February are often known as Sportferien (sport holiday). Many families take the opportunity to head to Swiss ski resorts while snowfall is usually at its peak. Carnival (Fasnacht) also takes place during February and can make travelling quite busy (and loud!).

Each canton has different holiday dates, so check our guide to Swiss school holidays for more information.