[mjn77]

2025 Cross Alps Trip / HGT'25: 13 days, 13 cars and a few thousand miles of driving

Introduction
Hello and welcome to my 2025 road trip through France, Italy, Switzerland, Luxembourg and Belgium with the BMW Performance Car Club!

This year saw us return to previously visited roads and areas but that doesn't mean it would be boring!

It had been over 10 years since i'd driven the Route des Grande Alpes and was keen to head back there. And whilst we're in the area, i thought, why not head over to Switzerland as well? Been 6 years since i was properly in the Swiss Alps and was looking forward to getting back there.

On Saturday, car was cleaned, prepped and packed ready for an early start on the Sunday morning.



Day 0 - Sunday 29th June
As is custom with my road trips, it was an early start to catch an early Eurotunnel train from Folkstone. We'd been checking the weather before departure and it had been looking toasty. Stepping outside the front door a little after 4am confirmed it was already too hot for a northener like me!



Reset the trip.



Road trip officially begins when you reach EuroTunnel checkin.



Steven however had booked the wrong train! He booked an hour earlier! So he waited for us at the Total.

As per last year, other club members would meet us at at the eurotunnel. Richard in his E63 M6 who was with us back in 2022 and Steven in his F90 M5 Competition joining us for his first time.





Quick breakfast.



All aboard!











Into France and it is straight on the motorway heading for the historic Reims Pitlane. So well known that just about every euro trip makes a stop at this location. Leaving the toll booths, Richard got left behind after his barrier refused to lift after he paid the toll charges. He eventually managed to escape and joined us after the pitlane visit. Joao in his F87 M2 and Alexander in his F36 440i also joined us at this point.



























Once the obligatory photos had been taken it was time for some lunch.

Then back on the motorway, heading for the hotel in Geneva.

We arrive at the hotel at 7pm and waste no time going for beer and food! It is also VERY hot, like 34 degrees hot.





And the view from the hotel.



Mads and his wife Line who had travelled all the way from Norway was already nicely refreshed at the hotel. Oliver and Marvin in their G87 M2 were also checked in.



Marek from MDrives and Dom in his 140i would arrive shortly afterwards. The core members are now all present and correct.

There was one surprise later that night.........i had no idea this was happening, but as a thank you for organising this trip, i was presented with this E90 M3 cut out wall frame!!! There was absolutely no need to, but appricated all the same!

And worst face ever, lol.



After food n beer, it was time for the customary car park party. This involves shots of cheap / nasty spirits, removing bugs from windscreens and applying tour stickers.

Blue vodka in here;



Club and tour sponsor Nanolex providing some cleaning goodies for us;



Prepping cars for an early start in the morning.









Final stats for the day.

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[mjn77]

Day 1 - Monday 30th June

Looking out the hotel window, it looked like another blistering day ahead!



Our first task of the day? To escape Geneva during Monday morning rush hour.



Once out of the city madness, traffic eased and a beautiful day awaited us.





Oliver noticed i had a bulb out. This bulb failed about 10 minutes after leaving Calais!



The first destination on the tour? The Goat Village in Lindarets in the French Alps. To get there you take the winding twisty D308 Route du Col de la Ramaz from Mieussy, then up the D902 to Essert-Romand and finally on the D228.

Leaving the main roads we switch to the backups roads.





















Goat Village!!









Feeding time.





While here, we also had lunch.

Leaving the Goat Village, we rejoin the official Route des Grande Alpes (D902) via the D338 and head towards Col de la Colombière. Although not high at only 1613 metres, it is our first mountain pass of the tour and a chance for some cooler air. The cars also got a little hot with Richard losing 3 gears in his M6.

























The Love Birds, Mads and Line.



I also received a warning about oil temperature. The 38 degrees heat and hard driving is pushing the limits of factory cooling. Maybe an upgrade is required.....?



Transferring to the D909, we head towards our hotel in Beaufort for the night, the lovely Hotel de la Roche.













First narrow road of the trip......







Heading in to the town.





Hotel for the night.







View from the balcony.



Again, it didn't take long for the first beer!



Then of course, food.









And of course, it was time for another car park party!





Drinking some Norwegian "poison" and some Clarkson's Farm beer.





This is when Steven pulled out his pink unicorn!



It was then the lady at reception came down to pay us a visit and ask us to turn the music down! Oops. Of course, we obliged and turned the music down. The underground car park actually had an open front and the noise was travelling to the outside and disturbing others.

Marek decided he needed to fix his exhaust after a valve broke.





Final stats for the day.

[mjn77]

Day 2 - Tuesday 1st July

Today saw us tackle some high mountain roads, the well known Col de I'Iseran, Col du Galibier and Col d'Izoard. But the day would not end well for someone!

Checking out of the hotel, we got chatting to the receptionist, yes, the same one that told us off the previous night for the loud music. Anyway, she invited the club back for another stay next year, saying we would be most welcome. And was most disappointed that we didn't invite her to the party!

Weather looking hot once again!



She did provide us with a great photo location not far from the hotel; so it was added to the itinerary.









Back on the D902 we headed towards Cormet de Roselend.

































Not bad driving scenery.





The climb.









Next, Col de I'Iseran. At 2764 metres, it is the highest paved pass of the Alps and a mainstay of the Tour de France having appeared 8 times.













This was also our location for lunch. Nice view.



Down the Col e I'Iseran.















On to Col du Galibier and collected myself a sticker. We had a quick break and while Jennifer (E92 M3) and Richard (E63 M6) decided to use the tunnel to the otherside, everyone else decided to go over the very top.



















Pretty narrow at the summit.





No safety barriers.





Let's go down.













Rain clouds ahead.









Reminds of the last scene in the Terminator.



Fourth and final pass of the day was Col d'Izoard. By now the rain had started. Not only that, the cloud had moved in. It was dark, wet and getting worse.





A wet climb.











By the time i came down Col d'Izoard i had fallen way behind the others due to stopping for photos.









Behind a very slow bus.





Only just fitting under the rock.



Our hotel for the night was on ascent of Col du Vars. The rain was still coming down hard and about a mile from the hotel, i got hit by a rock slide! Not a huge one, but a few rocks hit the car. Not a problem i thought, i'll check the damage at the hotel. When i pulled in to the hotel car park, something wasn't right. Upon checking the car over, i had a flat tyre. Not the end of the world, i'll get some air in and see what kind of puncture i had. Tyre held zero air. Ended up calling the breakdown company and to be fair they collected the car within the hour. Obviously nowhere was open for new tyres so had to wait until the next day.







Hotel for the night.



View from the room.



In the meantime, we all needed beer n food after a long day.



Ribs for 4!!



These were fantastic!!

HUGE burgers!





Stats for the day.

[mjn77]

Day 3 - Wednesday 2nd July

What can i say?

Whilst everyone else sat around chatting about the day's route and had breakfast, i was waiting for the phone call about my car. The garage owner didn't really speak English so i fired off an email to them using Google translate and after a few emails, both front tyres needed to be replaced The rocks had sliced through one tyre and damaged another. As we were in the middle of nowhere, the choice of tyres available right now was poor. I ended up getting the best tyres i could get same day and at 3pm the car was ready.

Everyone else parked up, having breakfast.





A few people had stayed at a hotel a short distance away and before long everyone was on their way. My daughter chaning cars and going with Alexander.

Whilst i thought about how to spend my time in the middle of nowhere, a little bit of TV.



Hotel owner Ludovic had offered me the full facilities of the hotel whilst i waited around and also drove me to the garage when my car was ready. This was much appricated! I spent the day having a walk around the village, catching up on some YouTube videos, having a bite to eat and an afternoon snooze. I wasn't always alone as i had company for some of the time.

The small village of Sainte-Marie







Wasn't long before i was attracting the local talent.......











Lunch.



The garage was a short drive from the hotel, but in the wrong direction! I needed to go south, but the garage where my car was, was north. This meant i had to go back over the mountain again and this time, avoid all the sharp rocks on the road and further rock slides. The journey to the garage gave me time to chat with Ludovic and his time in motor racing. He was a champion racer and still competed in historic races at Spa and other tracks.

Got to the garage at 4pm, inspected the car and indeed Michelin Pilot Sport 5 tyres had been fitted. Paid my bill, said goodbye to Ludovic, filled the tank and then set off to the hotel. The hotel on the south coast was 4 hours drive, including two mountain passes.

The two passes were Col du Vars and Col de la Bonette, so not tiny and would take time to pass. The good news was that by now, the roads were quiet and most tourists were at their destinations. The bad news was that as soon as i left the garage, it started to rain. I'd had glorious sunshine all day until 4pm. And it continued to lash down for the next 3 hours, only stopping once out of the mountains and on the road to the Mediterranean.









The mountain weather wasn't looking good for me.







A small pocket of good weather.









More bad news was that the heavy rain had caused some mudslides closing the road down Col de la Bonette. Myself and a line of other cars waited whilst the road was cleared. Before long we were on our way. Once out of the mountains the drive was uneventful and i got to the hotel a little after 8pm. Once all checked in i was looking forward to some food but my mood soon turned after reading the hotel menu. I was not impressed. The worst bit was that i'd already paid for the meal.

So as any proper Englishman would, i started on the beer. The bar was on the rooftop and gave a spectaculr view of Menton. Before long, i was joined by the rest of the group who were also unimpressed with the hotel memu and went elsewhere for their meal.

I needed this.



Thankfully, this hotel had air-con thus we finally got a decent night's sleep.

Hotel for the night.



View from the room.



Stats for the day.



That was my day, but what about everyone else?

[mjn77]

Day 4 - Thursday 3rd July

After 3 days of hard driving, today was more chilled as we entered Italy. And to be honest, i was glad to see the back of France.

Over breakfast there was much discussion about how to spend our free time. We broke up in to two groups; one group would catch the train and spend the morning in Monaco whilst the other group would go to the beach, just over the border in Italy.

Guys in Monaco.



Our last drive in France.



And another hot day!



The Italian border was only a few miles from our hotel and before long, we were in Italy.



Does the mediterrean ever look bad?







Weaving our way through the small Italian towns and villages.



And in case you're wondering which group i was part of? The beach!





I usually don't mind the beach, but with it knocking on nearly 40 degrees, yeah, not for me. At around midday, the others from Monaco arrived and after some lunch, we were on our way to the next hotel.



Still hugging the coastline and enjoying a relaxing drive.





You know you're in Italy when the streets start to get narrow.



Out of the town and back hugging the coastline.





As the others made their way to the hotel, i made a slight detour and located a BMW dealer to buy a new angel eye bulb. For 5 days now, i'd had that annoying bong when turning the ignition on / off.



Hotel for the night.



Covered parking!



Beer time!



But the onsite restaurant was closed so we tried the restaurant over the road. However, once discovering they wouldn't fire up their pizza ovens, we all walked out. It was decided we'd walk the 1km to the next village and dine there but not without a swift pint first.



A nice evening walk.









Oliver



Not only is the pizza in Italy the best, extremely cheap as well!



More refreshment.



Proper pizza!! No Dominos crap here!!



A lot of pizza!





Pizza is thirsty work.



It was all uphill on the way back to the hotel but at least it was a little cooler at 10pm.



Final stats.

[mjn77]

Day 5 - Friday 4th July

This would also be a fairly relaxed drive with just the one mountain pass as we started to head towards Switzerland. It may have only been one mountain pass on the day, but it was a very special one. If you've ever watched the original Italian Job starring Michael Caine, then you'll have seen this road; the Colle del Nivolet. In the film, the gang use this road to escape Italy in their bus.......in reality, the road is a dead end and goes nowhere. However, this road is absolutely stunning and worth the time and effort, even if you have to turn around at the top and go back the way you came. I last drove this road in 2016 and it was so quiet, only seeing 2 other cars on the road. Now, it has gotten instagram popular, it was rammed. Very busy.

Here is a photo from 2016 and you can see on the left handside, halfway up the photo, a building and car park.



And parked at the very top, again 2016, very quiet.



But first things first. First job of the day, bulb replacement time.

Yup, definitely failed.



Never travel without a bojo trim kit when on a euro trip! Or spare oil and coolant when driving an E9x M3, ROFL!

Finally, a full working set of angel eyes.



Remember that rock slide from a few days ago? Well, here is some of the damage on the bonnet.



Now a quick wash and fill up.



Oliver's G87 M2 collecting a few bees? Wasps?



En route to the only mountain pass for the day.



Some excellent BMW parking here whilst the girls have a toilet break.



Back on the road.









It isn't long before we get to the base of the Colle del Nivolet. We stop for another toilet break and setup GoPros.









Turn 1.......



The turns are tight.







Tunnel!!!



It takes quite a bit of time to reach the summit and you'll pass through a lot of small villages.





Out of the village.



























Getting high now.





Made it.





And as usual, our cars gather a lot of attention.



Alexander.











Our time at the summit allows me to apply some of new stickers.



Time to leave.





Stopping on the way down for a few photos.





Some of us then drove back to the top for more photos.



Me.





Alexander and me.



Steven, Alexander and me.



Time to descend.

















Still going.



Marek and Joao catch up with us.



Not long and we're at the hotel.



View from the room.



And for this evening, i'd lined up gokarting for everyone but first, some more pizza. And as we're driving, no beer.



Time to kart!!





Who won the go karting?......it was of course Alexander Hoppe. He qualified first and finished first.





Here he is, making friends with goats and sniffing spirits.





View from the hotel at 11pm!



We tried to get some beer after karting but the hotel had run out, and only had 2 large bottles. Sharing is caring.

Stats so far.

[mjn77]

Day 6 - Saturday 5th July

This was the day we left Italy behind and arrived in Switzerland.....again.

But first, breakfast. A healthy Italian breakfast of donuts.



The only pass on the plan for today, the Great St. Bernard pass.



And the rain we'd had for the last few days was behind us.







This pass is plenty wide making overtaking no issue at all.



Hairpins ahead.







Do keep up.



Seen plenty of hitch hikers this summer.



Parked up at the base of the pass.











I've taken a photo at this spot with my previous 2 cars, so seemed correct, that i take another. Just a shame it was so busy this year.

2013



2017



2025



Ok, enough photos, let's get to the top.













Getting busy on the road.



And we're being hunted down by some old timers!









We pull over and let them pass. Not sure why the stares!!





C'mon cyclist, outta the way.



And we make it to the top.



Here we stayed for a couple of hours as there is quite a bit to explore.















Border line between Italy and Switzerland.









2 litres of Limoncello anyone?



Historic rally today.









Plenty of fish.



We've got a hitch hiker.



We also said goodbye to Alexander who headed home today. Something about a family holiday. I thought we were his family?



And down we go, on to the next hotel.













M-Train



















Rather than stay on the motorway, we took a slight detour via Unterbach, which gave us some stunning views.





A different M-Train.















A quick stop as the E92 needed some oil......i know, i was shocked as well.



Half litre put in, let's go.

















Marek.





En route to the hotel we stopped at the Goms Bridge. I've been here many time before but the first time for a few people.





If you're scared of heights, this is NOT for you, especially on a windy day like today.



Marek.



That's a long way down.





















Hotel for the night.



Reward.





Stats for the day.

[mjn77]

Day 7 - Sunday 6th July

Probably my favourite day of the tour.

During beer and food the previous evening a few people said they were starting to feel the pace so wanted a later departure in the morning. As such the group broke in to two for Sunday's driving. Not that any group is fixed and all tour people had switched between groups depending on pace, route and other factors.

One group would leave at 8am and the other at 10am.

Morning view.







Cool machines for slicing the meat at breakfast time.





First stop was the local shop for supplies.

Dom, Marek, Richard, Jennifer and myself in the early group.





Doesn't take long before we hit the first pass, the Nufenenpass. Leaving at 8am meant the roads were quiet.











Lovely day.







Free run to the top!



















Wild animals.



Don't like the look of those dark clouds.





But on to the next pass.



Another old timer.



Next up? Gotthard / Tremola Pass. I've driven the Gotthard pass many times before, so decided to take the older Tremola Pass. The Gotthard was built to replace the Tremola and as such is a more modern, wider, nicer road, but always good to remember how it used to be.





The base of the Gotthard.





The others split for the Gotthard.



I start the Tremola Pass. Traditional paving at the bottom.





Soon got foggy.



Wasn't long before i was on the cobbles. 20MPH maximum.



Meanwhile the others stopped on the Gotthard Pass.



Plenty of wild animals and cyclists on this pass.





Serious hairpins.



Behind that fog, there is a view......honest.



Back on the Gotthard Pass.



Made it.





The summit.





Reward.



On we go, next pass.



But first, a quick stop at the petrol station from Goldfinger. A shame that it was being dug up for roadworks.



On towards the Susten Pass.











Another old timer.



Another day, another M-Train.





Susten Pass summit.



But drive a little further.....







And you reach this awesome photo spot!!



Looking back towards the summit.



On to the Grimsel Pass.









En route to the Grimsel Pass there is a dam you can use for some fantastic photos! Thanks to Marek for pointing this out.







View down from the dam.



More climbing.



At the top. Time was ticking away and we wanted to be at the Furka Pass for lunchtime, so just a quick stop here.





Now, time for the Furka, probably the most famous pass in Switzerland.......





You can see the Furka Pass here, in the distance, snaking up the mountain. Look on the far left, halfway up and you can just make out the Hotel Belvedere.



Let's get there, i'm hungry!





Where we were.



Where we're going.



Nice and quiet so far......



What a view!!





Hotel Belvedere.



Saw the coolest dog ever! In a sidecar, goggles on, cool AF.





Each year, the glacier shrinks some more.





View from the shop.



After a break for lunch, we head to the summit.



And this is where we say goodbye to Marek and Dom. They have work on the Tuesday, so have a long drive home.



Down the Furka Pass towards the San Bernadino Pass.



Just 3 cars in this group now.







More rain in the distance.



No visit to the Furka Pass would be complete without a stop at the Sir Sean Connery corner.









And here is the rain.



Another change to the cars behind me.







The weather got worse!



So when we reach the San Bernardino summit, it is just a quick photo and on to the hotel.



Going down was pretty ropey.





But we made it!





View from the room.



Time for beer.



Stats for the day.

[mjn77]

Day 8 - Monday 7th July

Final day for most people but that didn't mean it was going to be boring! Once again, the group broke in to two. Those wanting to enjoy the Andeer Thermal Baths and the other that wanted a later departure from the hotel.

Morning weather looking promising.









Then a massive cloud came over!



I started the day with a dip at the Andeer Thermal Baths, a 10 minute drive from the hotel. As photography is not allowed, have a stock image.



Now nicely refreshed, we left the others in the baths and drove over to meet the other group at the base of the Spluga Pass. And weather started to look better.







Let's climb.



We were about two corners in to the pass, when we were pulled aside by border patrol and had our IDs checked.

All in order, so on we go!







Hairpins galore.



























The top.



When we go down the other side, we'll be in Italy for a few miles.











Or go back the way we came.



Let's go, 51 corners to navigate.















On towards the Julierpass, via the Maloja Pass.









Next up? The longest Alpine Rollercoaster in Switzerland!!! But first, the last hairpins of the tour.





Alpine Rollercoaster!!! We also met up with the rest of the group.











Next stop, hotel.



Yeah, you guessed it, more rain.





When we arrived at the hotel, the rain was coming down so hard, we all got absolutely soaked going between car and hotel.



Only one solution!



View from the room.





Time for more beer and food.





And we finish the tour how we started it.........with shots!



The hotel room view didn't get any better later that night.



Final stats.

[mjn77]

Day 9 - Tuesday 8th July

After a good breakfast, we all said our goodbyes and headed towards home. For us, we would be going via Luxembourg and Gent.

But first, the weather, was it still raining? Yes.



Last group to leave.



On the motorway and a very boring drive to Luxembourg.



Stopping off for supplies at a major supermarket and it was very low stock!!





Before long we're in Luxembourg and our friend Jean arrives at the same time. Which means car park party!



After checking in, we dump the bags in the rooms, we jump on the free bus in to the city centre and Jean gives us a quick tour of Luxembourg City whilst we wait for his wife to finish work and join us.

We've been to Luxembourg a few times, but never to this part of the city, so a first for us.



















After all the walking i need some refreshment. Beer time.



More beer.



Some good food.







Saw a couple of iffy looking spirits in the restaurant.

[mjn77]

Day 10 - 9th July

Before we head to Gent, we again use the free bus to get in to the city centre again.

Not sure i fancy the outdoor swimming either.



But at least it ain't raining.



Walking through the car park, discover an M2 owner decided to park next to us.



We were meeting more friends in Gent and they were already on their way.



Once back from the city centre, we took the scenic route out of Luxembourg.













Our friends had arrived in Gent and found beer and food.





We arrived in Belgium and the roads instantly became awful.



Our hotel for the next two nights!



















Then it was a short walk to Bier Central to meet the others.









Reward for the walk.











One of the best bars in Gent.









Smile everyone.



Plenty of beers on tap.



After all that beer n food, it was bed time!

[mjn77]

Day 11 - 10th July

A full rest day, just beer shopping, beer drinking and food.

First, beer shopping. The biggest beer shop in Benelux. Been coming here for more than 10 years now!





When some people are too lazy to walk.



A proper sized bottle of beer.



Shopping done.



Apparently, the smallest pub in Gent.



Food n beer time.





Some people went shopping, Beks and me went and swapped trainers for beer.







Upon finishing the beer, you get your shoe back.





No idea who said what here! LOL



Hmmmmmm, which urinal to use?



After an afternoon of boozing, our evening meal reservation was here, The Meat Factory.





Let's start with some beer.



Some kind of balls and onion rings for starters.



Chicken for me.



Limoncello to finish.



Back at the hotel, i noticed this picture in the reception area. A picture of a nun, made up of ladies' bottoms!

[mjn77]

Day 12 - 11th July

Final day.

I'll be honest, i'm absolutely knackered. Thinking back to our first proper road trip back in 2014, it was 5 days in total! And now here we are with a 13 day trip. Thankfully not all days had driving.

Some of us started the day with a decent breakfast.





Calais is a short drive and we go via Carrefour to collect a few sweets for the final leg of the journey home. Of course, i never remember to take a bag to put everything in.



Chekcin is slow.



But we're boarded.



A few hours later we're home!

Final stats.



And i'm able to update my sticker collection.

[snowbimmer]

Well, mjn77 the 2025 Cross Alps Trip is another stunner. I lost track of all the passes - you need to pop in a map for those of us across the pond. What a blast you guys and gals must have.

BTW, how do you always manage to cram 8 BMWs together for a picture in what are usually very crowded parking areas?

Hats off to the crew.

[mjn77]

Originally Posted by snowbimmer

Well, mjn77 the 2025 Cross Alps Trip is another stunner. I lost track of all the passes - you need to pop in a map for those of us across the pond. What a blast you guys and gals must have.

Sure, i'll put together an online of where we drove.

Originally Posted by snowbimmer

Well, mjn77
BTW, how do you always manage to cram 8 BMWs together for a picture in what are usually very crowded parking areas?

Just lucky, but a lot of the time, people only park up to take a few photos and then they're on their way again. So the turnover of cars is quite large. Sometimes we have to wait only a few minutes to get enough free spaces.

Originally Posted by snowbimmer

Well, mjn77
Hats off to the crew.

Many thanks!

Next year is going to be even better!!

[mjn77]

Originally Posted by snowbimmer

Well, mjn77 the 2025 Cross Alps Trip is another stunner. I lost track of all the passes - you need to pop in a map for those of us across the pond.

Here you go.



Any questions just ask.

[MaC-N54-E82]

Nothing short of epic! Thanks for sharing.

[GOLFFRR]

bravo, I really enjoyed that post. reminds me of the old ED days posts.

[My M3]

Amazing, thanks for sharing. I am jealous

[///bproden]

Looks like a great time! Thanks for sharing. I did a rather quick European Delivery trip in 2015 and dying to go back and do a longer one. This looks like the perfect distance.

[mjn77]

It has been pointed out to me, that i did not mention who won the go karting......it was of course Alexander Hoppe. He qualified first and finished first.





Here he is, making friends with goats and sniffing spirits.

[GetAlife75]

Originally Posted by mjn77

Day 4 - Thursday 3rd July

But the onsite restaurant was closed so we tried the restaurant over the road. However, once discovering they wouldn't fire up their pizza ovens, we all walked out. It was decided we'd walk the 1km to the next village and dine there but not without a swift pint first.

It's a cardinal sin for an Italian restaurant to not offer pizza!