For many drivers drawn to the rhythm of a mountain road, the season arrives frustratingly late. Most Alpine passes remain closed until May, while higher routes around Andermatt or across the French Alps often don’t reopen until June. Yet a handful of regions break with that pattern. The Dolomites are among them — and for road-trip specialist Stefan Bogner, they offered the perfect proving ground for both landscape and machine: the Porsche 911 Dakar.
At a glance
- While most Alpine passes shut down for winter, the Dolomites remain open to explore.
- Stefan Bogner takes the Porsche 911 Dakar across the accessible routes.
- His verdict: even in winter, the 911 Dakar feels entirely at home – assured, calm and surprisingly eager.
Across much of the Alps, winter renders iconic roads inaccessible — buried beneath snow, sealed by barriers and wrapped in months of stillness. For driving enthusiasts, it can mean half a year without the thrill of the open pass. Bogner, founder of the globally respected Curves magazine, sees it differently. With the keys to a 911 Dakar in hand, he set out for a journey shaped by tight switchbacks, quiet roads and the understated pleasures of winter travel. His destination: the Dolomites.
The 911 Dakar in its element
“The Dolomites are one of the most beautiful landscapes in the world – and even more magical in winter,” says Bogner. “For me, it’s the perfect place to head out, switch off and enjoy the simple pleasure of the road.”
His route begins in Munich, cutting south through Vipiteno before climbing over the Gardena Pass toward Corvara. The winter sun hangs low, casting long shadows across largely deserted roads — ideal conditions for the Dakar to stretch its legs. “In Off-road mode, the car feels as if this is exactly what it was made for. You’re climbing at 40 or 50 km/h, completely relaxed – and still end up with tears of joy.”
The following morning, Bogner heads out again, looping over the Falzarego Pass toward Cortina before tackling the Giau Pass — a personal favorite. At the summit, the world falls quiet: snow-covered peaks, crisp air and the familiar aroma of fresh espresso. The Dakar settles into silence as its engine clicks cool. “It doesn’t get better than this. And yet that dark strip of asphalt already hints at the next stretch.”
The flow of the Dolomite passes
What follows is the unmistakable cadence of the Dolomites: Pordoi, Sella, Gardena — a continuous sequence of passes and corners that seem to flow into one another. Breaks come in the form of viewpoints, quick photos and the occasional cappuccino, punctuated by encounters with skiers and passers-by drawn to the unlikely sight of a 911 Dakar in winter. “I counted around 300 thumbs up – the Dakar puts a smile on people’s faces.”
If there’s a downside, it’s the road salt — an unavoidable companion of winter driving. “But if you prepare the car properly and give it a thorough wash afterwards, it’s really not an issue. The experience is worth the effort.”
For Bogner, the conclusion is clear. The challenges are minor compared to the reward. “If I could make one request to Porsche, it would be this: build another run of this fantastic globetrotter. I didn’t want to hand the Dakar back.”
Gallery
Above contents © 2026 Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG reviewed and edited by Rex McAfee , @rexmcafee
