We plan to rent a car & drive a circular route around France & a bit into adjacent countries this spring. We particularly enjoy mtns & spectacular overlooks at high altitudes. We'd like to do the following the last 2 or 3 days in April: Return to France from the Spanish Pyrenees via A136 to D934 via the Col du Pourtalet Pass then turn east in French Pyrenees going thru the following Passes: Col d'Aubisque, Soulor, Borderes, Tourmalet, d'Aspin, Peyresourde, & then Portillon to enter Spain again. About May 2 in France's Central Massif we'd like to cross Pas de Peyrol (& hike up Puy Mary) then go thru Col d'Entremont on way to Murat, FR. Later in the first week of May we'd like to go north from Ventimiglia, Italy into France & Italy & France again going thru Passes: Col de Tende, de Larche(Maddalena), de Vars, on to Briancon, Fr., then thru Cols du Lautaret, Galibier & Telegraphe then east over Col de Frejus (or tunnel if necessary). Back in Italy our next obstacle would be the St Bernard Pass into Switzerland then Col de la Forclaz on way to Chamonix, Fr. Mt Blanc tunnel is alternative. What are the chances of these passes being open between April 28 & May 8? Or which ones are likely to be snow-bound? What are likely opening dates & where might we find info on such? Any & all replies appreciated!
Posted by
Danville, VT
12040 posts
I'm going out on a limb here... I am not aware of any major roads closing permanently for the winter in Europe. During snowstorms, roads may close temporarily until the plows can clear them, but this situation rarely lasts longer than 24 hours (If anyone has different information, please correct me!). And certainly, by late April-early May, the chances of a road being snowed under are greatly diminished.
Now, hiking trails could still be snowbound... but I doubt you'll have trouble with the roads.
Posted by
OP
Alabama, USA
42 posts
Tom,
Thank you very much for going out on a limb & replying! I am very much hoping that your reply will stimulate other responses, all of which would be greatly appreciated!
A few years ago, I do recall that we switched a trip from April/May to SEPT because the Oberalp, Furka &, I think, Grimsel Passes in Switzerland and the Grossglockner Pass in Austria's Panhandle were closed (according to literature I have) "from Nov until May"---and for some of those passes they said "from Oct to June". Given that approximate wording, which I understand can't be precise, I assumed the road-closing came in Nov (or Oct) & that they didn't re-open until sometime in May (or June)---or perhaps alternatively were open by May (or June).
The highest of the just-cited passes were the Grossglockner at 2461 meters & the Furka at 2431m. I think that's not quite 8,000 feet high and, at both, we saw snow left over from Spring even along the roadside (in mid-late Sept)tho not on the road itself. In contrast, the highest pass in France that I cited in my first post, above, is the Galibier at 2640m---i think that's nearly 8600ft! (When we scheduled this trip we failed to realize just how high the French Alps & Pyrenees Passes are!) The passes I cited in the Pyrenees generally are lower; about 1400-2100m or 4500-7000ft. And the highest I cited in the Central Massif is Pas de Peyrol at 1600m or about 5200ft.
Also, it may be that France's mountains are warmer &/or get less snow than farther inland, or at least east, like the mountains of Switzerland or Austria.
We already have our plane tickets so can't re-schedule to Fall, tho can use tunnels where they exist & detour otherwise if we have to---but wish we could tentatively plan that now.
Again, we will be most grateful for any & all ideas & info, or suggestions for finding such, that anyone can provide. Thank you in advance!
Posted by
NYC area
2980 posts
Posted by
OP
Alabama, USA
42 posts
Kent,
We're concerned only about road closures; not trails---at least not much. For us as seniors,late 60s, most of what we do on trails would be termed walking rather than hiking. If we make it up the 30 minute ascent from Pas de Peyrol to the top of Puy Mary that will pretty much be our walk for the day, especially if the ascent is fairly steep. Thank You for giving me a chance to clarify an apparent vagueness, which I should've picked on, in Tom's earlier reply. Thanks again!
Posted by
OP
Alabama, USA
42 posts
Hello Paul,
Thank You for replying with the www.alpineroads.com website. I will be checking it out pronto! Your response is much appreciated. Thanks again!
Posted by
OH, OH, USA
1158 posts
When I went to 3week trip across Europe in 2002, the pass to Chamonix was closed in August. We has to use the tunnel, which was extremly slow because of the problems they had the year before (it collapsed).