Grand St Bernard Pass - Going North.

[franco]

Hi travellers. I'm off to Chamonix on Saturday, and checking the Col closures in France, I'm going via Italy (Turin). Question is, I want to avoid the tunnels, so Grd St Bernard seems the obvious route north from Italy to Chamonix. How long does this take roughly? Michelin say's it takes an hour longer than going through the Mont Blanc tunnel, which I'd rather avoid, especially now trucks are allowed back in. the Michelin route I tried via Martigny chooses the Tunnel UNDER the St Bernard, though I'd go 'over the top'. Doesn't look too long, so I'd imagine an extra hour rather than going via the tunnel should suffice. Is this about right?

Cheers./Rob

 

[The Phantom Pieman]

Hi travellers. I'm off to Chamonix on Saturday, and checking the Col closures in France, I'm going via Italy (Turin). Question is, I want to avoid the tunnels, so Grd St Bernard seems the obvious route north from Italy to Chamonix. How long does this take roughly? Michelin say's it takes an hour longer than going through the Mont Blanc tunnel, which I'd rather avoid, especially now trucks are allowed back in. the Michelin route I tried via Martigny chooses the Tunnel UNDER the St Bernard, though I'd go 'over the top'. Doesn't look too long, so I'd imagine an extra hour rather than going via the tunnel should suffice. Is this about right?

Cheers./Rob

An Hour or so is about right ....
Going through the tunnel is not a pleasant experiance, so the hours detour is worth it ...

However, as of the 25th May, it is still closed .....

http://www.swissinfo.org/sde/swissinfo.html?siteSect=490#pass

 

[franco]

Bugger!

Thanks for the link. I'll check it again Friday before I go. If I'm going to do one of the tunnels (Mont Blanc or St Bernard), I might as well go Mont Blanc as it'll get me in the pub quicker...

 

[thauma]

Take the pass, the tunnel is C**P.

Avoid the Dogs at the top, they're just for the tourists, but do enjoy the ride.

We did the same, from Switzerland to Italy - for a lunchtime Pizza. Definitely better than a day in the hotel.

 

[mickeyandminnie]

Just came back from Grande St Bernard( ice on road 2 june 2005). Don't forget Petite St Bernard via La Thuile and La Rossiere if you have the time.

Very twisty ( where's 3/4 gear???)

Have a great time