RDGA end of May-too early ??

[Arsey]

We're looking to do the Route Des Grandes Alpes next year.

I last did it in September 2008 but we're looking at the end of May next time.

Does anybody know when the last of the passes has been opened these last few years ?

Is the last few days in May normally passable or should we leave it a week or so till early June ?

Ta

 

[mcinlb]

I did the RDGA in 2012, Col de Galibier was not open until the week before I went - last week in June.

But this site is usually accurate http://www.alpen-journal.de/alpenservice/alpenpaesse.html

 

[Wapping]

The latter end of May? The significant high passes will, in all probability, still be shut.

First week (maybe into the first two weeks) in June? The significant high passes may well still be shut.

Third week in June and thereafter? The significant high passes should be open.


Yup, you can get freaks when the passes are shut in July but they are not an every year occurrence.


A Michelin map shows the 'minimum' closed dates for many of the passes. By 'minimum' they indicate the earliest date when the the pass should be open (not guaranteed) and the likely latest date for the pass to remain open. Check with the local tourist offices (very helpful) and / or on the assorted websites, nearer the time.

 

[Rasher]

I would not want to risk going before the tail end of June, there will still be lots of snow to ride past well into July, and probably the roads will be cutting through large snow banks near the tops of some passes in mid-june.

Late May just sounds like a recipe for disappointment and lots of (boring) detours - but you could get lucky and have the trip of a lifetime.

 

[The Grey One]

Not much help if you are going to do the RDGA but passes in southern Austria are usually open by the beginning of May. Things are different in different parts of the Alps. In our region just about the only road that might not be open in late May would be the Mangart road in Slovenia.

John

 

[Arsey]

Thanks for all the replies.

We're going to plan on mid june onwards.

Ta

 

[mcinlb]

The website above is your friend, is accurate on a daily basis............