Stelvio Pass in mid-March?

[thegill]

Is the Stelvio Pass (or any similar passes in that area) doable mid March, or do the high roads get closed due to weather?

Cheers!

[Johno]

About 2-3mths early I'm afraid for the high passes.

You could fit a plough and studded tyres too make sure it's clear for people in May/June when it normally opens.

[dcb]

thegill said:

Is the Stelvio Pass (or any similar passes in that area) doable mid March, or do the high roads get closed due to weather?

Mid March is still very early for the Alps.
Website

http://www.alpineroads.com/

has all the facts - the Brenner is open all year IIRC.

[dom180]

thegill said:

Is the Stelvio Pass (or any similar passes in that area) doable mid March, or do the high roads get closed due to weather?

Cheers!

There are a fair few passes that are cleared and worth doing such as the Julier pass - although it's a main route into St. Moritz, if you can bag a traffic free run, it's a lot of fun. Similarly, a lot of the Dolomite passes are main roads and kept clear.

As mentioned, you'll find alpineroads.com have all the infor.

[Size Nine Elm]

dom180 said:

thegill said:

Is the Stelvio Pass (or any similar passes in that area) doable mid March, or do the high roads get closed due to weather?

Cheers!

There are a fair few passes that are cleared and worth doing such as the Julier pass - although it's a main route into St. Moritz, if you can bag a traffic free run, it's a lot of fun. Similarly, a lot of the Dolomite passes are main roads and kept clear.

As mentioned, you'll find alpineroads.com have all the infor.

I've seen a bit of film of the Stelvio pass, with the road having snow walls 12 feet high.
Taken in June 1956 - my parent's honeymoon!

So I'm guessing March is a bit early. Especially with all the global cooling going on.

[snapper8v]

This was a photo taken from the web cam in April last year (you can just see the snow plough to the right)

[G Man]

When I was there last year they hotel owner said the road is normally open from end of May,

[snapper8v]

From my Stelvio webcam collection

[thegill]

hmm... looks like I was being a little optimistic!!! The road trip may have to wait a few months...

thanks for the advice and links guys- alpineroads.com is awesome!