Alpine passes - open in April?

[TurboMiller]

Hi all,
I was looking to drive to the south of France in mid-April next year, and was thinking of heading over the Alps on the way if the passes are open at that time of year. Anyone know if they are likely to be, or how I can find out?
Thanks!

[Harsh]

it rather depends which passes you're thinking of,

the french end of the alps opens earlier, but in April you're rather on the cusp.

this is a good site to check

http://www.alpineroads.com/

[Camel]

Here's the page I use for Switzerland, tells you what's open and what's not. The big passes such as the Susten, Grimsel and Furka won't be open in April but plenty lower roads are and you can still have plenty fun

I'm only speaking about Switzerland but you can still cross the alps ok in April, the Grand St Bernard has a tunnel through the top bit from about 2000 metres and the lower bit is kept open all year. Also the Simplon is kept open all year which means they will be cleared pretty quickly after a snowfall.

http://www.tcs.ch/main/fr/home/verkehrsinfo/paesse...

[DIW35]

I've been from France to Italy (and back) for the last two years in May, and the passes in the vicinity of the Mont Blanc tunnel weren't open then.

[Mrs_T]

Completely agree, had to go via Turin as none of the mountain passes were open. Lovely roads though!
The Col D'alos was brilliant!

[smiller]

Tried going over from Austria to Italy via Oetz / Langenfeld / Obergurgl / Moso in Pasiria and that was closed in mid-May