Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > Europe
Mountain Passes Mountain Passes
Register FAQ Calendar Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
Europe Topics specific to Western and Eastern Europe, from UK to the Russian border, and south-east to Turkey.
Photo by Ellen Delis, Lagunas Ojos del Campo, Antofalla, Catamarca

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Ellen Delis,
Lagunas Ojos del Campo,
Antofalla, Catamarca



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 6 Nov 2012
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Bristol, UK
Posts: 336
Mountain Passes
Obiviously every year is different depending onweather conditions etc...

But traditionally at what time of year do the high mountain passes (stelvio, grimsel, etc..) of the alps open for vehicles??

Just looking at options for crossing europe at the start of our RTW trip in april.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 7 Nov 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Walsall, UK
Posts: 251
You might be a bit early in April. As you say things are weather dependent but things seem to gradually roll into life from the begining of May.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 7 Nov 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Oxford UK
Posts: 2,104
If all you want to do is travel south there's lots of choice as all of the main alpine passes (Brenner etc) are kept open through the winter. If the idea was to take some of the more scenic routes and ride the high passes that are normally left blocked during the winter then April is probably too early. It varies year on year depending on how much snowfall there has been but it's rare to see many of the high passes in our area of the French Alps open before the middle / end of May.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 7 Nov 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Finland
Posts: 32
This is the best page showning when the passes are open or closed
ALPENPORTAL | Straßenbericht Alpenpässe

And this link goes to another page with waypoints and other information on passes in Europe
Alpenpässe, Schotterpisten und andere Ziele (nicht nur) für Motorradfahrer - Alpen-Motorrad-Guide

-Juuso-
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 7 Nov 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Washington, DC
Posts: 1,377
I was near Stelvio in early May this year, and it was still blocked; I found a webcam which showed rather large amounts of snow across the road.

I was able to re-route via Tonale and passo de Aprica (?), but I think that the higher passes I think are closed until late May.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 7 Nov 2012
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: London
Posts: 404
I used to visit Innertkirchen every June, (around 2004 - 2008) at the bottom of Grimsel and Susten passes.
Those two usually opened around end of 1st week of June. Usually Susten before Grimsel.

A fixed date is never set, the road opens when an inspection deems it safe.

One year for Grimsel they said "tomorrow!"
But when tomorrow came, they found avalanches posed a danger.
I think it was another 2 days.

It's not only the road being clear, but no avalanche danger as well.
You can find webcams sited in Innertkirchen and up on Susten, on google I should think.

If you arrive in Innertkirchen and have to wait, well, I think it's a very nice place to do so. In that there's not a lot there, a few hotels, Post Office and a couple of grocery stores.
Plus plenty of alpine countryside all around.
The alpine meadows going up towards Engstlenalp are wonderful.
And Innertkirchen is a 'bikers welcome' town. One hotel is called 'Bikers Hotel'.
All very welcoming.
__________________
TTR250 - London to Cape Town
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes
Linear Mode Linear Mode

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Two Moto Kiwis Arctic To Antarctic May 2012...On Two Moto Kiwis Ride Tales 1141 16 Nov 2015 12:40
Into the World - 2Up Romanian adventure through Africa and beyond mrwhite Ride Tales 112 27 Feb 2013 10:41
Listing up the highest driveable passes in the world johan&ils The HUBB PUB 4 13 Sep 2012 00:05
A Gringo in Colombia Ride4Adventure Ride Tales 13 20 Apr 2012 02:15
Egypt – revolution memory and uweinat mountain barbary sheep 3M North Africa 9 2 Feb 2012 20:27

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 21:17.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top