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Am I being overly optimistic thinking the big Cols will be open/clear of snow by end of May?
Yes. Though this year has been a poor snow drop in the Alps, has it been the same in the Pyrenees?
Generally, the opening date is the 1st June. If little snow, it could be earlier.
We’ve been twice now to do the Furka and Grimsel passes in the last week of May. Both times they were shut, the roads did seem clear, but avalanche risk was keeping it closed, gates across the road.
Looked pretty much clear ladt week when my wife was there.
I did the Tourmalet from Luz Saint Sauveur on my birthday mid June and Luz Ardiden the next day. Both totally open no sign of snow. I took the Voie Laurent Fignon diversion (the original road) after Bareges on the Tourmalet... well worth doing. Closed to all traffic oher than cyclists. .
Rode Port de Bales (north facing and about as remote as it gets, although not quite as high) in mid May and while snow encroached onto the road in the final 4 kms in shady places there was a clear line all the way up. Went in early May and had to turn back at around 4km to go. On each occasion I rode through the Route Barre barrier.
If you're booking flights, have a plan B. There's plenty other riding that'll generally be open by then.
I've been riding around La Mongie and Bareges at Easter before, but not to the col. Also ridden over the top in snow on Bastille day.
Generally, the opening date is the 1st June. If little snow, it could be earlier.
We’ve been twice now to do the Furka and Grimsel passes in the last week of May. Both times they were shut, the roads did seem clear, but avalanche risk was keeping it closed, gates across the road.
Hmmm, June 1st may be ok...guess I'll need to keep an eye on snow reports.
Thanks
Apparently Cols popular with cyclists have traffic free days. There’s a website with road closures. I have it bookmarked but can’t seem to find it 😅.
Done the tournament twice in late may, following years, first chocker with snow and second nothing. Same years did port de bales, peryasoude, snow on tops but roads good.
Just check local weather.
Highlights of my cycling life in all honesty riding up the cold into the snowline in the pryenees.
Ps on full suspension mountain bikes both times