Hi, I've got a question on the interpretation of the info from this site;
http://www.tcs.ch/main/de/home/verke...e_tunnels.html

It lists the Furka as closed until the 2nd of June, but does that mean it's gated off and closed to auto trafffic only?

..it may seem a stupid query, but we have parks here in Canada that open to cars on a specific date, but are free of snow long before they're officially open, and so we cyclists get them all to ourselves for a short time before the gates swing open.

Is it similar for the swiss passes or does "closed" mean it's buried under snow and would be stupid / futile / illegal / unwise for any cycling attempt?

My itinerary as it stands puts me through the Furka this coming Monday May 31st and if I cannot go via Furka, I'll need to re-jig the route.

Thanks!
Mark

Mark

I dont know for sure, but I think it may not be accesible for bikes yet, as there may still be snow on Furka. Passhöhe is 2436 meter, and yesterday, I was on Ebenalp there was small patches down to ca. 1800 meter, and there was a lot of snow around Säntis (2503m), so I am afraid it will not be possible, but in worst case, you can take the train from Realp to Oberwald.

Enjoy your trip

Doc.

edit: here some pictures from clearing the Gotthard pass last year http://forum.wetteronline.de/showthread.php?t=7442

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Thanks very much for the local feedback Doc. ..that link is an eye opener as well!

Looks like I'll be re-jigging the route a little, though it's good to know the possibility of taking the train for a short leg.
I may be able to hit the Furka a week further into the trip depending on where I find myself. However; the idea of riding through winter run-off with a vertical wall of snow on my shoulder while interesting, will likely have a short lived appeal.

Pass is usually open but there is a barrier closed so cars can't drive further than a certain point. The snow on the road isn't usually the problem it stays closed because of the avalanche danger above the road. There will be no one there to stop you going further on a bike but you have to judge the danger yourself and assess if it is wise to continue. Last year the passes were open late because of the large amount of snow. I biked the Grimsel pass on 1 June and it wasn't officially open until 21 June. There was quite a risk of avalanche danger from above. Best to leave early and be out of the danger area before midday the same as with skitouring this time of year. Last weekend i biked the albula (just open on 21 May) and julier passes which are around 2300m and the road was completely dry and snow free. Have fun!

According to http://www.tcs.ch/main/de/home/verke...e_tunnels.html Furka opens tomorrow

Doc.

Excellent! What a difference a day makes!

thanks also to Dr. D. I thought (hoped) that might be case for "closed" passes late in the season.

The photos from the Gottard clearing efforts linked by 'Doctor' are still worrisome. Oh well. It is what it is, and I'll get what I'm given for weather.

Just in case the Furka isn't open, there is always the option of taking the train through the tunnel between Oberwald and Realp.

Have fun on the trip!

Hi all,

I know this thread has gone quiet but I was hoping someone could help before I post my own thread on the subject…

My parents are coming over from the UK next week and they are hoping to drive to the Fiesch ski resort on Friday from Zurich. I’ve been told by a friend that they might need to get a drive on train to miss out the Furka Pass.

I have a couple of questions…

1. Does anyone know if there is a timetable for this train?
2. Do you have to book a space on it?
3. How much does it cost?
4. Is it obvious? As in…if the road ahead is closed, is there obvious signage to suggest where they are supposed to go to get the train?

Thank you so much in advance!

-Laurie

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Here's a link to the timetable: http://www.matterhorngotthardbahn.ch...s/default.aspx
There's pricing info etc there too.

Thank you thank you thank you thank you

-Laurie x