Snow and closures shake the Swiss Alps
Fresh snow is sweeping across parts of the Swiss Alps, with MeteoSwiss setting the snow line between 1,600 and 2,000 meters for Saturday. In the central Alps, up to 20 centimeters of new snow could accumulate by evening, creating slippery conditions and heightening risk for travelers in the region.
Which passes are closed and why
For safety reasons, several major passes have been closed temporarily. The Furka, Gotthard, Grimsel, Nufenen, Pragel, San Bernardino and Susten routes are currently blocked. Normally these routes stay open into November, but persistent winter weather and avalanche or instability concerns have necessitated the closures for the time being.
Closures of Alpine passes are common when snow falls heavily or when concurrent hazards such as rockfalls threaten road integrity. In such cases, authorities prioritize safe passage for motorists over maintaining year-round access, even if it means rerouting traffic through alternative corridors.
Traffic impact and detours
The pared-back network of transalpine routes has a ripple effect on traffic in the region. Notably, congestion has increased at the Gotthard road tunnel, with southbound delays reaching up to 90 minutes as vehicles are diverted or slowed by the limited options. The Swiss Touring Club, known as TCS, has advised travelers to use the alternative San Bernardino tunnel to bypass the Gotthard corridor when possible.
Practical tips for travelers
Anyone planning to travel through the Swiss Alps in the near term should check real-time road conditions and weather updates, and be prepared for detours. Key tips include:
– Monitor official sources for the latest status on the Furka, Gotthard, Grimsel, Nufenen, Pragel, San Bernardino and Susten passes, as well as the San Bernardino and Gotthard tunnels.
– Consider delaying non-essential trips if the weather forecast remains unsettled.
– If travel is necessary, depart early, allow extra time, and equip the vehicle for winter roads (snow tires or chains, warm clothing, and emergency supplies).
– Have alternative routing options ready in case a primary corridor is closed for extended periods.
What this means for Alpine tourism
While these closures disrupt typical travel plans, they reflect ongoing safety precautions in a region accustomed to variable winter conditions. Ski resorts and border towns often adapt by redirecting traffic and adjusting access to maintain safety. For visitors, the situation underscores the importance of flexibility, up-to-date route planning, and an understanding that some routes may be temporarily unavailable during peaks of winter weather.
