Alpine Pass Status: Which Passes Are Open Now? | Motorcycle Routes

In a nutshell: By mid-June, most Alpine passes are open to motorcycles again. However, some of the highest passes and certain gravel passes open later in the season or may still be affected by snow, meltwater, and loose rock. If you’re planning a ride, it’s worth checking the current status before you set off. Here’s an overview.

June is when the Alpine season really kicks off. Days are long, temperatures are pleasant, and those legendary curves are calling. But just because it’s summer in the valley doesn’t mean the passes are open. Above 6,500 feet (2,000 m), there’s often still snow, and some passes traditionally open quite late. To make sure your ride doesn’t end at a locked gate, you’ll find the current overview here.

When Do the Alpine Passes Open?

Winter closures are usually lifted between late May and mid-June, depending on altitude and weather conditions. Popular touring classics such as the Grossglockner High Alpine Road, the Nockalm Road, or the Little St. Bernard Pass are generally rideable from early summer onwards. However: Opening dates depend heavily on how harsh and snowy the winter was. After months with lots of snow, the highest passes may reopen significantly later. Some crossings also open later because they are higher or more complex to clear. The exact order in which passes open changes from year to year, and there are no fixed dates.

These Passes Open Later – 2026 Dates

A few Alpine passes are almost always among the last to open each season. If you're planning a ride in early June, keep a particularly close eye on these:

• Great St. Bernard Pass (CH/IT, 2,469 m): Winter closure in 2026 until around June 22.
• Susten Pass (CH, 2,224 m): Opens in mid-June (2026: from June 12). The Uri side is initially only open as far as Chli Sustli.
• Timmelsjoch Pass (AT/IT, 2,474 m): A classic late opener. The gates often don't open until early to mid-June.
• Gavia Pass (IT, 2,652 m): A favorite among motorcyclists, but it typically opens very late.
• Furka, Grimsel and Nufenen Passes (CH): These are regularly among the last passes to reopen each spring.
• Stelvio Pass (IT, 2,757 m): One of the highest paved Alpine passes, so it's usually among the last to become snow-free.
  Then there are the gravel passes, which follow their own rules. The Assietta Ridge Road, for example, is officially closed until June 30, while high routes such as Colle Sommeiller can still have snow on the road and minor landslides well into summer.

Passes That Are Almost Always Open

If the high Alpine passes are still in winter hibernation, these crossings are your most reliable alternatives. They're usually open year-round, apart from occasional closures during heavy snowfall.

• Switzerland: Bernina, Brünig, Julier, Lukmanier, Maloja, Ofen, Simplon, Ibergeregg, Forclaz, Sattel
• Italy/South Tyrol: Brenner Pass, Reschen Pass, Gardena Pass
• France: Route Napoléon (the French Alps' classic winter route)
  With these routes, you can still put together a fantastic early-season ride without gambling on a pass that might still be blocked.

Where Can I Check the Current Pass Status?

Pass conditions can change daily, and sometimes even hourly, depending on the weather or roadworks. These sources are reliable and updated regularly:

• **https://alpen-paesse.ch/en/* – Live pass status, restrictions, weather, and road conditions for many of the major Alpine passes (available in English).
• https://www.grossglockner.at/en – Grossglockner High Alpine Road: official opening dates, current road conditions, and travel information for Austria's most famous Alpine road.
• https://ktips.bormio.eu/en/live-info/alpine-passes – Bormio Alpine Passes: official updates for Stelvio, Gavia, Umbrail, Foscagno, Mortirolo, and other major Italian Alpine passes.
  Pro tip: These websites are excellent for planning, but conditions can change quickly. For the most up-to-date information, always check the official road operator or regional authority responsible for the pass you plan to ride. When in doubt, compare information from at least two reliable sources.

What Else to Watch Out for in June

Car-free days. Throughout the season, some pass roads are temporarily closed for cycling events or sporting events, for example around the Gavia or Stelvio passes. A planned ride can quickly be disrupted, so it's worth checking the local events calendar before you set off.
Weekend motorcycle bans. Some roads are closed to motorcycles on Saturdays and Sundays. Switzerland's Pragel Pass is a well-known example. If your route includes one of these roads, be sure to check the restrictions in advance.
Snow up high, sunshine below. Even if a high pass is open, it can still be surprisingly cold and wet above 2,500 m. Pack a warm layer and rain gear, even if it's T-shirt weather down in the valley.
Don't forget the vignette. Austria and Switzerland require tolls or vignettes on certain roads. If you're only visiting for a short time, shorter-duration vignettes are often available (for example, 10-day or 2-month options).

Ready to Roll: Plan Your Ride

Now that you know which regions are open, it's time to plan your route. With calimoto, you can create a winding ride through the already open regions in just a few minutes, complete with offline maps for those signal dead zones in the mountains.

FAQ — Alpine Passes in June

Which Alpine passes usually open last? Typically, Timmelsjoch (AT/IT), Gavia Pass and Stelvio Pass (IT), as well as Furka, Grimsel, and Great St. Bernard (CH), are among the last to reopen, usually between early and mid-June, or later after particularly snowy winters.
Can a pass close again after reopening? Yes. Even after reopening, a pass can close again at short notice due to heavy snowfall or landslides. That's why you should always check the latest pass status before your ride.
Which passes are open year-round? In Switzerland, these include Bernina, Julier, Lukmanier, Maloja, Simplon, and Brünig. In Italy, Brenner Pass, Reschen Pass, and Gardena Pass are generally open year-round. In France, Route Napoléon is also usually rideable throughout the year. However, temporary closures are still possible during snowfall.
Do I still need winter gear in June? Usually not. However, on higher passes, even those that are open year-round, changing weather or local regulations may require winter tires or snow chains at short notice. Packing a warm layer is always a good idea for Alpine rides in June.
Are gravel passes rideable in June? Not always. Higher gravel routes can still have snowfields, standing water, and loose debris well into summer. Some, such as the Assietta Ridge Road, remain officially closed until the end of June.

Note: Pass conditions depend on the weather and can change at any time. The opening dates mentioned here are based on typical seasonal patterns and experience (as of June 2026). Always check the latest official pass information before setting off.

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