Mountain Pass Status & Seasonal Opening Dates
Planning a road trip through the Alps, Pyrenees, or the Dolomites? Checking the current status of mountain passes is a critical step in your journey. Many high-altitude routes remain closed due to snow well into late spring or experience early closures in autumn.
To ensure a seamless drive, use our curated directory of official traffic resources and pass-status updates across Europe and beyond.
What Is a Mountain Pass Driving Route?
A mountain pass driving route is a road trip that crosses high-altitude routes through mountain ranges, combining challenging roads with exceptional scenery.
These routes are known for:
- Tight bends and elevation changes
- Panoramic mountain views
- Iconic driving roads
Many of Europe’s most famous drives — such as alpine passes and high mountain roads — are built around these features .
Why Drive Mountain Pass Routes?
Mountain pass routes offer a driving experience unlike any other:
- Technical, engaging roads: Hairpins, climbs, and descents that reward skilled driving
- Spectacular scenery: High-altitude views, valleys, and dramatic landscapes
- Iconic locations: Some of the most famous driving roads in the world
- A true sense of journey: Routes that feel like an achievement, not just a drive
Are mountain passes open today?
Mountain pass opening dates vary each year based on local snowfall and maintenance. Generally, high-alpine roads in Europe open in late May or early June and close by late October or November. However, sudden weather shifts can lead to temporary 24-hour closures at any time.
Official Live Pass Status Resources
Use the links below to access real-time data on seasonal closures, roadworks, and weather restrictions directly from regional transport authorities:
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Pass |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
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Austria |
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Early May - Early Nov |
Early May - Late Oct |
Early May - 5/Nov |
27/Apr - 10/Nov |
Early May - 02/Nov |
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Italy & Switzerland |
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04/Jun - 18/Oct |
31/May - 17/Oct |
01/Jun - 16/Oct |
13/Jun - 14/Oct |
06/Jun - 20/Oct |
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Romania |
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Normally open all year round |
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| Transfăgărășan | 28/Jun - 25/Oct | 15/Jun - 17/Nov | 21/Jun - 6/Nov | 7/Jun - 12/Nov | 05/Jun - 20/Oct | |||||
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Switzerland |
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Normally open all year round |
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18/Jun - 03/Nov |
25/May - 09/Nov |
02/Jun - 30/Oct |
21/Jun - 11/Nov |
28/May - 27/Oct |
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07/May - 25/Nov |
14/Apr - 21/Nov |
06/Apr - 10/Nov |
03/May - 19/Nov |
23/May - 17/Nov |
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21/May - 25/Nov |
12/May - 18/Nov |
17/May - 09/Nov |
08/May - 18/Nov |
09/May - 18/Nov |
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21/May - 05/Nov |
20/May - 10/Nov |
17/May - 09/Nov |
29/May - 14/Nov |
19/May - 07/Nov |
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11/Jun - 03/Nov |
25/May - 09/Nov |
02/Jun - 02/Nov |
14/Jun - 11/Nov |
28/May - 27/Oct |
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Normally open all year round |
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02/Jun - 04/Nov |
11/May - 07/Nov |
19/May - 02/Nov |
24/May - 11/Nov |
03/Jun - 31/Oct |
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14/Jun - 02/Nov |
01/Jun - 18/Nov |
08/Jun - 10/Nov |
07/Jun - 18/Nov |
16/May - 03/Nov |
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Normally open all year round |
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26/Jun - 03/Nov |
03/Jun - 09/Nov |
16/Jun - 30/Oct |
28/Jun - 11/Nov |
07/Jun - 27/Oct |
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US |
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May - Oct |
May - Oct |
May - Oct |
May - Oct |
May - Oct |
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Link |
Description |
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A site for you to see the status of mountain passes throughout Europe. |
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A site for you to see the status of mountain passes specifically in Switzerland. |
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Grossglockner High Alpine Road |
Information specific to the Grossglockner High Alpine Road. |
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Further information specific to the Transfăgărășan Mountain Pass, with opening/closing dates over the last few years. |
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Caltrans (California Department of Transportation) status page |
Technical Driving & Restrictions
Beyond seasonal snow closures, some mountain passes have specific access requirements you must consider before setting off:
- Weekend Restrictions: To reduce congestion and prioritise cyclists, some passes (especially in the Dolomites and Alps) may limit motorised vehicle access during peak weekend hours.
- Snow Chain Requirements: In many regions, carrying "diamond-pattern" snow chains is a legal requirement during the declared snow season, even if the road appears clear.
- Vehicle Dimensions: Technical hairpins on older alignments may have height or length restrictions for large campervans or trailers.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do the Alpine passes usually open?
Most high-altitude Alpine passes aim to open between mid-May and early June. Higher passes, such as the Stelvio or Iseran, may stay closed until the second week of June depending on the previous winter's snowpack.
How can I check if a pass is open on my travel date?
We recommend checking our Travel Essentials before your departure. For those using our Full Itinerary PDFs, we provide historical opening and closing windows for every pass on your route to help you plan accurately. However, we strongly advise checking official status reports the day before you drive. Sudden weather-impacted closures can occur at any time, and you may need to adjust your route for that day accordingly.
Are mountain passes free to drive?
While many public mountain passes are free, some of the most iconic 'driving utopias'—such as the Grossglockner or the Timmelsjoch—are private high-alpine roads that require a toll fee for access.