Gotthard Pass Closes Early as Winter Grips Swiss Alpine Routes
The Gotthard Pass, a vital alpine crossing between Hospental in Uri and Airolo in Ticino, will shut down on November 7 due to winter conditions. The closure also affects the scenic hiking and cycling route through the Schöllenen Gorge, marking the end of the season for several other alpine passes.
The Gotthard Pass, a crucial link between northern and southern Switzerland, will close to traffic from Friday. This closure is part of a seasonal pattern as winter approaches, with other notable passes like San Bernardino, Susten, Grimsel, Furka, Nufenen, Klausen, and Great St. Bernard already shut for the season. The Sanetsch and Glaubenbielen passes are also impassable, with the latter remaining open on the Obwalden side as far as Mörlialp.
During the Gotthard Pass closure, traffic will be rerouted through the Gotthard Road Tunnel. Other significant alternatives include the Gotthard-Strassentunnel (Autobahntunnel der A2, 16,9 km) and the San-Bernardino-Tunnel (Autobahntunnel der A13). However, for the Schöllenen Gorge, only the Gotthard-Strassentunnel serves as a regular winter alternative.
Not all passes will close, though. The Oberalp, Julier, Bernina, Flüela, Albula, Brünig, Simplon, Sattel, Schwägalp, and Splügen passes will remain open, providing essential connections throughout the winter.
In other news, work is underway to establish snow disposal sites above the Devil’s Bridge following a rockfall in the Jostbach area in September.
The Gotthard Pass closure signals the onset of winter in the Swiss Alps. While several passes close, others remain open, ensuring connectivity. Meanwhile, preparations continue to mitigate the impact of recent incidents like the Jostbach rockfall.
