Napoleon route

[swweyman]

Hi there! Does anyone know if it will be reopened, subject to weather today/tomorrow? The original official closing period ends today, March 31. Cannot find any news on it anywhere. I know it may still face the occasional weather closure and the SJPP pilgrim's office will let me know but was hoping to learn if they kept to the original closed timeframe or have extended it.

 

[Peter Fransiscus]

You have to go to the Pilgrims Office and they will know

Wish you well and a Buen Camino , Peter .

 

[Rikke Visby Wickberg]

Just quoting:


“Adam lapp
7 minutes ago
New #58
Hiked valcarlos 5 days ago. Was aptly told Napoleon was closed. Valcarlos has snow in sections you had to hike around or through...I can’t imagine Napoleon route.”

 

[Monasp]

Hi there! Does anyone know if it will be reopened, subject to weather today/tomorrow? The original official closing period ends today, March 31. Cannot find any news on it anywhere. I know it may still face the occasional weather closure and the SJPP pilgrim's office will let me know but was hoping to learn if they kept to the original closed timeframe or have extended it.

In SJPP the weather is very bad today. It's snowing so much on the mountain and it's not possible to pass by Nopoleon Route. There is more of 1m of snow with fog it's very dangerous. Go to pilgrims office volunteers will give you advices

 

[Anniesantiago]

If the weather is so bad you are concerned, why not just take a taxi to Roncesvalles and begin walking there rather than take a chance. There is no official starting place - that's an urban myth.

 

[aname4me]

If I had to go from Pamplona to SJPP by bus, to find the Napoleon was closed AND the Valcarlos has snow.... I might wish I got off the bus in Roncesvalles.

So.... Does the SJPP pilgrim's office have a phone? (and speak English)

 

[Tia Valeria]

If I had to go from Pamplona to SJPP by bus, to find the Napoleon was closed AND the Valcarlos has snow.... I might wish I got off the bus in Roncesvalles.

So.... Does the SJPP pilgrim's office have a phone? (and speak English)

You could send a PM to @Monasp and see if there is a contact number if you need to call.

 

[mspath]

You could send a PM to @Monasp and see if there is a contact number if you need to call.

Try +33559370509
and/or caminopa@hotmail.com

 

[swweyman]

In SJPP the weather is very bad today. It's snowing so much on the mountain and it's not possible to pass by Nopoleon Route. There is more of 1m of snow with fog it's very dangerous. Go to pilgrims office volunteers will give you advices

In SJPP the weather is very bad today. It's snowing so much on the mountain and it's not possible to pass by Nopoleon Route. There is more of 1m of snow with fog it's very dangerous. Go to pilgrims office volunteers will give you advices

Merci bien!

 

[tpmchugh]

Hi there! Does anyone know if it will be reopened, subject to weather today/tomorrow? The original official closing period ends today, March 31. Cannot find any news on it anywhere. I know it may still face the occasional weather closure and the SJPP pilgrim's office will let me know but was hoping to learn if they kept to the original closed timeframe or have extended it.

There was heavy snow on the higher part of the Valcarlos route yesterday, March 31st. Up to late evening it was still snowing in Roncesvalles so you can bet your boots there was even more snow up on Napolean. There is no way it is going to be open this week if the weather forecasts are correct. There is a yellow alert for avalances both today and tomorrow

 

[André2112]

Does anyone have an update on the Napoleon route?
On my way to SJPP today....
Thanks

 

[domigee]

Does anyone have an update on the Napoleon route?
On my way to SJPP today....
Thanks

As mentioned above, please check with the Pilgrims Office when you arrive in StJPP. They're THE ones in the know

 

[Peter Fransiscus]

Does anyone have an update on the Napoleon route?
On my way to SJPP today....
Thanks

https://stjeanpieddeport-roncevaux.jimdo.com/.../pilgrims-office/

You can also check there website for the weather forcast.
But that does not mean that the route Napoleon is open .

As already stated , go first to the Pilgrim office before you start walking .

 

[swweyman]

In SJPP the weather is very bad today. It's snowing so much on the mountain and it's not possible to pass by Nopoleon Route. There is more of 1m of snow with fog it's very dangerous. Go to pilgrims office volunteers will give you advices

Thank you!

 

[André2112]

What he said

I am on my way to Saint Jean now, bit og looks like a no go for the Napoleon route, sadly

 

[Kathar1na]

Does anyone have an update on the Napoleon route?

Perhaps worth repeating in these days where the frenzy whether the Napoleon route is traversable now that April is here is reaching fever pitch : There are two factors to bear in mind, namely the short-term weather of the day and the longer term level (depth, height) of accumulated snow on the path.

• Only the pilgrim office in SJPP can tell you the current condition of the path, in particular how much snow there is. It will take you much longer to walk through snow on the ground than otherwise and it will sap your energy. And you can't see it all from the valley below. Go to the pilgrims office when you have arrived and follow their advice on which path to take (Napoleon, Valcarlos or Valcarlos road only).
• Afaik, they use the following weather forecast service (the link is on their website and there's a daily printout in their office I think): http://www.aucoeurduchemin.org/METEO-682/ . You can switch to English. Click on the link Port de Cize. The prediction is for the pass of the route Napoleon (name of the pass is Col de Bentarte). Currently, snow falls for 9-11 April are predicted, some of them heavy. Weather forecasts change quickly. Where ever you go, be up to date!!! At least that's my advice, I know there are people who don't want to know what kind of weather is coming their way ...

 

[MichelleElynHogan]

Here is a thread about two peregrinos who took the Napoleon Route against the advice of the Pilgrim Office;

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/two-pilgrims-rescued-in-napoleon-route.54016/

They survived but had to call for help.

Even in Summer, it is best to go with the recommendations of the Pilgrim Office.

 

[Robo]

Perhaps worth repeating in these days where the frenzy whether the Napoleon route is traversable now that April is here is reaching fever pitch : There are two factors to bear in mind, namely the short-term weather of the day and the longer term level (depth, height) of accumulated snow on the path.

• Only the pilgrim office in SJPP can tell you the current condition of the path, in particular how much snow there is. It will take you much longer to walk through snow on the ground than otherwise and it will sap your energy. And you can't see it all from the valley below. Go to the pilgrims office when you have arrived and follow their advice on which path to take (Napoleon, Valcarlos or Valcarlos road only).
• Afaik, they use the following weather forecast service (the link is on their website and there's a daily printout in their office I think): http://www.aucoeurduchemin.org/METEO-682/ . You can switch to English. Click on the link Port de Cize. The prediction is for the pass of the route Napoleon (name of the pass is Col de Bentarte). Currently, snow falls for 9-11 April are predicted, some of them heavy. Weather forecasts change quickly. Where ever you go, be up to date!!! At least that's my advice, I know there are people who don't want to know what kind of weather is coming their way ...

Very interesting website and very detailed forecasts.
I'm strugging to understand the meaning and relevance of one term though,
Maybe we have a budding meteorologist here?

The Boundary Layer height/depth?

The detail comes up when you click on a specific date on this link:
http://fr.viewweather.com/w1781825-previsions-meteo-pour-col_de_bentarte-spain_general_.html


So the Boundary layer in the depth of air near the surface that is affected by friction with the earth's surface.

How is this used in a weather forecast? For example within a few days the boundary layer varies between 40 and 500 metres.

Just curious

Knowing the altitude of the zero C isotherm is handy along with wind speed (and therefore wind chill)
I'll know how many layers to throw on to Pat All of them !

 

[Robo]

The Boundary Layer height/depth?

The detail comes up when you click on a specific date on this link:
http://fr.viewweather.com/w1781825-previsions-meteo-pour-col_de_bentarte-spain_general_.html


So the Boundary layer in the depth of air near the surface that is affected by friction with the earth's surface.

How is this used in a weather forecast? For example within a few days the boundary layer varies between 40 and 500 metres.

OK I think I cracked it........
With a little help from an online class at Penn State
https://www.e-education.psu.edu/meteo300/node/697

The changes in the Boundary Layer depth on the weather forecast link above are through the day! Not day by day.
And it shows how the boundary layer gets deeper as the sun warms the earth.......

I suspect.........It may have an impact on the altitude of the cloud base.
I shall read on..........
Good Sunday morning reading...........

 

[Dodger]

I am in SJPDP, lot of rain over the last few days. PO not recommending the NP, I saw about 8 pilgrims head that way this morning. According to PO still snow on the higher ground, very very wet and muddy. The cloud base is very low, mixed in with mist, so not much of the views to be found if you choose to go that way. I start walking tomorrow if the weather looks like improving with the clouds lifting I will take the NR
Buen Camino

 

[Lucy Keenan]

So what happens if you are booked into Orisson?

 

[Lucy Keenan]

And please keep us updated on your progress.
Buen Camino

 

[Dodger]

So what happens if you are booked into Orisson?

You can walk back towards SJPDP, about 1km and cut back down to the route through the valley

 

[Dodger]

And please keep us updated on your progress.
Buen Camino

When do you start?, the locals say the weather is warming and with the rain unless it turns very cold again the snow could only last another few weeks however the rain and low clouds will last sometime yet according to some of the locals. The PO has the weather forecast on display

 

[Lucy Keenan]

So I guess if the weather rubbish, I will walk to orisson, stay the first night there and then drop down to varcarlos route. Sounds like a good idea. Thanks.

 

[Lucy Keenan]

I dont start till the 25th. I am just stressing needlessly I guess.

 

[Lucy Keenan]

What he said

I am on my way to Saint Jean now, bit og looks like a no go for the Napoleon route, sadly

How are you getting on? Which route did you take in the end?

 

[Dodger]

How are you getting on? Which route did you take in the end?

I got in late last night after 3 planes a train and 2 buses so today walking St Jean, will decide tomorrow after checking the PO, if the likelihood is that I will not see much apart from driving rain, wind gales and hail like yesterday will take the valley route tomorrow

 

[Lucy Keenan]

Have a great day and a lovely meal tonight to prepare for day one tomorrow.

 

[Kaiur]

So I guess if the weather rubbish, I will walk to orisson, stay the first night there and then drop down to varcarlos route. Sounds like a good idea. Thanks.

Weather rubbish? OMG all about Camino is getting absurd

 

[Saint Mike II]

Big congrats to all prospective pilgrims on the Frances! BUT why the rush to start either on April 1st & even from St Jean? If the weather is against you, your Camino could be over before you’ve walked 30 km! If both routes from St Jean are snow bound then reconsider & start in Spain. Best of luck pilgrims but remember safety first. Buen Camino!

 

[Deleted member 56069]

My wife and I had the same dilemma in 2016 when we started from Saint Jean on April 8th. The Napoleon route was closed, so we walked via Val Carlos to Roncesvales and it was a great day...still some snow, but nothing crazy.

For those stressing out, remember the Napoleon route is only one day out of 33 or more fantastic days of walking your Camino. Don't think your Camino is somehow diminished because you were not able to walk the Napoleon route.

Man plans, god laughs...

That being said, I will return to SJPP at some point in the future in a month when it is likely to be open when I return to the Frances route.

 

[Saint Mike II]

Big congrats to all prospective pilgrims on the Frances! BUT why the rush to start either on April 1st & even from St Jean? If the weather is against you, your Camino could be over before you’ve walked 30 km! If both routes from St Jean are snow bound then reconsider & start in Spain. Best of luck pilgrims but remember safety first. Buen Camino!

Just a follow-up (Monday April 9) the weather forecast for Spain today & tomorrow is not good! Madrid max on Tuesday 9, snow falls across the Pyrenees!!! Pamplona looking better & better. If you feel your Camino will be tainted by not starting in St Jean, remember that Santiago Pilgrim Office just needs last 100km, all the other 5 or 600km is for personal achievement!

 

[André2112]

How are you getting on? Which route did you take in the end?

I went over Napoleon om the 5th of april, it was fantastic. Very good day to cross the mountain

 

[Deleted member 56069]

I went over Napoleon om the 5th of april, it was fantastic. Very good day to cross the mountain

So was the route officially open on April 5th?

 

[André2112]

So was the route officially open on April 5th?

No.......i dont think so. They could not really tell us anything about the conditions, they told is not to walk alone.