Hello everyone,
I have just been on the telephone once more with both the Guardia Civil and the Colegiata de Roncesvalles about the situation in the valley. Here's the latest for folks arriving this weekend.
From St. Jean Pied-de-Port: Under no circumstances should you follow the Route Napoleon over the mountains. There is still snow there and the weather is still very unstable up top. There have been two helicopter rescues this week! If you begin in St. Jean Pied-de-Port, take the Valcarlos route and stay on the asphalted (metalled) highway. That is what they are advising. There are points where the Camino leaves the highway and goes off into the forest. Don't do that, stay on the highway. Yes, that will make for a longer journey, but it's what the Guardia Civil is advising.
And wear the yellow or orange safety vests that were discussed on this thread previously as you will be walking on the highway. Spanish law requires this and you could be fined if you don't. You should be able to buy reflective safety vests in St. Jean Pied-de-Port if you can't get them before leaving home, but do remember that you need to be visible from front and back, so a reflective yellow or orange rain poncho large enough to cover you and your pack might be a better option.
From Roncesvalles to Zubiri: The snow has melted off for the most part. There's lots of mud, so be careful on some of the ascents and descents on the trail, especially at the passes of Mezkiritz and Mt. Erro (I'm thinking particularly of the descent from Erro into Zubiri). The Camino intersects the asphalted highway at several points, so if you find it too hard a slog with the mud and water, you can always rejoin the road. If you do wear the safety vests/ponchos. Exercise caution in all cases on slick trails.
Weather forecast:It is currently 13ÂşC (56ÂşF) and raining in Roncesvalles. There will be more rain and cool to mild temps over the next five days. The weather forecast for the next five days is as follows:
- Friday 8 March: cloudy and chilly with showers throughout the day. A high of 9ÂşC (48ÂşF)
- Saturday 9 March: partly sunny with showers throughout the day. A high of 11ÂşC (52ÂşF)
- Sunday 10 March: chilly with rain and drizzle all day. A high of 9ÂşC (49ÂşF)
- Monday 11 March: some showers throughout the morning. A high of 9ÂşC (48ÂşF)
- Tuesday 12 March: colder with snow. A high of 1ÂşC (35ÂşF)
As always, be prudent, stay safe and I'll keep posting updates as needed. God bless!