Is it possible to walk from St. Jean in mid-March

[MichaelNW]

I am leaving Seattle on March 15, 2016. I know the weather will be a factor, but is it even practical to plan to start from St. Jean at that time of the year? Special considerations? I appreciate any advice. I decided to go at this time to avoid crowding.

 

[stratophile]

Many people start in mid-March. However, you will probably need to go via Valcarlos at that time (still a nice route). Some albergues won't be open yet, so plan ahead in that regard.

Buen Camino!

 

[mspath]

It will still be winter and you must be prepared! Many albergues will not yet be open for the season but some will be. Not all support services will be available either; many bars and restos will be closed. Please search the Forum for further info re equipment and accommodation as well as reading what other veteran walkers and I have written in this earlier Forum thread regarding walking in winter.
Happy planning and Buen camino!

MM

 

[naplesdon]

Stay tuned. I live within view of the mountains and post anecdotal reports about the weather very often during March and April.

 

[jpflavin1]

I am leaving Seattle on March 15, 2016. I know the weather will be a factor, but is it even practical to plan to start from St. Jean at that time of the year? Special considerations? I appreciate any advice. I decided to go at this time to avoid crowding.

Michael:

I walked from SJPdP on March 23rd in 2010 and 2011. There were no issues with weather. The following years, I do not think the pass was open. Weather is impossible to predict. Just buy your tickets and adjust accordingly. A great time of year to walk, imo.

Ultreya,
Joe

 

[VNwalking]

I walked from SJPP March 10th this year, and I was worried about cold. Yes, sometimes it was...a beanie.buff/gloves are essential. And yes, the Valcarlos route was manditory...but it was also gorgeous (I was actually glad for the closure because I had been prejudiced and would not have otherwise chosen to go that way). And yes, until the at least the 15th, and usually the beginning of semana santa, lots of things were closed. The third day was rough from Zubiri to Pamplona because there was no-where to eat all along the way until getting into the outskirts of the city...and I wasn't prepared. So do look out for yourself that way. But by the time you're half-way, things will be opening and there's plenty of action.
You'll have to carry a heavier pack than the summer crowd (6Kgs?? How'd they do that??): I had 11, what with boots, warm clothes (more layers) and a heavier sleeping bag than needed when it's warmer. And rain gear is essential, but a poncho's enough. I had one that I got in SJPP and it was perfect.
That time of year is fantastic: there is just enough pilgrim company, and it's soooo lovely early in the spring, with the earth just waking up from it's winter sleep. All along the way, the apples and almonds are blooming, and when you get to Santiago, the Cherries will be too. Stunning.
(And maybe the bedbugs will not be hatching out yet?? Well, hopefully there are fewer of them...never saw evidence of a single one until nearly into SdC, and that was already mid April.)

 

[grayland]

As others have posted.....it will vary on a daily basis in March over the Napoleon Route. It can be open one day and closed the next.
The Pilgrim Office in SJPdP always has the daily information.
The Valcarlos route is seldom closed due to weather in March..but a snow storm can change that.
You can always get a taxi on to Roncevalles in the event of heavy weather in the mountains.
I would not let the possibility change your plans as there are easy alternatives.

 

[mspath]

..

The Valcarlos route is seldom closed due to weather in March..but a snow storm can change that.
You can always get a taxi on to Roncevalles in the event of heavy weather in the mountains...

Perhaps always should be changed to usually; the route N135 from Valcarlos up to Roncesvalles might be left totally unplowed in bad storms. Thus no taxis would be able to make that run. Do indeed check the weather forecasts and be prepared to alter your plans. That said the Valcarlos municipal albergue is open throughout the year as is the albergue at Roncesvalles monastery.

 

[MichaelNW]

Thank you all so much - I am so looking forward to this experience!

 

[Gerry Sinclair]

I am leaving Seattle on March 15, 2016. I know the weather will be a factor, but is it even practical to plan to start from St. Jean at that time of the year? Special considerations? I appreciate any advice. I decided to go at this time to avoid crowding.

A toss up so far. I'll be leaving from either Vancouver or Seattle, March 16, 2016. I've also been enquiring about weather, etc.
Buen Camino Michael
Gerry

 

[jpflavin1]

Thank you all so much - I am so looking forward to this experience!

Michael:

Air France just listed some good fares today to Madrid from Chicago in March $777.

Joe

 

[Peter Fransiscus]

I am leaving Seattle on March 15, 2016. I know the weather will be a factor, but is it even practical to plan to start from St. Jean at that time of the year? Special considerations? I appreciate any advice. I decided to go at this time to avoid crowding.

Hi Michael, according an earlyer tread the Napolean route will be closed from the 1st. of November till the

 

[Peter Fransiscus]

Hi Michael, according an earlyer tread the Napolean route will be closed from the 1st. of November till the end of March. Pilgrims have to walk the Valcarlos route. I wish you a Buen Camino, Peter.

 

[jeffnd]

I left St. Jean March 7th of last year, (2014) and the weather was gorgeous. It was cool in the morning, but once the sun came out, it got hot! I was sweating by 9am and many pilgrims were in shorts. The next day, from Valcarlos it was more of the same. As we went up into the mountains, you would see the occasional pile of snow that hadn't melted, but that was it for snow.

I think March is a good time to start, just keep an eye on the weather!