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 ...