Route Napoleon Closed

[sillydoll]

L'Esprit du Chemin Facebook - about an hour ago

Route Napoleon (red/rouge/rojo/rot/rood)
- the weather has changed, the route is closed
- le temps a changé, la route est fermée
- el tiempo ha cambiado, la ruta está cerrada
- das Wetter hat sich verändert, die Route ist zu
- het weer is omgeslagen, de route is weer dicht

 

[grayland]

I walked over the Napoleon in a snow/sleet storm on 2 May last year so still time for weather opportunities. Bright sunshine on 1 May andthen on the next day there was 2 inches plus of snow above Orrison with fog, wind, pretty heavy snow and sleet.
The route was closed but I did not get the word due to the brilliant weather the day before.

Actually, I enjoyed it. 8)

 

[frasert]

light weight hiking pants, rain pants +- thermals (polypro)
hiking shoes
merino tank top (singlet)
light weight hiking shirt
polartec fleece
light rain coat
hat
+ 20kg extra insulation (=fat). Fortunately pack wt <8kg (I hope)
Will this get me over the mountain on April 24 ?
Will gaiters help with mud?
Thx in advance

 

[annakappa]

light weight hiking pants, rain pants +- thermals (polypro)
hiking shoes
merino tank top (singlet)
light weight hiking shirt
polartec fleece
light rain coat
hat
+ 20kg extra insulation (=fat). Fortunately pack wt <8kg (I hope)
Will this get me over the mountain on April 24 ?
Will gaiters help with mud?
Thx in advance

Will this get you over the pass? If you manage to see the yellow arrows, yes! if not, no! Anne

 

[Anniesantiago]

Another time I wish there was a thumbs-up button.

 

[whariwharangi]

Depends on the weather. Your gear won't keep you alive if you have to stop in bad weather. Come what may you will have to keep moving for the full distance; there is only one shelter after Orisson.

20kgs of extra fat will help stave off hypothermia but will also slow your progress ...

Gaiters are good for keeping debris, including mud, out of your boots.

What do you mean by light raincoat? A good rain jacket is essential. An improved garbage bag style rain jacket is not enough.

 

[sillydoll]

If pilgrims go against the advice of the locals and have to be rescued, they will have to pay for the rescue service.
Even expereinced hikers have been caught in bad weather and a number have lost their lives.
If one decides to take the risk, have a cell phone, a survival blanket, a bright orange flag or Something else bright that rescue workers can see and water in case they cant reach you for days in storng blizzards and snow storms.

 

[SYates]

light weight hiking pants, rain pants +- thermals (polypro)
hiking shoes
merino tank top (singlet)
light weight hiking shirt
polartec fleece
light rain coat
hat
+ 20kg extra insulation (=fat). Fortunately pack wt <8kg (I hope)
Will this get me over the mountain on April 24 ?
Will gaiters help with mud?
Thx in advance

It really depends on the weather that day and on your condition. Make sure to ask in SJPDP for advice about what route to take and follow it. Another good idea, if you are not so fit, is walking the first day only to Orrison or Hunto and the following day to Roncesvalles. Make sure you reserve your bed in Hunto or Orrison well in advance, SY

 

[frasert]

Thx already booked Orrison, hopefully can still go to there even if then have to shuttle elsewhere if the rest of the route is closed. Thanks for all the advice.

 

[David]

Pilgrims! If it is red flagged and closed then it is closed! It isn't whether you can make it or not - it is closed - people die up there and then other people have to risk their lives looking for the body.

Let us be reasonable here, this is a mountain and one pilgrim has already died this year :cry:

 

[HermanTheGerman]

Re: Re: ROUTE NAPOLEON CLOSED

Pilgrims! If it is red flagged and closed then it is closed! It isn't whether you can make it or not - it is closed - people die up there and then other people have to risk their lives looking for the body.

Let us be reasonable here, this is a mountain and one pilgrim has already died this year :cry:

Well said.

 

[healthytoo]

Is there any way I can see if the Napoleon Route is closed by looking at my computer? If so, what's the Link? We don't leave until the 3rd May and anything can happen between now & then, but am I I to believe from this post that the route is closed at the moment or are these "Warnings" about heeding the "red" signs?
By the way, all good advice about not crossing the P's if warned not to...
Thanks
Enrica

 

[grayland]

Is there any way I can see if the Napoleon Route is closed by looking at my computer? If so, what's the Link? We don't leave until the 3rd May and anything can happen between now & then, but am I I to believe from this post that the route is closed at the moment or are these "Warnings" about heeding the "red" signs?
By the way, all good advice about not crossing the P's if warned not to...
Thanks
Enrica

There is no need to check if the pass is closed until the day before you are leaving SJPdP.
Simply check at the Pilgrim Office when you arrive and they will update you along with everyone else. Your albergue will also have the latest weather information on the pass.
You will be going to the Pilgrim Office for a sello and a shell anyway.

It is not as big a deal if it is closed as the Valcarlos route will be open and is a fantastic way to cross the mountain. I have done both personally think Valcarlos way is easily as beautiful as the Route Napoleon...especially if there is fog or rain on the Napoleon when you cannot see anything.

Don't worry too much and just take it as it comes. Either way will be hard and rewarding.

 

[healthytoo]

Will this get me over the mountain on April 24 ?

Frasert you're not thinking of sneaking those "chooks" into your pack are you" You'd have about 5 kg right there :lol: :lol: :lol:

 

[zammy]

When they say "closed" it means the local police is on alert and can stop you there. No kidding. Check at the pilgrims info center couple of days before you leave.

 

[frasert]

Yes the chooks will help me "fly" over.
Is it possible to get from orrison to the lower route? Or should I just forsake my booking there and toke the alternative route if closed.

 

[3walkingtoSantiago]

Is it possible to get from orrison to the lower route? Or should I just forsake my booking there and toke the alternative route if closed.

Frasert, I haven't done it myself, but there are several posts in the forum that state that Orisson's owner will arrange transport to Valcarlos if the Route Napoleon is closed/dangerous. I'd say go on to Orisson and see what transpires. They will definitely give you proper advice/help there. Buen camino!

 

[nreyn12]

I have heard that Jean-Jacque, the proprietor of Orisson, has personally driven pilgrims from Orisson to Valcarlos. You could also ask him to call a taxi for you, and I'm sure he'd oblige.

From Pamplona now, the weather is very changeable between SJPP and Pamplona. The people who came over from SJPP on Tuesday (16th) had a still 30 degrees in blazing sunshine. Those who came over the next day (17th) walked in gale-force winds and had a really tough time of it. Then the rain moved in and we were looking back at a dark and ominous mountain range. I am not surprised the pass was 'closed' to walkers.

Buen Camino to everyone starting this week from SJPP! However you go, it will be fantastic. See you on the trail...

Nancy

 

[Monasp]

Before to start on this step it's better to ask about the weather at pilgrim's office 39 rue de la citadelle in St Jean Pied de Port. There is a forecast station in this office since 2 months

 

[grayland]

Before to start on this step it's better to ask about the weather at pilgrim's office 39 rue de la citadelle in St Jean Pied de Port. There is a forecast station in this office since 2 months

Welcome to the forum Monasp.

It is great to have someone from the St. Jean Office on the forum.

 

[Green Tortuga]

The route was closed but I did not get the word due to the brilliant weather the day before.

Actually, I enjoyed it. 8)

Better be careful with your enjoyment. People might start accusing you of being an adrenaline junkie and irresponsible. ;o)

-- Ryan

 

[gerardcarey]

I have heard that Jean-Jacque, the proprietor of Orisson, has personally driven pilgrims from Orisson to Valcarlos.

He's also driven a few mad. Don't we just love the variety and flavour of folks we meet along the way.

Regds
Gerard

 

[lea_r]

Posted in Facebook (L'Esprit du Chemin) just an hour ago!

Route Napoléon: open / ouvert / abierto / offen / open !!!
- the snow is almost gone, nature bursts out
- la neige a presque disparu, la nature éclate
- la nieve casi ha desaparecido, la naturaleza estalla
- der Schnee ist fast weg, die Natur platzt aus
- de sneeuw is bijna weg, de natuur barst los

 

[Al the optimist]

Wonderful news! You booked to stay there Lea? If so when?

 

[lea_r]

Unfortunately no. I tried to book today but the reservations are full.

 

[Sharni]

We crossed the high route Napoleon on Saturday and it was lovely. Just patches of snow beside the trail and a few small patches to walk through. It was pretty windy and cold though.

 

[Al the optimist]

So you booked anywhere else then Lea? When you starting your walk?

 

[lea_r]

Not yet. I was surprised reservation has to be done so early. They are fully booked (for reservations) until end of May.

 

[Al the optimist]

Don't worry, there are plenty of places in SJPdP. You didn't say when you plan on being there.

 

[Trishkerry]

walked the route napoleon on 20th. Two days ago. It was cold and misty but safe . x

 

[lea_r]

Hi Al, will start walking on the 9th. When will you start?

Don't worry, there are plenty of places in SJPdP. You didn't say when you plan on being there.

 

[Al the optimist]

Lea, I leave SJPdP for Roncesvalles on 10th. Probably see you somewhere.
Hope you have excellent weather :lol:

 

[lea_r]

Thank you! I just saw in Facebook earlier that they expect snow over the weekend. :cry: