Starting the VIA about April 20th from Swiss/Italian border

[lemenos]

Now, i realize we probably won't be able to start at San Bernardo, where we would like to start, but does anyone know how close we will be able to get to there about April 20th? In other words, where does the road open on the way from San Bernardo to Echevennoz?

Anyone else starting the VIA this early?

Looking forward to any and all tips and ideas!

thanks,
Les

 

[William Marques]

Saint-Rhémy-en-Bosses is where the tunnel exits on the South side so should be the last town that will reachable unless the pass is cleared.

 

[Harington]

Now, i realize we probably won't be able to start at San Bernardo, where we would like to start, but does anyone know how close we will be able to get to there about April 20th? In other words, where does the road open on the way from San Bernardo to Echevennoz?

Anyone else starting the VIA this early?

Looking forward to any and all tips and ideas!

thanks,
Les

The Pass won't be open in April, and there will certainly be snow even at St Rhémy. If you don't want a long road walk start at Aosta, which is easy to get to by public transport.

 

[lemenos]

Saint-Rhémy-en-Bosses is where the tunnel exits on the South side so should be the last town that will reachable unless the pass is cleared.

Thanks, would you expect plenty of snow there also?

 

[lemenos]

The Pass won't be open in April, and there will certainly be snow even at St Rhémy. If you don't want a long road walk start at Aosta, which is easy to get to by public transport.

thanks, would we be missing much of interest by not starting in St Rhemy?

 

[Harington]

thanks, would we be missing much of interest by not starting in St Rhemy?

The Aosta Valley is magnificent, but in my opinion you will still be able to see all its wonders by starting in Aosta. Even Aosta-Pont St Martin is no picnic - very up and down. You will be surrounded by towering snow-capped peaks (sorry about clichés).

 

[lemenos]

Well, snow-capped peaks sounds pretty nice! And that would eliminate the need for a taxi ride to St. Rhemy, which is a good thing. Thanks for the idea!

 

[William Marques]

Without knowing the weather in late April this year there is every possibility that the paths off the road may not be passable and road walking would be unpleasant and dangerous on that road. Perhaps a wait and see policy would be best though I can understand how that would make planning difficult.

 

[lemenos]

Without knowing the weather in late April this year there is every possibility that the paths off the road may not be passable and road walking would be unpleasant and dangerous on that road. Perhaps a wait and see policy would be best though I can understand how that would make planning difficult.

Are you referring to from St. Rhemy, or from Aosta?

 

[William Marques]

I was referring to St Rhemy, the Aosta valley should be snow free by late April.