Vincent O Donovan
New Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- March 2016
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No, you just think you'll be devastated. I thought I'd be devastated too, but I survived. You'll be so taken up with just being there, and meeting all the other peregrinos, it wouldn't matter and, besides, the Valcarlos route is really quite beautiful. (We started April 7 and the Route Napoleon was snowed in). Buen, buen Camino.Hi,
I will be leaving SJPdP next Sunday March 27th and am hoping to take the napolean route over the pyrenees. Wondering what the weather is like. I'd be devastated if I have to go the lower route!
Hi,
I will be leaving SJPdP next Sunday March 27th and am hoping to take the napolean route over the pyrenees. Wondering what the weather is like. I'd be devastated if I have to go the lower route!
We walked the route last year on April 1. The pilgrims office will give you the instructions when you visit them before your journey. Do not be devastated because the Volcarlos route is beautiful. It is for your own safety and the safety of your rescuers. Have a lovely camino.Hi,
I will be leaving SJPdP next Sunday March 27th and am hoping to take the napolean route over the pyrenees. Wondering what the weather is like. I'd be devastated if I have to go the lower route!
Napoleon route is closed until April 1st.Hi,
I will be leaving SJPdP next Sunday March 27th and am hoping to take the napolean route over the pyrenees. Wondering what the weather is like. I'd be devastated if I have to go the lower route!
On the 27th rain is predicted. The snow level will be about 1,300 meters, so it should not be snowing.
Possibly muddy and slippery! There is often a warning for avalanches when thawing begins. Ice may form in the morning. The road sections, most of the route (and all of the route if you stay on the road and turn right before descending into Roncesvalles), will not be a problem even if there is snow on the ground.what is it like to walk the Napoleon Route with snow on the ground?
Hi,
I will be leaving SJPdP next Sunday March 27th and am hoping to take the napolean route over the pyrenees. Wondering what the weather is like. I'd be devastated if I have to go the lower route!
@Pete Ryan , by law now the route is closed at least until April 1st.Hi, I'm starting from SJPdP on April 1st (my first Camino) and had the same question about the route Napoleon. So I called the tourist information in SJPdP and asked if the route was open. They replied it was closed and they estimated it would remain so thru my start date. Apparently there is heavy snow above 500m. I watched a recent video of pilgrims getting airlifted off the mountain, just to prove it. As much as I would have preferred to follow the Route Napoleon, I believe everything happens for a reason. So I look forward to taking the route via Valcarlos on my first day. Buen Camino.
I'm leaving from SJPP on 1st April and my plan was to follow the Route Napoleon despite its dificulty.. After all the information you have and considering the fact that I will travel on 30 of March all day long I'm thinking to change the plan. Buen Camino!Hi, I'm starting from SJPdP on April 1st (my first Camino) and had the same question about the route Napoleon. So I called the tourist information in SJPdP and asked if the route was open. They replied it was closed and they estimated it would remain so thru my start date. Apparently there is heavy snow above 500m. I watched a recent video of pilgrims getting airlifted off the mountain, just to prove it. As much as I would have preferred to follow the Route Napoleon, I believe everything happens for a reason. So I look forward to taking the route via Valcarlos on my first day. Buen Camino.
You probably will have made a donation. They will arrange transportation to SJPdP or Roncesvalles, but they are not likely to refund your money.I am leaving SJPDP on April 11th and have prepaid at Orisson. What happens if the Napoleon route is closed or not recommended? Is there a possibility of getting money back or have I just donated for an unused bed at Orisson?
Hi Pete, the Valcarlos route is very nice to. My wife walked the Valcarlos route in 2013 and she loved it very much.Hi, I'm starting from SJPdP on April 1st (my first Camino) and had the same question about the route Napoleon. So I called the tourist information in SJPdP and asked if the route was open. They replied it was closed and they estimated it would remain so thru my start date. Apparently there is heavy snow above 500m. I watched a recent video of pilgrims getting airlifted off the mountain, just to prove it. As much as I would have preferred to follow the Route Napoleon, I believe everything happens for a reason. So I look forward to taking the route via Valcarlos on my first day. Buen Camino.
If you are booked into Orisson and are advised by the pilgrim office that the Route Napoleon is closed, don't assume that Orisson will be open. We learned at the eleventh hour, when the snow and weather at the top was dreadful, that Orisson would not be open that night, and we had to divert to Valcarlos. Orisson gave us a refund, no problem. My advice is that if the weather is iffy, contact Orisson before you leave SJPP. If the weather is fair when you get to Orisson, and it turns bad overnight, then Orisson will arrange transportation for its pilgrims down to Valcarlos.I am leaving SJPDP on April 11th and have prepaid at Orisson. What happens if the Napoleon route is closed or not recommended? Is there a possibility of getting money back or have I just donated for an unused bed at Orisson?
If you are booked into Orisson and are advised by the pilgrim office that the Route Napoleon is closed, don't assume that Orisson will be open. We learned at the eleventh hour, when the snow and weather at the top was dreadful, that Orisson would not be open that night, and we had to divert to Valcarlos. Orisson gave us a refund, no problem. My advice is that if the weather is iffy, contact Orisson before you leave SJPP. If the weather is fair when you get to Orisson, and it turns bad overnight, then Orisson will arrange transportation for its pilgrims down to Valcarlos.
Remember have no expectations and you will have no disappointments Vincent, enjoy the journey no matter what path you take.Thanks for all the replies and advice. Guess I'll check it out when I'm over there but much happier now if I have to take the Valcarlos route given what you have said. To be honest I just can't wait to get walking!
Looks like the Valcarlos way for me then! Soooo soon, soooo excited!Another 4" of snow on the way in the next couple of days!!
Which weather site do you use?Another 4" of snow on the way in the next couple of days!!
http://www.aemet.es/es/eltiempo/prediccion/municipios/orreaga-roncesvalles-id31211Which weather site do you use?
I will be leaving SJPP on the 11th of April. I hope the snow will melt by then. If not, what is it like to walk the Napoleon Route with snow on the ground?
In the morning it will be firm to walk on top. You will be pleased at your progress.
By noon the crust will have weakened enough so you are able to step on it and have it break just as you take your next step. This is very good for the knees.
By afternoon it will be soft so that the effort is two steps forward and one step back ... good for character development only.
Remember your sunscreen. Glacier walkers often get sun burn on the roof of the mouth.
By evening a mist will rise from it making it impossible to navigate.
At night the suncups will be frozen. You will slip on the dish unless you firmly plant your boot on the flat bottom. Walking becomes difficult due to the icy conditions. This too is good for the knees.
There is nothing like walking in spring snow conditions in the mountains.
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