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For ways to get from Orisson to Valcarlos seeRecently I read "The Chocolate Pilgrim" who began her journey over the Pyrenees on April 19th - the first day the Napoleon Route was open that particular year. I took note of that fact because it happens to be the date I hike from St. Jean Pied de Port to Orisson and then on to Roncesvalles the following day. In case of snow, I wonder if there is a way to get from Orisson to the Valcarlos route without having to backtrack. I have a paid reservation at Orisson for April 19th and am really looking forward to staying there because of my happy memories of our stay there in 2015.
For starters, April 19th is my birthday...just sayin', so a great day for you to start! My Camino friend was staying at Orrison a few years ago in mid April. A bad snowstorm blew through and special transport was arranged at that time to take everyone to Valcarlos. I assume the same holds true for 2019. I have chosen the Valcarlos route purposely two times and love it...no regrets!Recently I read "The Chocolate Pilgrim" who began her journey over the Pyrenees on April 19th - the first day the Napoleon Route was open that particular year. I took note of that fact because it happens to be the date I hike from St. Jean Pied de Port to Orisson and then on to Roncesvalles the following day. In case of snow, I wonder if there is a way to get from Orisson to the Valcarlos route without having to backtrack. I have a paid reservation at Orisson for April 19th and am really looking forward to staying there because of my happy memories of our stay there in 2015.
That's actually the website of the Tourist Office in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-PortHere is the website for the pilgrim's office in Saint Jean. A very nice place with gracious volunteers. The site has the current and projected weather as well and you can email them.
English
Find us now on www.en-pays-basque.fr/patrimoine-et-traditions/le-chemin-de-compostelle-au-pays-basque/stjeanpieddeport-roncevaux.jimdo.com
(...) The difference can be considerable, for example today it will be around 15 °C during the day in SJPP and 8 °C on the pass, while on Wednesday and Thursday it is likely to be 10 °C in SJPP and 2 °C on the pass and because of the wind chill factor it is likely to feel like -2 °C. And there might be some snowflakes on the pass during the night and even in the morning and of course none in the valley.
Just don't forget about the condition of the trail in early April.But if that is the weather up there, I would be pretty relieved
Early April is in 3 weeks, so it could be like today or tomorrow. Or slightly warmer or colder. But this seems all in an acceptable range for me. Slight zub-zero with windchill is something I can cope with ... even with the light clothing I am going to bring.Just don't forget about the condition of the trail in early April.
Yes. My point is that there are many people on this trip who have "never done anything like this before". They ought to be aware that the weather of the day is not the only factor, in addition to their physical fitness, their stamina and their clothing and other equipment. If the trail is still very muddy or if there is still a lot of snow in same places it will have an impact for them.The only question is indeed how much snow is still on the ground and what condition that snow is in.
I totally agree, I was not suggesting to extrapolate from what I think acceptable for me to what might be wise for others.Yes. My point is that there are many people on this trip who have "never done anything like this before". They ought to be aware that the weather of the day is not the only factor, in addition to their physical fitness, their stamina and their clothing and other equipment. If the trail is still very muddy or if there is still a lot of snow in same places it will have an impact for them.
Does the pilgrim's office have an actual website with daily reports as to whether the Napoleon route is closed? I have never had to check before because I have only walked the route during the summer and the one time I did it during colder weather I walked the ValCarlos.That's actually the website of the Tourist Office in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. The forecast is for the valley, both in SJPP and Roncesvalles. If I remember correctly, the pilgrims office has a daily printout of the weather forecast for the pass (top of Route Napoleon). The difference can be considerable, for example today it will be around 15 °C during the day in SJPP and 8 °C on the pass, while on Wednesday and Thursday it is likely to be 10 °C in SJPP and 2 °C on the pass and because of the wind chill factor it is likely to feel like -2 °C. And there might be some snowflakes on the pass during the night and even in the morning and of course none in the valley.
I would think that if the Napoleon route is deemed by the authorities to be safe enough for pilgrim travel you will have no problems. Problems in the sense of conditions of the route itself. Mud, snow etc. Even then, that would only be an issue on the unimproved portions of the route.I totally agree, I was not suggesting to extrapolate from what I think acceptable for me to what might be wise for others.Words of warning are certainly appropriate!
Where I live we have snow for 6 months each year, so I know the limits. Others might not.
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