First snowfall brings early closure of Swiss mountain passes

Wintry weather has moved the Alpine road network into winter mode early. On October 23, the Swiss Touring Club reported the Gotthard and San Bernardino passes closed after rain and snow brought forward the seasonal shutdown of several high routes. The Nufenen, Grimsel and Susten are also closed for safety reasons. Their usual seasonal closures fall between late October and early November, but conditions have already changed the calendar for drivers crossing the Alps.

The closures affect routes linking cantons and Alpine regions, including connections used by people travelling between the north and south of Switzerland. The situation varies by pass: some roads are shut for the season or until further notice, while others face shorter interruptions. The Furka, for example, is impassable until Monday unless authorities issue another update. With further snowfall forecast, drivers should check the latest TCS traffic information before setting out.

Five major passes are closed for safety reasons, while the Furka faces a shorter interruption. The affected high routes include the Gotthard at 2,108 metres, San Bernardino at 2,065 metres, Nufenen at 2,478 metres, Grimsel at 2,164 metres and Susten at 2,234 metres. The Furka, at 2,429 metres, is also impassable, with the TCS reporting a closure until Monday unless authorities update the notice.

Those elevations help explain why conditions can shift quickly on roads crossing the Alps. Snowfall and rain have prompted authorities to close routes that typically shut down later in autumn. The Great St Bernard and Grosse Scheidegg had already closed for winter, according to Le News. More snow could prompt further closures, so a route that is open on one day may not remain passable as weather develops. Motorists need to check current conditions for each pass, rather than assume that a familiar crossing is still available.

Several key Alpine routes remain open, including links to the Engadine. The Albula and Flüela are among the passes still carrying traffic, alongside the Forcola di Livigno, Bernina, Julier and Forno. Some of these roads normally close later in the year; others stay open year-round when weather allows. That distinction matters for journeys across the region, but their status remains dependent on conditions.

The open routes offer alternatives to some of the closed crossings, though travellers still need to verify access before departure. The TCS advises motorists to check traffic updates because the situation can change rapidly as the weather evolves. For drivers planning a trip through the Alps, that means checking the specific pass and the latest notice, not relying on a previous day’s conditions. Temporary closures may also change if authorities issue updated instructions.

More snow is forecast for the weekend, with the snow line potentially dropping to 1,200 metres. MeteoSwiss expects rain and snow as a low-pressure system moves across Switzerland from Friday. Above 2,000 metres, forecasts point to 5 to 15 centimetres of fresh snow. The largest accumulation could reach 25 centimetres between the Dents du Midi in the Chablais region and the Mont Blanc massif.

The forecast adds to the risk of further interruptions on Alpine roads. Le News reported that webcam images showed snow on peaks including the Matterhorn and the Dents du Midi after an unusually warm, dry start to autumn. The wintry spell may be brief: MeteoSwiss forecasts sunshine and milder temperatures next week. Until conditions settle, pass access can change quickly. Drivers heading into the mountains should check the TCS portal for current closures and updates before travelling.