Not been to Europe since 4 years and with the changing weathers, I seek your advise as to end of October would a good time to drive thru Alps regions (in cluding the heights)- Switzreland, France, Austria, Germany and Italy?
Driving thru Alps
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In Interlaken area passes are routinely blocked starting in late September I believe - was there in early Sept one year wanting to take the famous Three Passes bus ride and it was scrubbed due to passes being blocked - tunnels of course remain open all year and constitute a part of the trans-European highway system being a conduit between Germany and Italy but to go up and over the serpentine passes could be problematic in mid autumn but it may vary as to the pass.
Hi,
In our experiences traveling the Alps in mid to late Oct.(in '01,'03,'06,'07), driving the high alpine roads (alpine passes) in Austria, Bavaria and even the Italian Dolomites should be no problem. This includes roads such as the Grossglockner Hochalpenstrasse, Gerlos and Fern Passes, Rossfeld Panorama Strasse, Jaufen Pass and Dolomite passes should be no problem. Dolomite passes are open year round in general. Keep in mind cable cars and lifts are generally closed this time of year. Some will remain open, but most are not.
I can't comment on France and Switzerland though.
Paul
It all depends on the specific weather pattern and how early snows hit. For end of October there is no guarantee high passes will be open - likely so - but perhaps not.
October is still pretty safe for driving through the Alps -- but not always! Generally, you can go just about anywhere from July to the end of October.
I went on a trip with my parents about ten years ago near the end of October and we went over the Grand Saint Bernard and then over the Simplon with no problems even though there was snow on the ground. And it was lovely. If you get blocked by closed passes, it is an adventure to take the alternate routes -- at least I look at it that way!