Swiss Mountain Pass Opening Dates 2026 (Updated Monthly)

The table below lists all major Swiss mountain passes sorted by elevation. Typical opening and closing dates are based on historical averages over the past decade. Actual dates vary by 1 to 3 weeks depending on winter snowfall and spring temperatures. The 2026 status column is updated monthly as official announcements are made.

Swiss mountain pass seasons follow a predictable pattern shaped by elevation and geography. Passes below 2,000m (like Klausen and Simplon) tend to open earliest and close latest, giving them a season of roughly 5 to 6 months from late May through late October. Passes above 2,300m (like Furka, Nufenen, and Flüela) have shorter seasons of roughly 4 to 5 months, typically from early June through mid-October.

The opening date each year depends primarily on winter snowfall accumulation and spring temperatures. A heavy snow winter can delay openings by 2 to 3 weeks compared to a light year. Swiss road authorities begin clearing passes in April and May, working from both sides toward the summit. The process involves heavy snow-blowing equipment cutting through drifts that can be several meters deep at summit level.

Opening announcements are typically made 1 to 2 weeks before a pass becomes accessible. The Touring Club Switzerland (TCS) and the Swiss Federal Roads Office (FEDRO) both publish real-time status updates. When a pass first opens, conditions can still be marginal: snow walls line the road at the summit, the pavement may be wet, and temperatures drop sharply above 2,000m even in June.

The best period for driving Swiss mountain passes is mid-June through mid-September. During this window, virtually all passes are open, weather is most stable, and daylight hours are long enough to enjoy multiple passes in a single day. July and August are the warmest but also the busiest months, with European holiday traffic adding volume to popular passes like the Gotthard and Furka.

Shoulder season driving (late May to mid-June and October) offers fewer crowds but more uncertainty. Some passes may be closed or have just opened, meaning summit sections could still have snow on the shoulders. Check conditions on the morning of your drive and have alternative routes planned.

Three Swiss mountain passes remain open throughout the year in most conditions, making them accessible for winter road trips and off-season travel. These passes are kept clear because they serve as important transit corridors connecting Swiss regions and neighboring countries.

The Julier Pass (2,284m) connects the Engadin valley to the rest of Graubünden. Despite its significant elevation, the Julier is one of the few high Alpine passes that stays open year-round. The road is well-maintained and regularly plowed. In winter, expect packed snow or ice on the road surface and mandatory winter tires. The Julier is notable for its sweeping, open landscape at the summit — less dramatic than some passes but impressive in its high-altitude plateau feel.

The Bernina Pass (2,328m) is the highest year-round pass in Switzerland. It connects the Engadin to the Italian-speaking Poschiavo valley and ultimately to Tirano in Italy. The Bernina is famous for the Bernina Express railway that runs alongside the road, a UNESCO World Heritage route. Driving the Bernina in summer offers stunning views of glaciers and high-alpine lakes. In winter, the road is kept open but conditions can be challenging, and temporary closures during heavy snowfall do occur.

The Simplon Pass (2,005m) connects the Valais region to the Italian border near Domodossola. As one of the lower major passes, the Simplon is usually straightforward year-round, though winter conditions require snow tires and careful driving. The Simplon road is wide and well-engineered, originally built by Napoleon in the early 1800s as a military route. It remains one of the most comfortable high passes to drive.

Even on year-round passes, winter driving requires preparation. Swiss law mandates appropriate tires for conditions (winter or all-season tires with the snowflake symbol). Rental cars picked up in Switzerland between October and April should come with winter tires already fitted — confirm this at pickup. Carry snow chains as a backup, though they are rarely needed on these three passes.

The heart of Swiss pass driving lies in central Switzerland, where four legendary passes form interconnected loops that can be combined into one of Europe's greatest driving days. The Furka, Grimsel, Susten, and Gotthard passes are all within a 50-kilometer radius and share the Andermatt area as their common hub.

The Furka Pass (2,429m) is perhaps the most famous Swiss mountain pass, immortalized in film and beloved for its dramatic glacier views. The road climbs from Andermatt through a series of tight switchbacks to the summit, where you once could see the Rhone Glacier close to the road. The glacier has retreated significantly in recent decades but remains visible. The descent toward Gletsch and the Valais is equally spectacular, with hairpin turns overlooking the valley floor far below. The Furka typically opens in early to mid-June and closes in mid to late October.

The Grimsel Pass (2,165m) begins where the Furka ends at the tiny settlement of Gletsch. It climbs through a stark, rocky landscape past several hydroelectric reservoirs to the summit, then descends toward Innertkirchen in the Bernese Oberland. The Grimsel has a different character from the Furka — more austere and granite-dominated, with dark lakes and fewer green valleys. The Grimsel typically opens in late May to early June, slightly before the higher Furka.

The Susten Pass (2,224m) connects Innertkirchen to Wassen in the Reuss valley. Many experienced drivers consider the Susten the most beautiful Swiss pass overall. The eastern approach climbs through lush green valleys before reaching the dramatic Steingletscher glacier viewpoint near the summit. The road engineering is superb, with sweeping curves and excellent sight lines. The Susten typically opens in early to mid-June and closes in mid to late October.

The Gotthard Pass (2,106m) is the most historically significant Swiss pass, serving for centuries as the main route between northern and southern Europe. Today, most traffic uses the Gotthard road tunnel or rail tunnel, leaving the old pass road relatively quiet and perfect for scenic driving. The cobblestone section near the summit is original and adds character to the drive. The tremola (old road on the southern side) features 24 numbered switchbacks carved into the mountainside. The Gotthard typically opens in late May to early June.

The classic central Switzerland pass loop runs Andermatt to Furka Pass to Grimsel Pass to Susten Pass and back to Andermatt. This loop takes 4 to 5 hours without stops and covers roughly 120 kilometers of the finest Alpine driving in Europe. Add the Gotthard Pass as a day trip from Andermatt for a complete experience.

The canton of Graubünden in eastern Switzerland contains the highest concentration of mountain passes in the country. This region offers a different driving experience from central Switzerland: the passes tend to be longer, the valleys wider, and the landscape more varied as you move between German, Romansh, and Italian-speaking areas.

The Albula Pass (2,312m) connects Tiefencastel to La Punt in the Engadin. The road follows the path of the famous Albula railway (a UNESCO World Heritage site) and climbs through dense forests before emerging above the tree line. The northern approach through the Albula valley is particularly scenic, with the road winding past charming villages and alpine meadows. The Albula typically opens in late May to early June.

The Flüela Pass (2,383m) is the main seasonal connection between Davos and the Lower Engadin. It is one of the more straightforward high passes to drive, with good sight lines and relatively gentle gradients for its elevation. The summit area is a high alpine plateau with sweeping views. In heavy snow years, the Flüela may not open until mid-June, but in average years it opens in late May to early June.

The Splügen Pass (2,113m) crosses into Italy and offers some of the most dramatic switchback scenery in the Alps. The Italian side descends through a tight gorge with hairpin turns stacked on top of each other. The Swiss side is more gradual, climbing from the village of Splügen through high alpine meadows. The Splügen typically opens in late May to early June.

The San Bernardino Pass (2,065m) connects Graubünden to Ticino (the Italian-speaking south). Most traffic uses the San Bernardino road tunnel, leaving the old pass road quiet and enjoyable. The summit features a small lake and a distinctive stone hospice building. The San Bernardino typically opens in late May to early June.

The Oberalp Pass (2,044m) connects Andermatt to Disentis in Graubünden. It is the source of the Rhine River — a small lake at the summit is marked as the Rhine's origin. The Glacier Express train crosses the Oberalp, and the road and railway run parallel for much of the route. The Oberalp typically opens in late May to early June.

A successful Swiss mountain pass road trip requires matching your travel dates to pass opening schedules. Here are the key planning considerations for 2026.

If you are visiting in early June, the lower passes (Klausen, Gotthard, Grimsel, Oberalp) are likely open but the higher passes (Furka, Nufenen, Susten) may still be closed. Plan your itinerary around the lower passes and treat any higher pass openings as a bonus. The year-round passes (Julier, Bernina, Simplon) are always available as alternatives.

For a trip in late June through September, you have maximum flexibility. All passes should be open, allowing you to plan multi-pass routes across the entire country. The classic loops — Furka-Grimsel-Susten, or a Graubünden circuit through Julier-Albula-Flüela — are all accessible during this window.

In October, passes begin closing from the top down. Higher passes like Nufenen and Furka close first (typically mid-October), followed by lower passes through late October and November. If you are visiting in October, focus on the lower passes and check conditions daily.

Allow more time than Google Maps suggests. Mountain pass driving averages 30 to 40 km/h, and you will want to stop frequently for viewpoints and photos. A pass that covers 30 kilometers on the map can easily take 1 to 1.5 hours to drive with stops. Plan for no more than 2 to 3 passes per day to avoid fatigue and actually enjoy the experience.

Fuel up before heading into pass country. Petrol stations are scarce above 1,500m elevation. The last reliable fuel stops are in valley towns like Andermatt, Innertkirchen, Meiringen, Davos, and Airolo. Some passes span 50 to 70 kilometers between fuel stations.

Start early in the morning for the best experience. Mountain passes are clearest in the morning before afternoon clouds build. Traffic is also lightest before 10 AM. An early start also gives you buffer time if a pass takes longer than expected or if you decide to add an extra pass to your route.