# The October Window: Last Chance for the High Alpine Passes

The Stelvio, Grossglockner, Furka and Iseran close for winter within weeks. Why early October is one of the best times to drive them, and what to check.

Source: https://lotustrails.com/blog/2026-09-30-alpine-passes-october-window/

The high passes of the Alps are open for only about five months a year. By early November most are shut, and the first heavy snowfall can close them sooner. That makes the first half of October a narrow and rather good window.

## Why go now

- **The traffic has gone.** The campervans, tour coaches and cycling groups thin out sharply after mid-September.
- **The light is better.** Low sun, clear air and larch forests turning gold.
- **The air is cold and dense.** Engines make more power and brakes stay cooler.

## What to watch

- **Ice in the shade.** North-facing hairpins can stay frozen until late morning. Treat every dark, damp patch as ice.
- **Temporary closures.** A snowfall can shut a pass for a day or two before it reopens. Check each morning.
- **Shorter days.** You have about eleven hours of daylight. Do not plan to cross a high pass at dusk.
- **Closed services.** Many summit cafes and some fuel stations close at the end of September.
- **Tyres.** Track-biased tyres do not work in the cold. Several alpine countries also require winter tyres in wintry conditions from October or November, and you are liable if you cause an obstruction without them.

## Typical closing dates

These vary every year with the weather, so use them only as a guide.

| Pass | Usually closes |
| --- | --- |
| [Stelvio](/trails/stelvio-pass/) | Early November |
| [Grossglockner High Alpine Road](/trails/grossglockner-high-alpine-road/) | Early November |
| [Furka, Grimsel and Susten](/trails/furka-grimsel-susten-loop/) | Mid to late October |
| [Col de l'Iseran](/trails/route-des-grandes-alpes/) | Mid October |
| [Transfăgărășan](/trails/transfagarasan/) | End of October |

## If you have missed it

Lower roads stay open all winter. The [Col de Turini](/trails/col-de-turini/) and the [Route Napoléon](/trails/route-napoleon/) are usually clear outside of snowfalls, the [Black Forest High Road](/trails/black-forest-high-road/) is kept open, and [Sa Calobra](/trails/sa-calobra/) in Mallorca is at its best between now and May.

Before a late-season trip, read the cold-weather notes in our [road trip preparation guide](/guides/road-trip-preparation/).