Crossing the Pyrenees in February.

[bsconner]

Hello.

This is my first Camino. I'm flying into Toulouse, France on Feb. 16th. I'd like to start from there, walk to SJPDP, which seems to be a combo of the last legs of the Arles and Le Puy routes, and then continue on the Camino Frances during the month of March. Anyway, I'm realizing that these Pyrenees mountains are probably going to be covered with snow, and wonder if anyone has advice for crossing them in late February.

Thank you so much!

[Covey]

There are two routes out of St Jean going to Roncesvalles. The usual route is "over the top" of the hills and dropping down the other side to Roncesvalles. There is very little shelter along the route and in winter you can be in the cloud and below freezing most of the way. The Pilgrim Office in St Jean will advise you what the weather is expected to be the next day when you are walking and will advise you on which route to take.

Just outside St Jean there is a fork in the road and the alternative "Winter Route" branches off to the right and takes the low level paths and roads which are the old way through the Pyrenees via Valcarlos. The views are limited on this route but it is safe and there are numerous places to stop and have coffee and food.

If bad weather is predicted, then the authorities close the top route. If you are advised that the top road is closed or inadvisable, then do not try to walk it. People have been frozen to death ignoring the advice from the Pilgrim Office.

[mullinshinch]

This is very helpful. Thank you. We are leaving SJ in very late March.