Swiss Alpine winter safety and pass closures

As winter approaches in the Swiss Alps, authorities have initiated safety measures to mitigate avalanche risks. This includes the use of over 600 fixed explosion systems to trigger controlled avalanches, guided by data from the SLF Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research.

Seasonal transit restrictions have also begun. While some routes like the Oberalp and Klausen passes remain open, others such as the Furka and Susten passes have implemented full closures.

The Gotthard Pass has entered a phase of nightly closures between 18:00 and 08:00. Due to currently stable weather, the pass will remain open for daytime traffic until at least Thursday, November 5, 2026. However, the Swiss Federal Roads Office (ASTRA) and the Office for the Management of National Highways (AfBN) of the Canton of Uri are monitoring the situation closely, as a significant deterioration in weather is expected starting Friday, November 6, 2026. Authorities noted that an earlier closure remains possible if snowfall or freezing temperatures occur.