What are the cycling conditions like in Tunnel et col du Parpaillon?

🚴♂️ Seasonal Access – When It’s Open / Closed 🟢 Open Season (Typical Summer Access) The tunnel and high-mountain route are generally accessible only part of the year , depending on snow conditions. Permanent winter snow means the route isn’t open year-round . Traditionally the road and tunnel start clearing late June , and access becomes possible mid/late summer once snow melts. Exact opening dates vary annually based on spring snowmelt and weather — so check local conditions (e.g., tourism office in Vallée de l’Ubaye) just before your ride . 🔴 Closed Season (Winter & Transitional) In winter and early spring , heavy snow and ice make the road impassable; the tunnel doors at both ends are closed, and the access road is effectively blocked off. Late autumn → mid-summer (until snow clears) : mountain authorities often keep the road closed for safety and because snow removal isn’t done. Current engineering situation (2025): due to a partial tunnel collapse and landslide, official through-access may remain limited or closed through the 2025 season. Some reports suggest the structure is unsafe for regular through passage and reopening is uncertain. Cyclists and motorbikers sometimes bypass closures unofficially, but this is at your own risk. 🌦️ Weather & Terrain Conditions Cyclists Should Expect ❄ Temperature & Snow At high elevation (~2,600m), temperatures stay very low even in summer , and snow/ice can persist in shaded sections and inside the tunnel. Winter conditions (even early spring) see persistent sub-zero temps and snow, making cycling dangerous or impossible. 🧊 Tunnel Conditions The Tunnel du Parpaillon is dark, cold, often icy and wet , with no lighting or surface paving — inside temps remain near freezing well into summer. A good light and warm gear are essential if passing through. Even when above-ground weather is good, ice/ water on tunnel floor can make progress slow and technical. 🌧️ Trail & Road Surface Road surfaces on both sides are rough gravel, rocky, and can be muddy after rain or snowmelt — this isn’t a smooth paved alpine pass. After precipitation , slopes and loose scree become hard to manage, especially on descent. 💨 Wind & Storm Risks High Alpine terrain frequently brings strong winds and storms , especially in summer afternoons — which can quickly cool riders and make conditions tough. 📍 Cyclist Recommendations Before you go Check current local status from: Vallée de l’Ubaye tourism info Inforoute Alpes (road/tunnel openings) Look at local mountain weather forecasts for snow/precipitation and wind. Gear advice Warm layers (even in summer), gloves, waterproof jacket. Headlamp and durable tires (gravel or mountain bike strongly recommended). Tools and spare parts; remote area with little support. Ride planning Early summer rides early in season may still see snow/ice above ~2,000 m . Turn back if conditions deteriorate — services and rescue options are limited.

Back to Alpine Passes

Detailed cycling weather forecast for Tunnel et col du Parpaillon. See wind direction, temperature and rain along the entire climb and descent.

✗ Closed

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Pass Information

2,640m

Elevation

Current status: closed

Opening Period: Wintersperre

Current Conditions

D39T from Foyer de ski de fond to Tunnel du Parpaillon, the road is closed for the winter from 30/10/25 until approximately 15/07/26. Don't follow your GPS!

Wed

11 Mar

ac_unit

Snow

06:52 — 18:33

-5° / -7°

Precipitation 1 mm

Humidity 100 %

🚴‍♂️ Seasonal Access – When It’s Open / Closed

🟢 Open Season (Typical Summer Access)

The tunnel and high-mountain route are generally accessible only part of the year, depending on snow conditions. Permanent winter snow means the route isn’t open year-round.
Traditionally the road and tunnel start clearing late June, and access becomes possible mid/late summer once snow melts.
Exact opening dates vary annually based on spring snowmelt and weather — so check local conditions (e.g., tourism office in Vallée de l’Ubaye) just before your ride.

🔴 Closed Season (Winter & Transitional)

In winter and early spring, heavy snow and ice make the road impassable; the tunnel doors at both ends are closed, and the access road is effectively blocked off.
Late autumn → mid-summer (until snow clears): mountain authorities often keep the road closed for safety and because snow removal isn’t done.
Current engineering situation (2025): due to a partial tunnel collapse and landslide, official through-access may remain limited or closed through the 2025 season. Some reports suggest the structure is unsafe for regular through passage and reopening is uncertain.
- Cyclists and motorbikers sometimes bypass closures unofficially, but this is at your own risk.

🌦️ Weather & Terrain Conditions Cyclists Should Expect

❄ Temperature & Snow

At high elevation (~2,600m), temperatures stay very low even in summer, and snow/ice can persist in shaded sections and inside the tunnel.
Winter conditions (even early spring) see persistent sub-zero temps and snow, making cycling dangerous or impossible.

🧊 Tunnel Conditions

The Tunnel du Parpaillon is dark, cold, often icy and wet, with no lighting or surface paving — inside temps remain near freezing well into summer. A good light and warm gear are essential if passing through.
Even when above-ground weather is good, ice/ water on tunnel floor can make progress slow and technical.

🌧️ Trail & Road Surface

Road surfaces on both sides are rough gravel, rocky, and can be muddy after rain or snowmelt — this isn’t a smooth paved alpine pass.
After precipitation, slopes and loose scree become hard to manage, especially on descent.

💨 Wind & Storm Risks

High Alpine terrain frequently brings strong winds and storms, especially in summer afternoons — which can quickly cool riders and make conditions tough.

📍 Cyclist Recommendations

Before you go

Check current local status from:
- Vallée de l’Ubaye tourism info
- Inforoute Alpes (road/tunnel openings)
Look at local mountain weather forecasts for snow/precipitation and wind.

Gear advice

Warm layers (even in summer), gloves, waterproof jacket.
Headlamp and durable tires (gravel or mountain bike strongly recommended).
Tools and spare parts; remote area with little support.

Ride planning

Early summer rides early in season may still see snow/ice above ~2,000 m.
Turn back if conditions deteriorate — services and rescue options are limited.

Check weather on own route

Location

Weather Forecast

Next 7 Days

Wed

11 Mar

ac_unit

Snow

06:52 — 18:33

-5° / -7°

Precipitation 1 mm

Humidity 100 %

Thu

12 Mar

ac_unit

Snow showers

06:51 — 18:35

-2° / -7°

Precipitation 2 mm

Humidity 100 %

Fri

13 Mar

cloud

Overcast

06:49 — 18:36

-3° / -6°

Precipitation 0 mm

Humidity 94 %

Sat

14 Mar

ac_unit

Snow showers

06:47 — 18:37

-6° / -9°

Precipitation 23 mm

Humidity 98 %

Sun

15 Mar

ac_unit

Snow showers

06:45 — 18:39

-4° / -10°

Precipitation 2 mm

Humidity 97 %

Mon

16 Mar

cloud

Overcast

06:43 — 18:40

1° / -6°

Precipitation 0 mm

Humidity 88 %

Tue

17 Mar

cloud

Overcast

06:41 — 18:41

2° / -4°

Precipitation 0 mm

Humidity 85 %

Climate Overview

Month	Temp Day	Temp Night	Sunny Days	Sun Hours	Rain Days	Precipitation	Humidity	UV Index	Day Length
Jan	-5°C	-16°C	20	6.0h	20	140 mm	75 %	2	9h 17m
Feb	-3°C	-14°C	21	8.2h	8	14 mm	73 %	3	10h 28m
Mar	-2°C	-13°C	27	9.7h	12	112 mm	70 %	4	11h 57m
Apr	1°C	-9°C	26	10.7h	16	110 mm	68 %	5	13h 29m
May	6°C	-5°C	31	12.6h	18	123 mm	65 %	6	14h 49m
Jun	16°C	3°C	30	14.1h	16	33 mm	67 %	7	15h 29m
Jul	14°C	2°C	31	14.2h	16	46 mm	66 %	8	15h 8m
Aug	15°C	3°C	28	12.1h	12	59 mm	68 %	7	13h 58m
Sep	10°C	-2°C	28	10.7h	13	59 mm	70 %	5	12h 29m
Oct	5°C	-5°C	26	8.8h	13	105 mm	72 %	4	10h 57m
Nov	0°C	-11°C	23	7.3h	13	98 mm	76 %	2	9h 36m
Dec	-3°C	-13°C	20	6.0h	12	56 mm	77 %	2	8h 53m