During the 15 weeks of closure of the Mont-Blanc tunnel, until December 16, 2024, trucks in transit will no longer use the Chamonix valley. It is estimated that 90% of heavy goods vehicles will transfer to the Fréjus tunnel and the Maurienne valley, via the A 43 motorway.
For cars, campervans and small good vehicles, there are two other alternatives.
The Col du Grand Saint-Bernard via Martigny (Switzerland)
From the experience of the nine-week closure in 2023, it is indicated that in 2024, that many motorists will travel to Italy via the Chamonix valley, the Col des Montets to Martigny in Valais, then over the Col du Grand Saint-Bernard (2469m) between Switzerland and Italy.
In fine weather, the pass is open, but the quickest and most reliable solution is to go through the Grand Saint Bernard tunnel. The one-way toll is €16.50 for the 5.8 kilometre journey. The Grand St. Bernard tunnel will be open throughout the Mont-Blanc closure period.
However, there are restrictions to be aware of. On the night of 17 September 2024, the tunnel is closed for a security exercise. Also, be aware than on many nights, between 10pm and 6am, there is a restriction to vehicle height of 3 meters. The nights in question are detailed on the tunnel website .
The Col du Petit Saint-Bernard via Bourg Saint Maurice (France)
The other possibility for motorists to avoid the Chamonix valley and head south to Albertville and take the N90 into to the Tarantaise valley. From Bourg-Saint-Maurice climb to the summit of the Col du Petit Saint-Bernard (2,188m) , and descend into the Aosta Valley, Italy. The road is particularly windy.
Usually, the pass is open until the beginning of November, but early snowfall might make the route impassable and if sufficient, the route will close early for the winter season where it becomes the “Espace San Bernardo” ski area, which connects the ski resorts of La Rosière in the Savoie to La Thuile in the Aosta Valley. The connection is by lifts and skis, not by car!
Le Dauphiné
