When is Snake Pass closed?

Snake Pass is most likely to close during the winter months, particularly when snow, ice or severe weather affects the higher parts of the Peak District.

The A57 climbs high across the Pennines between Glossop and Ladybower Reservoir. Conditions at the top of Snake Pass can therefore be very different from those in the towns and valleys below.

A journey may begin in clear conditions in Glossop, Sheffield or the Hope Valley, while snow, ice, poor visibility or drifting snow is affecting the higher section of Snake Pass.

Derbyshire County Council says weather conditions on Snake Pass can be extreme during winter and that it is often one of the first roads in the county to close because of snow and ice.

There is no fixed annual closure period. Snake Pass does not automatically close every winter, but if significant snow or severe weather is forecast, there is a much greater chance of the road being closed for safety.

Yes. Winter weather is one of the main reasons the A57 Snake Pass closes. Snow and ice can make the steep, exposed route difficult or unsafe to use, particularly around the highest sections of the pass.

The road is a priority gritting route, but gritting does not guarantee that Snake Pass will remain open. Heavy snowfall, drifting snow, ice, strong winds and poor visibility can still make conditions unsafe.

Closures can also be made before the worst weather arrives. If significant snowfall is forecast, Derbyshire County Council may close Snake Pass as a precaution rather than waiting for vehicles to become stranded.

This happened in January 2026 when the A57 Snake Pass was proactively closed ahead of heavy snow associated with Storm Goretti. It was one of several high Peak District routes closed for public safety.

Weather-related closures are most likely during the colder part of the year, broadly from late autumn through winter and into early spring.

November to March is the period when drivers should be particularly prepared for snow, ice and rapidly changing conditions. Wintry weather can occasionally affect the route outside these months too, so there is no exact start or end date for the Snake Pass closure season.

If snow or freezing temperatures are forecast across the Peak District, it is worth checking the current Snake Pass road status before setting off.

Snow and ice are not the only reasons Snake Pass can be closed. Recent closures show that several different types of incident can shut the A57. Each one is covered in more detail in what closes Snake Pass.

Snow, ice and severe weather

Winter weather is one of the most common risks. The high and exposed location means snow can settle on Snake Pass even when nearby lower areas have little or no snow.

Road traffic accidents

Collisions can result in the road being closed in one or both directions while police, ambulance and fire crews attend the scene. Because there are limited opportunities to divert traffic around an incident on the pass, even a localised collision can cause a significant closure.

Landslips and ground movement

Snake Pass has a long history of landslips. Ground movement has affected several sections of the A57 and can lead to temporary restrictions, investigation work, repairs or full road closures.

Planned roadworks

Some closures are scheduled in advance for road repairs, surveys, safety work and investigations. These are normally announced before work begins and can last much longer than an emergency weather or accident closure.

Other emergencies

Incidents away from the road itself can also affect Snake Pass. Wildfires, fallen trees and other emergencies may result in the road being closed if there is a risk to drivers or emergency services need access.

Recent events demonstrate how quickly the status of Snake Pass can change and why there is no single closure timetable.

• May 2026: The A57 between Glossop and Ladybower Reservoir was closed while emergency services dealt with a large moorland wildfire near Snake Pass. Smoke from the fire caused poor visibility in the surrounding area.
• 15 June to 3 July 2026: A planned full closure took place between Glossop and Ladybower Reservoir for ground investigations at the Doctor's Gate landslip. The work involved drilling to investigate ground movement and help develop a long-term repair.
• 20 June 2026: A section of Snake Pass was temporarily closed following a serious motorcycle collision near the A6013 junction for Bamford.
• 7 July 2026: Snake Pass was closed in both directions between Glossop and Bamford after a collision involving a motorcycle and a car.

These examples show that closures are not limited to winter. However, as the colder months approach, snow and ice become an additional and significant reason for checking the road before travelling.

An emergency closure can happen with very little notice.

Weather conditions can deteriorate quickly on high ground, particularly during snowfall, freezing conditions or strong winds. Police and highways teams may also need to close the road immediately following an accident or other incident.

This means Snake Pass being open earlier in the day does not guarantee that it will still be open later.

During periods of bad weather, check the latest road status immediately before travelling rather than relying on information from earlier in the day.

There is no standard length for a Snake Pass closure. It depends entirely on why the road has been closed.

• Snow and ice: A closure may last a few hours, overnight or longer if conditions remain unsafe.
• Accidents: The road may reopen once emergency services have finished at the scene and it is safe for traffic.
• Severe weather: Closures can continue until snow has been cleared and conditions improve.
• Roadworks and landslip investigations: Planned closures can last several days or weeks.

Reopening times can change, particularly during weather-related closures, so any estimated reopening time should be treated as provisional.

Some are, but many are not.

Major roadworks, surveys and landslip investigations are usually announced in advance by Derbyshire County Council. For example, the June and July 2026 closure for Doctor's Gate investigations was scheduled ahead of time.

Weather closures, accidents and emergency incidents can happen at much shorter notice. In particularly severe weather, authorities may announce a precautionary closure only hours before it takes effect.

Closures announced in advance are listed under planned closures on the live status page.

Not every snowfall results in a closure, but snow significantly increases the risk.

The severity of the weather, road surface conditions, drifting snow, visibility and whether the route can be kept safely passable will all affect the decision.

If heavy snow is forecast for the Peak District, drivers should consider a Snake Pass closure a realistic possibility and check the latest status before starting their journey.

If you are planning to travel between Sheffield and Manchester using the A57, particularly during winter, check whether Snake Pass is open immediately before setting off.

Weather conditions and incidents can change quickly, so the most useful information is the latest live road status rather than a general closure timetable. If the pass is shut, compare the alternative routes across the Pennines.