Two-lane mountain highway with guardrails, snow-covered peaks, and forested slopes in San Bernardino

Europe · Switzerland

San Bernardino

Crossing the Alps — Winter Light on the A13

Story

After leaving Vaduz, we continued south toward the San Bernardino Pass. Before committing to the route, however, we carefully checked the weather conditions.

Crossing an alpine pass in February is never guaranteed. Although our camper is equipped with winter tires, heavy snowfall can quickly change the situation. Snow chains may become mandatory, and in extreme cases the pass can be temporarily closed. With deep snow still covering the landscape at higher elevations, it was clear that this crossing depends entirely on stable weather.

Fortunately, the forecast was in our favor. Clear skies, no snowfall expected, and stable conditions allowed us to take the route with confidence.

As we climbed higher, winter fully surrounded us. Snow-covered slopes, dark forests, and the frozen surface of Lago d’Isola created a stark alpine atmosphere. The road itself was clear and well maintained, making the crossing smooth — but the sheer amount of snow in the surrounding landscape was a reminder of how quickly conditions could shift.

Beyond the pass, the descent toward the southern side of Graubünden began. The A13 curved through the mountains, leading us down toward Soazza. The scenery gradually softened, and the late afternoon light added warmth to the valley.

This stretch of road is more than a connection between regions. It marks a transition — from the northern Alps toward the southern valleys, and eventually toward Italy. On this day, under stable winter skies, the crossing felt calm and cinematic. Under different conditions, it could have told a very different story.

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