The highest pass through the Alps, the Bernina Pass between Switzerland and Italy is one of the most beautiful routes in Europe. The winding highway through mountain peaks can be lined with snow as late as June. Aerial Tram cable cars rise to the mountain peaks all year at the Diavolezza Nordic Park where skiing is a short train ride from St. Moritz on the tracks of the Rhaetian rail line. The Berggasthaus Diavolezza, a hotel and restaurant at 3,000 meters, is situated amidst breathtaking glacial scenery at the top of the Diavolezza Berg Bahn with views of the Bernina Massif rock face and boasting Europe’s highest jacuzzi. In summer you can hike to mountain peaks on Nordic walking trails and in winter, ski the glacial snows. For driving from Switzerland to northern Italy, on a back road trip from Munich to Trento or Milan, the Bernina Pass is an impressive scenic route alternate to the main trans-Alps auto route, but at the high altitude can be severely subject to weather.

All year this area can be enjoyed by rail on the Bernina Express which follows the Rhaetian Railway line between Chur and Tirano is one of the most world's majestic railway routes (see Bernina Express). The crisp blue mountain lakes on the Bernina Pass are the watersheds of the Alps, with waters heading west to the Rhine and south to the River Po depending which side of the pass your on. Snow on the road over the pass can hit as early as October, but more likely to stay from the beginning of November. A sudden Alps storm could hit so after September its a good idea to have chains in case a sudden flurry turns the pass road to blinding white. © Bargain Travel Europe