The Passo del San Bernardino, in Graubünden, links Italian-speaking Ticino to the rest of German-speaking Switzerland via a long, steady pass, appreciated for its well-kept surface and predictable profile.
The profile from Lostallo
From Lostallo, expect about 30.6 km and 1,703 m of climbing, averaging a fairly steady 5.6% throughout. The road first follows the Moesa valley before rising into sharper switchbacks in the final third, up to the summit at 2,065 m.
Getting the ride right
The length of the route, more than its gradient, is the main challenge: a compact or triple chainset stays useful, but pacing the effort over the distance matters more than technique for the few steeper sections on this pass.
When to go
June to September, as the road is closed by snow the rest of the year given the pass’s altitude. The generally excellent road surface makes for a pleasant climb even during busy summer traffic.
Good to know
Lostallo, a village in the Mesolcina valley served by the road linking Ticino to Graubünden, offers modest but convenient accommodation with access to Mesocco for a longer stay, and the option of linking up with other nearby Swiss passes.
