European Railroad Discussion > Crossing the Bernina Pass in Winter

This clip is from one of my most memorable train trips. On the Rhätische Bahn (Rhaetian Railway's) Bernina Railway in Winter, travelling from St. Moritz to Tirano and return.

The top of the Bernina Pass is at Ospizio Bernina. The Bernina Railway crosses the pass at a height of 2,253 metres – the highest adhesion railway in Europe.
 
I'm travelling on train R1617, 0845hrs  from St Moritz to Tirano, led by ABe 8/12 #3508.
 
After stopping at Ospizio Bernina station, train R1617 continues along the shores of the frozen Lago Bianco towards Alp Grüm - where this clip was filmed.

The problem was that it was so cold, filming out an open window could only be done for short periods. Next time a GoPro & suction cup!
 
Filmed 3 years ago today, on 04 January 2013
 



Edited 3 time(s). Last edit at 01/04/16 23:46 by Stephenloco.

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Whow! What an action! I'm glad you let your fingers freeze :/

The Swiss landscape with that much flying snow looks very much like Malmbana here int he North. Just think how much effort building the Rhätische systems has initilally taken.

I suppose the EMU hauling the train is similar to this Stadler vehicle, maybe not the machinery but the looks.

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Yes, visually almost identical, except a 3 unit set rather than 4.
My return trip was in the first class compartment directly behind the driver - complete with glass viewing wall, allowing a great driver's eye view.

Wonderful views...with fingers not freezing ; D

Could we possibly see your pictures and video from that part here?

awesome video.  thanks for posting.........

66

Wow ! Thank you for sharing !!! :):):)
If you have anymore pictures or video feel free to post ! Amazing ! :)

Amazing video.
Regards,DK

Thanks for posting the video.  It was awesome!
ALLEN

Congrats Steve on VOTD.  Well earned and very interesting to watch.  This place is now on my "must go" list.

I bet they have a beilhack snow clearer in there somewhere waiting for the
passenger train to pass so they can widen the right of way again.

If I remember correctly the Bernina line has a 7 percent grade and the only
other steeper grades are the cogs over there.  

That would be interestingto see in action! Did they manufacture these machines for narrow gauge?

leonz Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I bet they have a beilhack snow clearer in there
> somewhere waiting for the
> passenger train to pass so they can widen the
> right of way again.
 

Wow. Rode this in October. We  had  a glorious  dusting. Thanks for sharing this  great ride!!

Love the train blasting through the snow drifts, great video.  Hope your fingers have thawed since then! :)

Nathan

Wife and I rode that line along with other Swiss routes in the early '90s - wonderful experience!!!

Bill Deaver
Tehachapi, CA



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/06/16 22:11 by MojaveBill.

Interesting point!  We actually passed a snow plow at Ospizio Bernina station, just before the start of the video.

Attached is a photo. The snow plow was being pulled/pushed by Electo-Diesel Gem 4/4 801.

Also it was extremely windy at the top of the pass - note the wind sock at 90 degrees to the left of the plow.



Edited 3 time(s). Last edit at 01/08/16 00:21 by Stephenloco.

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What a find! & thank you for posting. This monster really  seems to have huge teeth to remove snow and ice. If it is often that windy with dry snow this rotary will definitely be needed...

 

Stephenloco Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Interesting point!  We actually passed a snow
> plow at Ospizio Bernina station, just before the
> start of the video.
>
> Attached is a photo. The snow plow was being
> pulled/pushed by Electo-Diesel Deh 801.
>
> Also it was extremely windy at the top of the pass
> - note the wind sock at 90 degrees to the left of
> the plow.

Except that the locomotive pushing the snowblower is Classed as a Gem 4/4


"Deh" describes a Self-propelled Railcar with just a Baggage compartment "D" using Electric propulsion "e" and fitted for Cog-wheel operation "h". Vehicles with this description can be found on the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn over the Furka Pass. 



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/07/16 15:07 by SOO6617.

Great video! I was on a one way trip between Sargans and Tirano last year, and my route went through this section of line. It was in the spring, so not as much snow and not as cold as your trip. To this day, it is the only railway I literally cried tears of happiness for because the scenery it passed through was so beautiful. I hope to ride it again one day.