The first day is moody and atmospheric. Mist clings to the sides of the mountains and rain clouds cover the tops, lending them a certain charm. The charm is wet though. Very wet. We reach the first hut at Alp Grüm soaked to our skins. Still, we’ve started out on our adventure, spirits are high and we’re optimistic that the rest of the trip will be sunnier.
Being photographers, we set off before dawn to capture the beautiful early morning light on the dramatic scenery. The long descent towards Poschiavo is perfect for both photos and fun. The trails to the bottom of the valley are fast and if the hot chocolate at breakfast hadn’t woken us up the adrenaline certainly did!
We cross the historic railway lines of the Räthische Bahn multiple times, making sure to avoid an encounter with one of the iconic red trains that criss-cross Switzerland. The next leg of our journey sees us catching a bus as we head to Bernina Ospizio.
It’s at this point we have to start earning back the altitude we lost in the morning. With great views, and even better company, there’s no complaints as we winch our way back up the mountain towards the Italian border and Livigno.
After fuelling up on primo pasta in bella Italia we head for the Chaschaunapass. What follows is a (hell of a) steep grueling gravel road to the summit of this impressive mountain. It’s worth it though. The landscape extends before us, looking almost lunar-like. The afternoon light just makes it even more jaw-dropping. We enjoy the scene for a moment before scrabbling for our cameras…
We reach the Varusch hut at dusk. Rumbling stomachs are treated to hearty meals and with no electricity, let alone wifi, we feel we can truly disconnect from everyday life.
