May 21, 2017 Opening day of the San Gottardo Pass! Visit to Prato, Dalpe & Chironico

The San Gottardo Pass over the Alps has finally opened. Although I've been suffering from allergies and a cold, we took advantage of the last day of our rental car - (our little Smart!) to drive over the pass and also explore some towns in Ticino south of the pass, in the Leventina Valley.

As we approached the San Gottardo pass, we took local roads (as opposed to the highway going through the tunnel). We intended on taking the over the mountain highway, but started out on the old, original road called the Tremola - it is a brick road! As we rattled our way along, we stopped to get a view. 

Looking south from halfway up the pass. 

Almost at the top of the pass, this view gives you an idea of all the roads! The smallest is the Tremola brick road, then there had been a newer road, and now a modern highway road. It wasn't possible to take the Tremola all the way too the top as it was still covered with snow. 

At the top and in the snow! Gosh, my allergies seemed to disappear up here and it felt so good to breath the cool air. 

In some parts it's like driving through a tunnel of snow.

We go as far as Andermatt, in the upper valley - not completely over the Alps, and enjoy lunch outside.

Heading back down, we see a Ferrari enjoying the ride

Looking north from the San Gottardo Pass

Can you see the dam up there?

There is a partial tunnel on this pass.

On our way back we drive up to the town of Dalpe, in the Leventina valley. This area has the largest meadows in this valley, and it was gorgeous.

Dalpe

A motorcycle group enjoying the day.

From Dalpe, looking back down on the town of Prato. Prato is also higher up from the valley floor.

While in Prato, we here cowbells. They are bringing the cows through the town and back to the barn for milking!

From Prato, looking down on the town of Rodi Fiesso

Church in Prato

We stop in another town which sits up the mountainside in the valley Leventina called Chironico.
There is also a gorge and small reservoir here.

The reservoir in Chironico

In Chironico