In crossing the Julier Pass (7493 ft.) our bus driver had to navigate 20+ such turns on the way up and the way down. The bus took all but 2-3 ft. of both lanes of the turn while other drivers waited patiently. The Romans likely crossed here and then established Zurich as a tolling station for the very limited roads in this mountain encircled county which they called it Helvitica.

Other notable passes are the Simplon Pass over which Napoleon brought part of his army. Also near the Rhone Valley is a pass where a monk named Bernard established a monastery at the top to aid travelers. He domesticated a local large wild dog that could easily move through the snow. He was ultimately canonized and this breed bears that distinction still today - St. Bernard.