The Grimsel Pass (German: Grimselpass; French: Col du Grimsel; Italian: Passo del Grimsel) is a mountain pass in Switzerland, crossing the Bernese Alps at an elevation of 2’164 metres. The pass connects the Haslital, the upper valley of the river Aare, with the upper valley of the Rhône river. The first fully documented use of the Grimsel Pass dates back to the 14th century, although it has been suggested that the pass was also used in Roman times. A paved road follows the pass, running 38 kilometres from Gletsch to Meiringen. The road is normally closed between the months October and May, due to the high snowfall on the pass. As it is the only direct road pass between the cantons of Berne and Valais across the Bernese Alps, attempts are made to keep the road open as long as possible with snow ploughs.