Late 18th c.: Orphans Georg and Alfons cross the Great St. Bernard. Alfons seeks a soldier’s life, while sick Georg stays at the hospice to work. He befriends Resi, secretly raises the pup Barry, and learns to read. Rivalry with novice Célestin peaks, but a snowstorm forces them to unite. Georg saves Barry and Célestin, earns a place at the hospice, and dreams of becoming a teacher.