Best way from Venice to Switzerland

Nope. You have what probably is the best solution. Most runs to Switzerland from Venice will go through Milan. Brig is just across the southern border. You'll need to get off the train and go to the window to validate your pass. Brig has a very large train station and this should be very easy. At the same window, make your reservations for the next leg of your journey and jump on the next train.

Of course, and if you have the time, you could just walk over to the cog train and get on the wonderfully scenic Glacier Express.

Thanks Larry. Is there any way to validate the Swiss Passes at the beginning of the journey from Venice? Can they be validated on the Swiss Train by the conductor?

I've had Swiss Passes previously but have always had plenty of time to validate them at the Swiss ticket window. However, we will have 20 people traveling with us and I think the connection time may be a little too short. Any suggestions there?

Tim, I don't know the answer. We bought our passes at the ticket window and the valid dates were printed on the face of the pass. Plus, we had to sign the pass. Do your Swiss Passes have the valid dates on them? If yes, they may be valid on the date specified without going to a window. If Flexi-passes, the Ticket Agent in Venice may be able to validate for you when they know your journey is international. Don't know. The Venice train station does have an international window as I recall.

My best suggestion is to email them from the www.sbb.ch website with your specific question. I've done this about 3 times and they do respond in about 1-2 days.