We are leaving October 17 for two weeks.
We want to see the Lauterbrunen valley and Murren again and then on to the engadine valley. From there will go to Varenna on Lake Como and finally home from Milan.
We will be traveling by train and I am concerned that the passes may be closed or that the trains will not run do to weather.
Am I taking a big chance on going to Switzerland in mid to late October?
Any train experts out there on how to make this happen or other recommendations?
thanks in advance for any help
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
33810 posts
I think it very unlikely that trains will not run in Switzerland no matter which month. Remember that Swiss trains developed at the same time as development of Switzerland as a winter sports centre.
The only thing that may cause a problem is a landslide after very heavy rain - that could happen in any season.
The same is true of cablecars and gondolas although they also stop in high wind.
Posted by
Firenze
500 posts
Swiss consider railways, more than roads, as lifelines to local communities, and will do their best to keep them running. So when the first snow arrives, pass roads are closed as soon as they are deemed no more safe to drive, but pass railways are kept open even is snow is higher than the trains and tracks have to been cleared very often. October is quite early and while some roads may be already closed, it is unlikely railways will be closed.
As it was noted here above, landslides may be a danger all year round.
Posted by
Green Bay
21139 posts
Since Swiss railways are often used as ski lifts (like in Wengen and Zermatt) the trains will always be running unless its is truly a natural disaster. Here is what the Bernina Express looks like in the winter (on a sunny day):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NGhR7dougSA
And check out the snow-blower train. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7w3Z2QZFr3I