Train, Zurich to Montreux use Goldenpass line

I will be reading the replies with great interest, as next summer I plan to travel from Chamonix to Vevey in one day, spend two nights there visiting local areas like Montreux and Gruyeres and Lavare (sp?), then traveling to Zurich to fly out. I've not done the research yet on what type of pass to get and/or how soon to book in advance, so the responses here to the above question will help me get my bearings.

I don't believe the cars with the VIP seats are in service now. Seems they stopped running in September. The cars are being retrofitted so they can run on both meter and standard gauge tracks. That would eliminate the train change at Zweisimmen. Go to www.goldenpass.ch. There is a note that they are not available after Sept 1, 2018.

You can buy Swiss Travel Pass when you arrive. Nothing special about Montreux to Zermatt. If you have a pass, just get on a train heading to Brig and get off at Visp and change to the train to Zermatt. There is at least one train every hour.

Edit - Of course, if it is a Flex pass, don't forget to fill in the date on the pass before boarding.

For Matt,

(although jimonthemississippi will get this answer not you, as it is his thread)

price out the tickets before you jump off the dock and buy a pass. You may find that the tickets save you money. Just check.

Thanks for the help. It was confirmed on "MySwissAlps" train forum that the VIP seating trains are down. While I'm asking, any thoughts on taking the trains from Zermatt to Lugano and then the train from Lugano back to ZurichHB? Thanks again. JIM

Nigel - many thanks for the response, I'll try to look at individual prices but since I'm likely only taking 2-3-4 train trips max I bet it will be cheaper buying them separately.