My wife and I will be in Switzerland and Austria in June and will be packing the usual clothes for 40-70 F degrees. Our question is, going up to the top of Jungfrau and Shilthorn where the temp will be at or below freezing, how do we pack and/or dress for that? Of course we don't want to carry a bulky coat with us when we would only use it a few hours out of a 8 day trip. Do we just layer and wear basically everything we brought with us? I'm leaning more towards packing light (of course) and just wearing layer after layer after layer..... Any beter ideas out there? Thanks
A heavy sweatshirt or sweater should do the trick. At both peaks, you won't actually be spending that much time outside. Even with heavy winter clothing, most people spend about two minutes on the outdoor observation deck, before they wimp-out and run into the indoor observation areas :) The winds can be brutal.
I think you have the right idea--layer up with what you've got, even iff it looks a little funny. A few lighweight items--a hat or even a fleecy headband--could also make a big difference. Even in the valley, the Alps can be quite chilly in the evening!
In June, it won't be below freezing, even at the summits (possible at night, but not during the day). Colder than the valley, yes, but at the lowest, the temperature will perhaps be in the 30s or 40, but 50s and 60s are more likely.
Choose a sunny day- for the weather and views. At that elevation the sun tends to keep you warmer. Don't forget the sunscreen- just like when you're skiing... The last time I went it was beautiful and amazing! Have a wonderful trip!
The Schilthorn will not be NEARLY as cold and snowy as the Jungfrau. The Jungfrau is much higher and will definitely have lots of snow. The Schilthorn's snow will quite possibly be all melted.
I too had these same concerns since I will be Switzerland in late May and early June. I decided to go with layers. I am packing a roll up knit hat, short stretchy gloves and a buff in my windbreaker. I wish I had hat & gloves when I was in Scotland. If I need anything heavier, it is good excuse to buy a sweatshirt from Switzerland and then stow it in my extra "Don't Tell Rick" bag.
We went to the Jungfraujoch last June and it was not cold at all. We wore a t-shirt, sweater, and a windbreaker and we were totally comfortable.
We did 5 days in Lauterbrunnen last June as part of our 5 week trip. We layered. I bought each of us a microfleece to use instead of a sweatshirt. We wore these over a lightweight jacket. They were awesome as they kept us warml, but are extremely light weight.
We also took 1 set of long underwear which doubled as PJs, but helped at the top of Shilthorn and Jungfrau.
I think the most important item to take to the Jungfrau is sunglasses. The sun is unbelieveably strong and bright. With all of the snow sun is reflected from every angle...you'll be sunburned if you're not careful.