ZERMATT

  

The train to Zermatt is a trip to behold. It wasn't fully covered by our Rail Pass because of it being a private line but extremely scenic for most of the trip. We did get hoofed out of our 1^st class seats because the trip wasn’t covered by the Eurail pass, but so were several others on the train. It seems no-one bothers to inform travellers even when they book on-line, months in advance!

Great room in a great hotel and the staff were so friendly. The views from our room are nothing less than spectacular. Yes, that is The Matterhorn covered in snow in the background!

We arrived early so spent the afternoon and evening exploring. Zermatt is a full blown ski town with half the shops selling ski wear and equipment. Of course the season in not in full swing yet so we are not bogged down with crowds of people.

Also, prices are still reasonable.

We found a terrific Cable Car Trip up the mountains. Zermatt is at 1603 meters and these cars go in three stages to some 4360 meters.  Julie wasn’t able to do this trip due to her fear of heights so she went for a massage package whilst I rode the mountain.

At the start of the trip the notice board advised that at the top it was -5 c with winds of 54 km/h – bloody cold. (The digital image shows 5, for some reason it failed to record the negative sign)!

By the time I reached the top it was -9 c with winds of 76km/h. Never before have I needed to wrap up like a dogs dinner but thankfully I did. Not a good look but I don’t care, it was f*^%#ing freezing up there. Luckily I had invested in beanie and gloves!

However, I must admit that the views were well worth it.

It was as if one could reach out and touch the Matterhorn.

Part of the trip included a visit to The Glacier Palace, the highest 'glacier palace' in the world.

Here we were able to enter into the heart of the glacier - really cold but really pretty.

Switzerland is really an awesome country and we're falling in love with it.