Couple in our 70’s visiting Gornergrat: risk of altitude sickness?
A traveler named Grasshopper is planning a trip to Zermatt next April with their partner, and they're curious about potential health concerns when taking the Gornergrat railway to the viewing station. They want to ensure a safe and pleasant experience at high altitude.
- Move slowly at high altitudes like Gornergrat to avoid altitude sickness.
- Acclimate to the altitude by spending time in Zermatt before ascending.
- Stay hydrated during your journey to prevent light-headedness.
- Check the weather before your trip for the best views and experience.
- Enjoy dining at the newly renovated Gornergrat Kulm Hotel for varied meal options.
AI-generated summary-
Hi everyone
My partner and I ( non-skiers ),are in our seventies and will be staying in Zermatt next April.
Would we have any health concerns with travelling on the Gornergrat railway to the viewing
station?Many thanks
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Hello Grasshopper
Welcome to MySwissAlps.
The effects of high altitude varies from person to person.
I have been visiting Switzerland regularly since 1971. Even back then I found I had to be careful about altitude. I quickly developed the rule ‘If the altitude in feet is in five figures, or begins with a ‘3’ in metres, then I walk SLOWLY. Klein Matterhorn/Glacier Mountain Paradise is 3,883 metres, Jungfraujoch is 3,454 metres, Gornergrat 3,089 metres.In April this year (I am now in my late seventies) I went up both Gornergrat amd Titlis (3,028 metres). No ill effects as I remembered to move around slowly.
I would go up Gornergrat, but just remember to take it easy. In my opinion Gornergrat is the best mountain ride in the Alps. It is certainly the best in terms of value for money. Unlike the Jungfraujoch, very little of the line is in tunnel.
https://www.myswissalps.com/activity/gornergrat/
The station at Gornergrat is a little bit below the summit. I have walked very carefully up to the summit on the well-marked path, Magnificent 360 degrees view. But you also have to be very careful going DOWN.
There is a self service restaurant near the station. I have lunch there, always sitting outside. I have sat outside on New Year’s Day. Just watch that the birds do not steal your food!
Best wishes
Roger
Hi Roger
Thank you so much for a prompt reply, together with pragmatic advice and great
information.
Looking forward to a slow walk.Cheers
Grasshopper
Hi Grasshopper!
I agree with Roger. I don’t think you have to worry about altitude sickness at Gornergrat. Just take things slow and easy once you’re up there, to be on the safe side. And if you do feel a bit light-headed, sit down for a while and make sure you drink enough. Symptoms may already improve. If they don’t, it’s best to get back down.
Anecdotal information is tricky, but I personally never experienced this at Gornergrat. I did a bit up at nearby Klein Matterhorn, but that’s significantly higher, and the ascent by cable car is faster than the cogwheel train ride to Gornergrat.
I hope you’ll enjoy this beautiful excursion!
Hello Grasshopper,
If you’re a bit uneasy, allow yourself to acclimate to the altitude in Zermatt proper and get a good night’s rest there before ascending further. I’ve been there many times through the years and never had any issues but when I bring a friend or family member who has never been to Switzerland, I try to plan the itinerary to increase altitude gradually. No one ever had any problems and we also went up to Klein Matterhorn/Glacier Paradise, Jungfraujoch, Schilthorn, Titlis, etc. (as well as the Aiguille du Midi just across the border in Chamonix). I always advise them to hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Also, try to choose your best weather day in Zermatt for the journey up to Gornergrat Kulm, for the best views, photos and overall experience. The Gornergrat Kulm Hotel and restaurants have been renovated recently, so the restaurant choices are more varied and quite different from the previous self-service cafeteria. I found the restaurant area completely under construction in 2024, but fully operational this past summer. (I’m also in my 7th decade, if that helps to reassure you.) Wishing you a wonderful trip (and weather!).
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Hi Annika
Thank you for taking time to reply.
You have also given me such valuable advice…………..The views must be incredible and I will
cherish every slow steady step throughout the journey.Best regards
Hi Lastlook
Thank you for another expansive reply.
We have 3 days in Zermatt, before we board the Gornergrat train, so a nice few days
to get used to the altitude.
This day and the following day, promise to be amongst the best 2 days of our lives, as
we have been able to secure Excellence Class seats on the Glacier Express.Best regards
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