[Big Dad]

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24 October 2025 at 22:35:27 #2793204

For this upcoming trip, I will be traveling by train on 12/18/25 from the Zurich Airport to CransMontana for a couple days, then onto Zermatt until 12/26/25 when I am returning back to the Zurich Airport that day. I really don’t know how often I will be traveling up in the mountains by train. Maybe I will just be hiking depending on the snow. What Pass seems to be the most reasonable to purchase?

Thanks!

[Roger Sexton]

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Reply 1 of 4 • 25 October 2025 at 7:33:10 #2793205

Hello again BigDad.

Welcome back!

I am wondering whether you should take advantage of the ‘ten days for the price of eight’ First Class Swiss Travel Pass promotion (https://www.myswissalps.com/blog/swiss-travel-pass-promotion-2025/).  Your dates fit that promotion!

Note that the STP gives you free travel on the buses up to Crans/Montana, and also free travel on the funicular up to Crans/Montana.  It does not give you any discount on the mountain lines above Crans/Montana, but does give you 50% discount on the lines going up from Zermatt.

The only alternative I can think of is a Half Fare Card (https://www.myswissalps.com/travel-ticket/swiss-half-fare-card/).  Again, it does not give you any discount on the mountain lines above Crans/Montana, but does give you 50% discount on the various lines going up from Zermatt.

Excursions from Zermatt?

Stuck in a steeply graded side valley, Zermatt is not a good centre for longer distance excursions.  However, if the weather is bad, the historic towns of Brig and Sion are within relatively easy reach.  Bern (two-and-a-quarter hours) is also possible.

If the weather is good, there are two obvious destinations.  Spectacular Saas Fee is only ninety minutes away.  Take the train to Stalden-Saas where you change to the number 511 bus.  STP and HFC give 50% discount on the Saas Fee cable cars.

‘Aletsch Arena’  (https://www.myswissalps.com/activity/aletsch-glacier/)
There is an hourly through train from Zermatt to Fiesch, going via Brig, Morel and Betten.  The STP and HFC give 50% discount on the cable cars going up from Morel, Betten and Fiesch..

Unfortunately, I have not answered you question.  Instead, I have given you even more to think about!

Best wishes for your deliberations.

Roger

[Anna]

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Reply 2 of 4 • 25 October 2025 at 8:43:55 #2793206

Hi Big Dad,

Based on travel plans, assuming you’d be using a lot of mountain transportation in Crans Montana and Zermatt, I would consider getting the Swiss Half Fare Card (https://www.myswissalps.com/travel-ticket/swiss-half-fare-card/) that gives you up to 50% discount on Swiss public transport and mountain transportation. With the Swiss Half Fare Card, you can also purchase Saver Day Pass (https://www.myswissalps.com/travel-ticket/saver-day-pass/) at a much cheaper price if you book early.

You can find useful tips on how to choose the best rail pass here: https://www.myswissalps.com/travel/tickets/compare/

Hope this helps.

Regards,
Anna

[Big Dad]

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Reply 3 of 4 • 25 October 2025 at 16:44:04 #2793210

Roger,
For the past 3 years I’ve been able to visit Switzerland but I am still not as familiar as you and Anna. I’ve read your comments over the past year or longer and it is clear that you’ve made many trips through Switzerland. You have answered my question. On this trip I am only making two stops because my son wants to ski and I would like to spend some time with his over the holidays. So while he is skiing my wife and I will explore your ideas of other places to visit.
This helps.
Thanks,
Big Dad

[Big Dad]

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Reply 4 of 4 • 25 October 2025 at 16:56:29 #2793211

Anna,
Thanks. I will compare the Half Fare Card with the First Class Swiss Travel Pass promotion that Roger mentioned. Since I am not that familiar with the Saver Day Pass, I will definitely check that out too. Thanks for mentioning that card. For this trip my plans are wide open (flexible) so it is making it more difficult to know which Pass I would most likely benefit from. Plus if the weather is bad, then that will also impact my plans.
I am always amazed at the Swiss Team’s familiarity with where to visit and how to best get there. Anna thanks.
Big Dad,