Switzerland - Austria -Summer 2011

Please advise as to the best pass regarding our trip to Switzerland and Austria in May 2011. We are traveling two adults - one teenager age 15. We will be flying into Zurich and want my husband wants to travel on all the amazing trains of switzerland but I also have a teen ager who wants to do some fun things. We want to base ourselves about every 3 days in one area to enjoy the towns and attractions We want to see the Matterhorn, go to Pilatus and Lucerne area. Any other advise would be wonderful and appreciated. In looking over the forums - we have to purchase our passes/tickets before we arrive in Switzerland? My husband wants to do the Glacier Express but that is eight hours - is that round trip or can you take just half way.

You don't say how many days you will be in Switzerland
I would suggest your 3 days be spent as follows:
Luzern: Pilatus, Rigi (covered with the pass).
Golden Pass to Interlaken
Interlaken: Jungfraujoch and Schilthorn
Golden Pass to Montreux then train to Visp and Zermatt
Zermatt: Gornergrat and cable car to Klein Matterhorn
Glacier Express to Chur
Chur: Berninia Express to Tirano and return (covers the remaining part of the Glacier), Arosa
Chur back to Zurich

By taking the Glacier Express only to Chur you eliminate 2 hours. You can cover almost all of the remaining Glacier Express route the next day by taking the Berninia Express to Tirano and back. The only thing you would miss is the short run from Samedam to St. Moritz (15 minutes).

You teenager will enjoy hiking in Interlaken and Zermatt. It is possible to Ski all year on the Jungfraujoch and Klein Matterhorn in Zermatt.

You will need to get reservations in advance in the scenic trains. Be sure to get VIP reservations on the Golden Pass between Interlaken-Zweisimmen-Montreux. You will sit in the very front of the train ahead of the engineer. It is a great trip.

Dick