The Aletsch Arena is one of the more distant winter sports resorts from Geneve, but despite that it is among the easiest to reach by train.
Departing from Geneve/Geneva:
Unlike the faster, but much less frequent EC trains, the IR trains commence their journeys at Geneve-Aeroport station.
It takes the trains around 5 mins to travel from there to the main station in Geneve before they then head off to Brig.
So these trains usually depart from the main station in Geneve 10 mins after they have departed from Geneve-Aeroport.
Final Destination: Brig
Connect at Brig for MGB trains to Morel, Betten Andermatt, Oberwald and Disentis/Muster.
1 or 2 x connections per hour
Change trains in: Brig
Booking Tickets:
Tickets can be booked online up to 60 days ahead for this end-to-end journey which involves taking a SBB train + the train on to Morel which is operated by MGB.
‘Individual tickets’ can be used on any train(s) on your travel date, but they tend to be comparatively expensive.
'Supersaver tickets' are cheaper, the portion of the journey by the SBB train can be discounted by up to 50%, but these tickets are train departure specific.
If you book a Supersaver ticket and a flight delay etc, causes you to miss a train you are booked on to, you will have to book another full-price ‘Individual Ticket(s).
You can then apply for a refund of the Supersaver ticket, but the application costs CHF 10.
Hence it’s worth comparing the ticket price of a journey with the price(s)of the Saver Day Passes there's a possibility they might save you money and can also allow for a less stressful journey.
Using Saver Day Passes:
A Saver Day Pass could save you money.
They can be cheaper than tickets for the end-to-end journey, particularly when the discounted Supersaver tickets aren't available - and are often cheaper if you will be making a day return trip between Geneve and Morel; even if you can book in advance.
They can be used on;
They are not train specific, so can still be used in the event of a journey to Switzerland being delayed.
Though as they’re only valid for one day’s travel, the clue is the name, so if you will be travelling back on another date, you’ll need to purchase another Saver Day Pass for your return journey.
However, they need to be booked at least a day ahead of your travel date, so won't be an option if you book tickets at the station on arrival in Switzerland.
They're also (much) cheaper the further ahead that you book.
Ticket Provider | Approximate Cost | |
---|---|---|
SBB | * | |
Trainline | * | |
Happy rail | * | |
Trainline | * |
There is always 1 x connection per hour, but in some hours there is also an additional EC train from Geneve to Brig:
If you won't be commencing your journey at Geneve Aerport it can be worth targeting the connections which involve taking these EC trains; which typically depart Geneve at 07:39; 13:39 and 18:39.
The end-2end journey if you take the EC train can be more than 30 mins faster.
This north to south route through Switzerland tends to be eclipsed by other routes through the Alps, but the scenery is very pleasant for virtually the entire trip!
After Lausanne there are some great views over Lake Geneva; from the right hand side of the train, when facing the direction of travel.
So if they're available, a forward facing window seat on the right will provide the optimum views on this journey.
Then between Sion and Visp, the train threads through valleys lined with vineyards...
...the video was filmed from a train travelling in the opposite direction, but it gives a great idea of what to expect on this journey.
Final Destination: Andermatt or Feisch
To The Aletsch Arena:
The base station of the Riederalp cable car is a 2 min walk from Mörel train station.
The cable car's stop at Riederalp Miitte has access to the western part of the Aletsch Arena ski resort.
For the eastern part of the Aletsch Arena remain on the MGB train one stop further until it arrives at Betten train station.
The Bettmeralp cable car station is adjacent to Betten train station.
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