If you think that it is tough to be in Europe on a vacation in winters, then think again. There are many things you will simple fall in love with during winters, when everything is white as snow, literally. Glacier express is among the top of them. Any sight that comes closer to this one in India is a train trip from Ramban to Baramulla in Kashmir Valley. But then Swiss beauty is something everybody craves for. A journey on the Glacier Express in winter has its own uniquely special charm. The Glacier Express is the most famous railway in the world. It travels from Zermatt to Davos or St. Moritz in around seven hours. It is a day trip through untouched mountain landscapes, glamorous health resorts, deep gorges, delightful valleys, 91 tunnels and across 291 impressive bridges. The train winds its way through the snow-covered landscape and even travels through metre-high snow walls.
From December to February the whole Glacier Express route is a snow-covered fairytale landscape. The train winds its way through the snow-covered landscape and, at the highest point along the route – the Oberalp Pass Davos at 2,033 m above sea level – travels through metre-high snow walls. In spring guests will be able to savour two impressive seasons on a single journey: the magic of spring in the valleys and the wonderland of winter in the higher elevations – a natural spectacle of a very special kind.
Whether travelling between Zermatt and St. Moritz or between Brig and Chur – the Glacier Express also equates to exclusive travel in the winter. The slowest express train in the world operates daily with its modern 1st and 2nd class panoramic cars. On the 8 hour train journey, guests will be enthralled by the spectacular Albula route, which has attracted UNESCO World Heritage listing, the Goms, a fascination winter-wonderland and many other spectacular landscapes. A commentary in 6 languages via headphones serves to provide backgrounds about the life and culture of the people along the route. Two channels with easy-listening music complete the auditory offering. A-la-carte service including three Indian dishes is also available during the winter season. The bar section in the centre of the train offers 24 standing places.
Winter operations start from December 14, 2014 and continue until May 8, 2015. During this period the Glacier Express experience is very economical for guests travelling with a Swiss Pass. The train journey is included in the pass; the reservation fee is only CHF 13 instead of 33 during summer season. Summer operations start from May 9, 2015.
In the roaring 1920s, and because of adventurous reports from alpine enthusiasts, the travel-keen upper-class from all four corners of the world at long last discovered the rustic charms of the Swiss Alps; previously remote mountain villages such as Zermatt and St.Moritz were transformed into chic health resorts. The three railway companies of that period (VZ – later BVZ, RhB and FOB) respectively successfully took advantage of the tourism potential at hand with the opening of the route between the Valais and Graubünden in 1926: the introduction of the through coaches Brig – Chur and Brig – St.Moritz exclusively in summer was met with a lot of interest amongst the travelling public. By the way, it was to take more than 50 years before the trains were able to also cross the impassable Furka alpine route in winter.
Amazing Photography!