If you purchase the peak pass, which gives you unlimited on the Swiss side of all the gondolas and railways in Zermatt. It is CHF 174 for one day, 192 for two and 217 for three. The only thing you would have to pay for is the gondola ride down and back up when you’re in Cervina.
Thank you for this invaluable information. Far more valuable than anything said by the compilers of this video! They clearly should have bought a two day pass.
Yes, it is cheaper with the half fare card. It's 131 CHF for one day. And also other travel cards like the Swiss Travel Pass get this discount. It's still a lot of money but it puts it in perspective.
You picked the most expensive way to travel in Zermatt. There are many tickets that include all of this for a fraction of the price. It’s also not a public transport system but a private mountain railway. These mountain railways cost similar prices everywhere, USA ski passes in excess of 200 USD per day. The public transport in Switzerland is expensive, but it’s still not as expensive as the UKs National rail network. In the second day to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise you could have also just bought a ski pass for 90 CHF. It wouldn’t have taken you down to village in Italy, but the Gondel station that goes to the village is already in Italy as the border is on the glacier. There’s a small cafe there too so when we ski there in summer, we get lunch in Italy then ski back to Switzerland.
Your sister is my favorite of your traveling companions. She's completely unfazed by the camera. And her enthusiasm is infectious. In a good way. Really fun video. Would love to know how you got those shots while paragliding. Thanks for another great video!💚
So cool to see Siblings taking on new adventures around the world. Switzerland looks gorgeous and if you aren't doing it everyday, then I would say it is worth it. Keep up the great content Mike.
Fun video! But as a Swiss American who goes to these places often, you can do this much cheaper than what you paid. If you are traveling by train in Switzerland, the train pass or half fare card gets large discounts. Also, you can ski at Zermatt for about ⅓ the price of a large ski area in the USA and all of those cable cars are included in the lift ticket (and even then it's one of the most expensive ski areas in Europe). And remember, Zermatt is one of the most expensive and touristy places in Europe. It's filled with tourists from USA, Japan, China, India, etc all summer long and the locals know they can charge a premium.
I off season is way cheaper, but there was only 1 restaurant open. I live in Valais, so I can go to Zermatt and return home the same day saving money in hotel and if I take a picnic with me I save money in food!!!
@@christopherbernhardt put bluntely, no. Most workers live in villages further down the valley where prices are more affordable. A lot of the workplaces in Zermatt are seasonal, so quite often companies provide a place to sleep for foreign workers, but I can't comment on the location or quality of those.
@@singapuu7643 I can, I go to Zermatt a few times a year since I'm a kid, and know plenty of seasonal workers there. They're paid well (starting at 25chf an hour minimum without counting tips) and 95% of them live in the village. Apartments are small but nice. Usually starting at 700chf / month for a studio but they usually opt to get a bigger apt and do colocation. Switzerland is expensive but if you work there, the salaries are mirroring the cost of living. Median Swiss salary is almost 7k CHF, 8k$.
Two main reactions: 1) It is so endearing to see you and your sister just have fun together, and 2) it took me a moment to think of seven separate gondolas/cable cars I've been on never mind all in one vicinity. Thank you for another great, joyful video.
Another Jess video! I've said before how much I love seeing you guys travel and adventure together and this episode just reinforces that feeling... I'm honestly not sure what I loved the most, the two of you just being big kids, Jess conquering her fear of heights, or her Lupe Fiasco reference right at the beginning... :)
You have been pushing out amazing content including the bike series. I would love to see you do a Travels By Train series in Asia or Australia. Every Saturday is made better by your content. Thank you!
As a "once in a lifetime" event it is well worth the money. Seeing the sights and experiencing the towns, meeting new people and visiting two countries in two days is just amazing. Although I don't know if I could do the parasailing, I don't have a fear of heights, but I do have a fear of falling. One of the jobs I've had in the past was working on a gondola and it took me about a week to get used to it and not worry so much about "falling". As usual, another great video. I don't know where you're going next, but I'll be there! Mark
I was initially shocked by how much the Matherhorn Express was but looking at your footage I think it might very well be totally worth it. Awesome video.
17:39 I have to correct you on this. THE best way to go to Italy has to be from Chamonix, France. Take the cable car to the top of Aiguille du Midi. Then take the Panoramic Mont Blanc cable car high over the Mer de Glacier to Pointe Helbronner Italy.
I was in Switzerland a few years ago on a tour for railfans, and we rode just about every train, gondola and riverboat they operated for two weeks. It was AWESOME!!
As my father was Swiss I made several trips there with my parents over the years. Switzerland was never cheap, but the exchange rate has gone nuts in the last few years (35 years ago you could almost get two CHF per CAD, now it is almost the other way around!).
26:30 there is another place I know where you can do this (it is with chairlifts but I’ll let that count) You can go from Samnaun (Switzerland) to Ischgel (Austria) using a Cable car, three chair lifts and one gondola.
Glad to see Jess was okay with trying the paragliding, mostly. Glass floors are able to hold up a lot of weight (the CN tower glass floor claimed it could hold up several rhinos), so there’s no worries walking on them.
Yes, I was triggered by some of the scenes because my balance sucks. But I was also fascinated and enthralled by the scenery. You and Jess create such good videos. Thanks for taking us along.
Thank you for sharing this experience, it is indeed expensive but it felt like we were there with you. I was crying watching your video, as doing this with your sister was really special. I lost my sister this year and I wished I had the chance to travel with her to an equally inspiring location. Cherish every moment, and happy travels. OMG yes, that glass panel is amazing, it reminded me of Tokyo Skytree.
The absolute best feature is the mooing, cowbells and flugelhorn you hear on the airport tram at Zurich, letting you know you've entered the most amazing country on Earth!
The great thing about the transit system in Zermatt is that it serves as ski lifts during the winter. The Gornergrat railway is very popular as a ride up, ski down system where people get on and off at intermediate stops. I remember the signs at the top of the Klein Matterhorn cable car (now known as the Matterhorn Express) reminding visitors that they are at high altitude - fun to ski down from there.
There are at least two other places where you can travel over the country border by cable cars: 1) from Aiguille du Midi, France to Punta Helbronner, Italy 2) from Ischgl, Austria to Ravaisch, Switzerland. The latter one is probably open only in winter.
I enjoyed that. We like sister-Jess! But I was struck by the glaciers. This was a regular place to visit during the summer when I was a kid in the 60s and 70s. And wow! Those glaciers have shrunk. The views from the peaks had a lot more back then, even during the summer.
I was in Switzerland this summer, and seeing this video gave me the same feelings I had when I was there. It's absolutely breathtaking. My mountain adventure was Jungfraujoch, which was also fairly pricey and very touristy but still worth every cent. I was glad I invested in the Swiss Travel Pass, it made getting around the country so much easier (and cheaper!).
Always love seeing you two travel together! One of my favourite series is you guys travelling together in BC. The tickets are very expensive but also worth it when you consider the length and location of the ride. For the price per ride, I think Canadian Rockies are actually more expensive. This is why Swiss Travel Pass or Half Fare Card is highly recommended for travelling in Switzerland. Swiss Trave Pass offers unlimited travel on trains, cable cars, buses AND boats in most of Switzerland and 50% off tourist-heavy places like Zermatt for various periods from 3 to 15 days for a set price. Half Fare Card is 50% off everything for a whole month. Unfortunately it doesn't include the 3 gondolas on the Italy side obviously, but it still includes the glacier crossing.
This was such a great adventure.. but for me, more than that... to see a brother and sister share such a (and challenging) experience .. cherish that. I so wish I had that with my brother.
I had the largest smile on my face during most of this video. Thank you for allowing those of us who can only dream of doing such things, to live vicariously through you.
The prices are crazy, but as I was there before too, I can also say that it's totally worth it. But I can't believe there isn't a ticket for the whole day and all lifts included. Because in winter/ski season you buy your Ski pass and all, really all lifts/cable cars/gondolas ... are included for only a fraction of the price you had to pay.
I suspect you are right about there being a day pass for pedestrians. I have certainly bought them in other mountain resorts, both in summer and winter. More importantly, the compilers of this video could have bought a Swiss Travel Pass which gives free travel on all normal public transport, eg the train from the airport to Zermatt, plus 50% off on all the SWISS mountain lines featured on the video.
By far one of the best you have done. And having your sister again makes it more Special. Intact ithink sis should be in more of your Travels she make it fun. We’ll be safe and see you on the next adventure. With sister maybe
13:59 reminds me of when I was at a girl scout twilight camp, we didn't eat anything that day and then the leadwrs of our group got us popcorn for a movie on the moonlanding, inappropriate for elementary schoolers, then my friend and I were talking abt being hungry, we were greeted by one of the othwr leadwrs at 12am who had made s'mores with her group and they had had potatos that night at a big dinner party without the campers. My friend and I got potatoes I devoured mine wholely and my friend ate half of hers and was done before finishing the potato, I asked if I could have the rest and she let me eat it.
Thanks Mike, really enjoyed this 1. Apart from the paragliding which on it's own is an understandable price as your paying the person who took you and for the use and up keep of the chute, the price you paid to use the different forms of transport go into their up keep so many more people will be able to enjoy them. All the best from England and a very Happy New Year to you and your family.
You should have got a travel pass if they still sell them. When I went it meant you could ride pretty much any cable car train etc for no additional price, and you got free entrance to a lot of museums etc, and the stuff that isn’t free got a pretty chunky discount
Agree. Came back from Switzerland a few months ago and the passes can help to defray the cost. In addition to the main Swiss Travel Pass, there's a bunch of regional passes and a half fare card. You do have to do the math to see if it's worthwhile , but it can help make things less expensive (Note I didn't say cheaper...it is Switzerland after all).
I just totalled up the construction cost of all of the cable cars and gondolas you rode to get to Italy, it’s 197 million euros. That’s why they have to charge the money! In the near future the big 125 person cable car, 12 and 6 person gondolas are getting doubled up by two more 3-S cable cars (like the one with the crystal cabins)
💗💜💫 Wow that was amazing. We went to Mt Titlis at the end of September 2023. We also did ride the gondola and the world's first revolving cable car. A lot more activities in Zermatt though.
Great Video Mike! However, You missed the train ride into Zermatt though, which is a pretty amazing cog-rail train up the valley and into the adorable train station in Zermatt! Also, all the Canadians out there need to check out "Swiss Chalet" in the Zermatt village for an amazing Fondue dinner! 🫕 Loved the video, but you should go back in winter for the ski season, as the village is of great energy of a very different kind.
Happy Hoildays Mike ,Jess and to your extended families, Thank you for sharing this epic adventure with us. Great to see such beautiful bond with brother and sister.❤🇬🇾🇺🇲
Hi Mike, love coming along with you on your adventures ... another must ride cable car in Switzerland is the “CabriO” cable car located in Stanserhorn, near Lucerne , it is the only cable car in the world featuring two decks with an open upper deck. We rode this , which also include a funicular railway, back in July this year, cheers, Garry from DownUnder
Mike your Sister is your literal twin! ao glad you brought her along with you hope you had time to get a souvenier in Italy to show you were there awesome vlog!
Have to say that watching this video and seeing you and your sister have this experience together makes me really happy. The total cost for the day seems pretty reasonable considering how much was covered. (and how many people can actually say they went paragliding in the Swiss Alps). Pretty cool.
Extremely fun video. Years ago we skied both Italy and Switzerland in the same day. We actually got to ski with the Italian ski racing team for a while. It was one of the most enjoyable moments of my life. The facilities back then were not nearly as much, but then the price of a ski pass was only around $45 (which was very expensive back then).
Love, Love, Love this video. I think this is the best one yet. You took advantage of every mode of transportation there was available. My dream trip! ❤❤❤
I just watched Jeb Brooks take the train from Venice to London and they of course stopped in Zermatt for a day. I am so glad you are back together with your sister. If I were there, yes money is no matter when it comes to safe adventures. I loved the 3 wheelers and kickbikes getting down. appreciated your hike to the top and pizza in Italy. I cannot begin to imagine how much manpower and cost to build all those methods of transportation.
I really hope you do more videos with your sister in the future because I love your energy together! ❤️ This is probably my favorite Downie video ever!
What a surprise this is. After that epic bike race I thought you;d take a few weeks off. Instead you take us to Switzerland and some of the most incredible scenery you've ever captured. I loved the crystal gondola. Everything in Switzerland is expensive, but this unique tour was worth it.
Brought back good times. Stayed in Cervinia and skied to Zermatt. Caught last Cable car out of Zermatt and skied back to Italy at night. Solid cloud cover coming back below us, Just the moonlit mountain peaks visible. A once in a lifetime view. But then we skied into the clouds, total white out conditions,
Michael, I'm so glad i caught this video. Ever since I saw Heidi, the movie, I've wanted to visit Switzerland. I feel like I just did visit. I love 💕 all your videos. 💞🎄Merry Christmas 🎄❄️
What a great Christmas Present for this old codger! I've long had Switzerland on my bucket list but, given my circumstances, I doubt if I will achieve this one. Thanks so much for sharing the joy you experienced with your sister Jess, the incredible scenery and excellent presentation. Looking forward to seeing where you go next.....could it be to visit me and my friends here in Melbourne? Cheers from me and have a happy and safe Christmas.🙂😉🙂
This was wholesome and truly gorgeous content! The special reveal was amazing! I would love to see your sister join more travels, she's so enthusiastic and fun. Thanks for a great time 👍
Superb! Yeah there are several locations in mega ski resorts that encompass 2 countries : France / Switzerland. France / Italiy Italiy / Switzerland Italiy / Austria Austria / Switzerland. Some are all "cabin" like in Zermatt / Cervinia, some have a mix of chairlifts, and cabins, or have "telemix" (cable system having both chairs and cabins on the same cable). Zermatt is probably the most expensive in Europe, or at least one of the most expensive Alpine locations. Normally the contactless detectors work from far enough to keep your pass on the left side of your chest, so that skiers don't have to retrieve it with their gloves and risk loosing it. It's pretty much the same system in most ski resorts in the Alps, whether it's in Austria, France, Italy or Switzerland. Frontiers are generally located on mountain peaks or ridges, so you were exactly on the frontier at the arrival station of the second 3S / top station of the large cable car. There's even a pair if customs outposts at this location but I don't know if there are still people working there nowadays. I've heard sometimes that for summertime cross-border return trips on these kinds of binational resorts, you better start your journey from the French or Italian side (and to a lesser extent the Austrian side), rather than the Swiss one as they may have *very* different prices according to where you come from. Anyway, the views were great and the paragliding at the end was the perfect icing on the Strudel!
Mike I only discovered you from my brother telling me about a few years ago . This trip with your sister was awesome !!! Totally enjoyed 100% !!! It's on my "bucket" list :):):)
Seeing how there’s 1) a solid transportation system in place, 2) that you’ve gone a long way, 3) it appears to be a one-off trip (likely will be proven to be wrong) and 4) the trips helped your sister kind of get above her fear of heights…it’s definitely worth it. Thanks for sharing!
@20:55ish when the flop changed I almost fell backwards in my chair and Iam laughing so hard I am crying!!! That was Absolutely Priceless! Talk about a very special adventure getting to travel with you two~ it would be amazing. Thank you both for this gift, I loved every second of it!
Spent a whole winter in Zermatt as a ski instructor between bachelor and master and OF COURSE it was a blast! It's been almost 30 years now but I still look back at this time with a big smile 😊😎! I did the tandem-paragliding twice, too, it's one of the best things I did. But I think with you they took it a little too far, especially with your sister 😉!
This one made me jealous. It would be so worth it in my opinion to see the gorgeous countryside and different routes of travel. I don't know if I will ever make it overseas, but this is some of what I want to see and experience. Great seeing Jess in another video too.
The paragliding looks amazing! Tho I can understand how it may turn the stomach Jess! 🤢 you did so well! That glass floored gondola was super cool, and sneaky! You were about to ask for your money back and then *boom* there's the glacier right beneath your feet 😂
If the pilots took their time and simply cruised, it would not have had that effect, but time is money, so they do they “thrilling” spirals to lose altitude and shave minutes off every flight. Same goes for tandem parachuting.🤙
I used to live nearby and you got so lucky t have such amazing views of the Matterhorn, it is usually covered in clouds. Thanks for sharing your adventure with us.
I've been on the trains before actually, quite a pleasant experience and since my brother, his friends and I were using a friends pass I think. They basically let us on the more luxurious trains when we were going back to our hotel. What's nice is that my brother ordered wine one time and when he want to pay it on the train, the train steward (I think that's who they are since he brought him the wine) went "Merry Christmas" and basically gave it to him for free. Of course by the time we went home the view was dark but alas, I loved my time on that train.
Glad you had fun out in Zermatt Mike! Last year my folks and I took a cog wheel train up to the top of the peak at Jungfraujoch / Jungfrau. Yes Switzerland can get very expensive haha, but it was worth every penny! I definitely want to visit Zermatt and this itinerary helps! PS - showcasing the restaurants help in terms of seeing what they have as I am a vegetarian. Cheers from Toronto.
This reminds me very much of summer vacations spent hiking the Swiss/French/Italian alps with my family. Brings a smile to my face=) Another great way to enjoy Zermatt and the alps in general is to go for some longer hikes. More often than not you can take the lift/heist/gondola/cablecar up, and then hike down.
The purely mountain lines which you were travelling on were of course expensive, but the general public transport network liinking villages towns and cities is reasonably priced. And extremely frequent and reliable.... On the fares point over 400,000 Swiss residents have a General Abonnement which now costs 3,990 Franks per year. This 'GA' gives free rides on all public transport except the purely mountain lines. Well-advised tourists to Switzerland buy a Swiss Travel Pass for the duration of their stay'.This has the same validity as the GA and gives 50% off on fares on most mountain lines, including the lioes at Zermatt you travelled on. (NB a London-Brighton annual season now costs over £5,000.)
In that area it’s absolutely worth the price..you never have to do everything there. As long as you get the Chance to pick something and get to enjoy the moment it’s worth every second, I hope I get to go back to the country again and appreciate it more than my 20 yr old naive self did back in 2005
the compilers of this video could have bought a Swiss Travel Pass which gives free travel on all normal public transport in Switzerland, eg the train from the airport to Zermatt, plus 50% off on all the SWISS mountain lines featured on the video.
What a fantastic & probably quite rare weather day for such a trip! I almost got to go to Zermatt many many years ago, but the weather was crappy on the day we had planned to go, so we went elsewhere but I’ve always wished to see it in person. Did get to Grindelwald though on a clear day! Love to watch your adventures!
Mike. Your videos are always first class and more entertaining than anything on tv. As a train and gondola enthusiast I so appreciate your variety of vlogs. Many props to the editing and location scouting. Look forward to the next video and your perspective
If you purchase the peak pass, which gives you unlimited on the Swiss side of all the gondolas and railways in Zermatt. It is CHF 174 for one day, 192 for two and 217 for three. The only thing you would have to pay for is the gondola ride down and back up when you’re in Cervina.
Thank you for this invaluable information. Far more valuable than anything said by the compilers of this video! They clearly should have bought a two day pass.
Wow! $271 CAD for a day pass. Do Swiss half fare cards apply to non-rail services like funicular and gondola?
@@jacktattersall9457 Generally yes. But as I keep on stressing, tourists visiting Switzerland should always buy a Swiss Travel pass.
@@jacktattersall9457 To some the half fare apply but you have to check each one individually.
Yes, it is cheaper with the half fare card. It's 131 CHF for one day. And also other travel cards like the Swiss Travel Pass get this discount. It's still a lot of money but it puts it in perspective.
You picked the most expensive way to travel in Zermatt. There are many tickets that include all of this for a fraction of the price. It’s also not a public transport system but a private mountain railway. These mountain railways cost similar prices everywhere, USA ski passes in excess of 200 USD per day.
The public transport in Switzerland is expensive, but it’s still not as expensive as the UKs National rail network.
In the second day to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise you could have also just bought a ski pass for 90 CHF. It wouldn’t have taken you down to village in Italy, but the Gondel station that goes to the village is already in Italy as the border is on the glacier. There’s a small cafe there too so when we ski there in summer, we get lunch in Italy then ski back to Switzerland.
Your sister is my favorite of your traveling companions. She's completely unfazed by the camera. And her enthusiasm is infectious. In a good way. Really fun video. Would love to know how you got those shots while paragliding. Thanks for another great video!💚
They just had their cameras on selfie sticks, no?
So cool to see Siblings taking on new adventures around the world. Switzerland looks gorgeous and if you aren't doing it everyday, then I would say it is worth it. Keep up the great content Mike.
Fun video! But as a Swiss American who goes to these places often, you can do this much cheaper than what you paid. If you are traveling by train in Switzerland, the train pass or half fare card gets large discounts. Also, you can ski at Zermatt for about ⅓ the price of a large ski area in the USA and all of those cable cars are included in the lift ticket (and even then it's one of the most expensive ski areas in Europe). And remember, Zermatt is one of the most expensive and touristy places in Europe. It's filled with tourists from USA, Japan, China, India, etc all summer long and the locals know they can charge a premium.
I off season is way cheaper, but there was only 1 restaurant open. I live in Valais, so I can go to Zermatt and return home the same day saving money in hotel and if I take a picnic with me I save money in food!!!
@@Alahyana exactly. I also have a house in Valais, and if we go to Zermatt it's only for the day and we usually just get food from the grocery store.
Every time I watch a video of someone trying to get to that restaurant at the top of the mountain, it's ALWAYS closed. 🤣
ق¹¹1😊
probably cause the staff spend 50% of their wages just getting up there xD
@@dbz9393 They propably go up for free, either paid for by the restaurant owner or by the municipality.
And you probably completely missed the joke :D
Zermatt caters to the rich. So it is expensive even for Switzerland. But what you get is a very beautiful, clean and well-developed area.
You get that in most places in Switzerland
Are the service workers in the area paid nicely? Or do they have to commute in everyday?
The Swiss had to recoup the initial construction costs somehow, right?
@@christopherbernhardt put bluntely, no. Most workers live in villages further down the valley where prices are more affordable. A lot of the workplaces in Zermatt are seasonal, so quite often companies provide a place to sleep for foreign workers, but I can't comment on the location or quality of those.
@@singapuu7643 I can, I go to Zermatt a few times a year since I'm a kid, and know plenty of seasonal workers there. They're paid well (starting at 25chf an hour minimum without counting tips) and 95% of them live in the village. Apartments are small but nice. Usually starting at 700chf / month for a studio but they usually opt to get a bigger apt and do colocation. Switzerland is expensive but if you work there, the salaries are mirroring the cost of living. Median Swiss salary is almost 7k CHF, 8k$.
Two main reactions: 1) It is so endearing to see you and your sister just have fun together, and 2) it took me a moment to think of seven separate gondolas/cable cars I've been on never mind all in one vicinity. Thank you for another great, joyful video.
Another Jess video! I've said before how much I love seeing you guys travel and adventure together and this episode just reinforces that feeling... I'm honestly not sure what I loved the most, the two of you just being big kids, Jess conquering her fear of heights, or her Lupe Fiasco reference right at the beginning... :)
Yes! Glad you caught that reference! 😂
It has to be the Lupe' reference.
@BucksCorner101 😉🤫😏
You have been pushing out amazing content including the bike series. I would love to see you do a Travels By Train series in Asia or Australia. Every Saturday is made better by your content. Thank you!
Sounds like a fun challenge. Good idea, Brendan!
well said
As a "once in a lifetime" event it is well worth the money. Seeing the sights and experiencing the towns, meeting new people and visiting two countries in two days is just amazing. Although I don't know if I could do the parasailing, I don't have a fear of heights, but I do have a fear of falling. One of the jobs I've had in the past was working on a gondola and it took me about a week to get used to it and not worry so much about "falling".
As usual, another great video.
I don't know where you're going next, but I'll be there!
Mark
Absolutely breathtaking! Thank you so much for taking us along for the ride
I was initially shocked by how much the Matherhorn Express was but looking at your footage I think it might very well be totally worth it. Awesome video.
17:39 I have to correct you on this. THE best way to go to Italy has to be from Chamonix, France. Take the cable car to the top of Aiguille du Midi. Then take the Panoramic Mont Blanc cable car high over the Mer de Glacier to Pointe Helbronner Italy.
I was in Switzerland a few years ago on a tour for railfans, and we rode just about every train, gondola and riverboat they operated for two weeks. It was AWESOME!!
As my father was Swiss I made several trips there with my parents over the years. Switzerland was never cheap, but the exchange rate has gone nuts in the last few years (35 years ago you could almost get two CHF per CAD, now it is almost the other way around!).
Your sister is fantastic. Include her more. I lost my sister a few years ago and I wish I had done more with her.
26:30 there is another place I know where you can do this (it is with chairlifts but I’ll let that count)
You can go from Samnaun (Switzerland) to Ischgel (Austria) using a Cable car, three chair lifts and one gondola.
Glad to see Jess was okay with trying the paragliding, mostly. Glass floors are able to hold up a lot of weight (the CN tower glass floor claimed it could hold up several rhinos), so there’s no worries walking on them.
I love your sister's personality! She seems like she would be a blast to have as a travel buddy. Great video!
Yes, I was triggered by some of the scenes because my balance sucks. But I was also fascinated and enthralled by the scenery. You and Jess create such good videos. Thanks for taking us along.
Thank you for sharing this experience, it is indeed expensive but it felt like we were there with you. I was crying watching your video, as doing this with your sister was really special. I lost my sister this year and I wished I had the chance to travel with her to an equally inspiring location. Cherish every moment, and happy
travels. OMG yes, that glass panel is amazing, it reminded me of Tokyo Skytree.
I agree about your sister! She is such an upbeat & outgoing person, the perfect addition to every video she has been in!
The absolute best feature is the mooing, cowbells and flugelhorn you hear on the airport tram at Zurich, letting you know you've entered the most amazing country on Earth!
Mike, I'm all the way from Birmingham, Alabama & I would like to say YOU ARE AWESOME 👍
I appreciate that!
The great thing about the transit system in Zermatt is that it serves as ski lifts during the winter. The Gornergrat railway is very popular as a ride up, ski down system where people get on and off at intermediate stops. I remember the signs at the top of the Klein Matterhorn cable car (now known as the Matterhorn Express) reminding visitors that they are at high altitude - fun to ski down from there.
There are at least two other places where you can travel over the country border by cable cars:
1) from Aiguille du Midi, France to Punta Helbronner, Italy
2) from Ischgl, Austria to Ravaisch, Switzerland.
The latter one is probably open only in winter.
The Zugspitze cable cars takes you from Germany to Austria
@@markeschen Didn't know that one, thanks. 👍 And what's great is that all of these mentioned are crossing a different border.
There is a zipline between Portugal and Spain, where the time zone is also different, WET to CET.
Ischgl, Austria to Ravaisch (Samnaun), Switzerland is open in the high season in summer, too
What an adventure!! Thanks for sharing it with us. So proud of Jess!!
I enjoyed that. We like sister-Jess! But I was struck by the glaciers. This was a regular place to visit during the summer when I was a kid in the 60s and 70s. And wow! Those glaciers have shrunk. The views from the peaks had a lot more back then, even during the summer.
I was in Switzerland this summer, and seeing this video gave me the same feelings I had when I was there. It's absolutely breathtaking. My mountain adventure was Jungfraujoch, which was also fairly pricey and very touristy but still worth every cent. I was glad I invested in the Swiss Travel Pass, it made getting around the country so much easier (and cheaper!).
The compilers of this video clearly had not bought a Swiss Travel Pass. They would have got 50% off all the lines featured in this video.
Always love seeing you two travel together!
One of my favourite series is you guys travelling together in BC.
The tickets are very expensive but also worth it when you consider the length and location of the ride.
For the price per ride, I think Canadian Rockies are actually more expensive.
This is why Swiss Travel Pass or Half Fare Card is highly recommended for travelling in Switzerland.
Swiss Trave Pass offers unlimited travel on trains, cable cars, buses AND boats in most of Switzerland and 50% off tourist-heavy places like Zermatt for various periods from 3 to 15 days for a set price.
Half Fare Card is 50% off everything for a whole month.
Unfortunately it doesn't include the 3 gondolas on the Italy side obviously, but it still includes the glacier crossing.
Worth it! Thank you for taking us along!Jess, much respect for you conquering your fear of heights👏💪❤
This was such a great adventure.. but for me, more than that... to see a brother and sister share such a (and challenging) experience .. cherish that. I so wish I had that with my brother.
I had the largest smile on my face during most of this video. Thank you for allowing those of us who can only dream of doing such things, to live vicariously through you.
The prices are crazy, but as I was there before too, I can also say that it's totally worth it. But I can't believe there isn't a ticket for the whole day and all lifts included. Because in winter/ski season you buy your Ski pass and all, really all lifts/cable cars/gondolas ... are included for only a fraction of the price you had to pay.
I suspect you are right about there being a day pass for pedestrians. I have certainly bought them in other mountain resorts, both in summer and winter. More importantly, the compilers of this video could have bought a Swiss Travel Pass which gives free travel on all normal public transport, eg the train from the airport to Zermatt, plus 50% off on all the SWISS mountain lines featured on the video.
By far one of the best you have done.
And having your sister again makes it more
Special. Intact ithink sis should be in more of your
Travels she make it fun.
We’ll be safe and see you on the next adventure.
With sister maybe
13:59 reminds me of when I was at a girl scout twilight camp, we didn't eat anything that day and then the leadwrs of our group got us popcorn for a movie on the moonlanding, inappropriate for elementary schoolers, then my friend and I were talking abt being hungry, we were greeted by one of the othwr leadwrs at 12am who had made s'mores with her group and they had had potatos that night at a big dinner party without the campers. My friend and I got potatoes I devoured mine wholely and my friend ate half of hers and was done before finishing the potato, I asked if I could have the rest and she let me eat it.
th-cam.com/video/HBbHGyBOHwo/w-d-xo.htmlsi=NiMWWBy84Wey2tPv
this style^
Mike you did absolutely amazing on this video - really made me want to go to Switzerland! Looking forward to more!
What an amazing experience with your sister. I always enjoy your videos so much.
Thank you so much!
Thanks Mike, really enjoyed this 1. Apart from the paragliding which on it's own is an understandable price as your paying the person who took you and for the use and up keep of the chute, the price you paid to use the different forms of transport go into their up keep so many more people will be able to enjoy them. All the best from England and a very Happy New Year to you and your family.
The Glacier Express from Zermatt to St Moritz would I have done too. It is very scenic.
You should have got a travel pass if they still sell them. When I went it meant you could ride pretty much any cable car train etc for no additional price, and you got free entrance to a lot of museums etc, and the stuff that isn’t free got a pretty chunky discount
Agree. Came back from Switzerland a few months ago and the passes can help to defray the cost. In addition to the main Swiss Travel Pass, there's a bunch of regional passes and a half fare card. You do have to do the math to see if it's worthwhile , but it can help make things less expensive (Note I didn't say cheaper...it is Switzerland after all).
32:36 I think that was a great price for so many amazing views and experiences!
Your videos never disappoint... this was awesome.... thank you so much and Merry Christmas !
Thank you! You too!
I love to see you bring Jess along on your adventures. With all the cable cars and other modes of transport, this one looked amazing!!
I just totalled up the construction cost of all of the cable cars and gondolas you rode to get to Italy, it’s 197 million euros. That’s why they have to charge the money! In the near future the big 125 person cable car, 12 and 6 person gondolas are getting doubled up by two more 3-S cable cars (like the one with the crystal cabins)
Thanks Johnathan. The cost of building cable cars is an extremely important point which tends to be overlooked
Also…..more info and facts on the lifts th-cam.com/video/xTkesfg9j7w/w-d-xo.htmlsi=ZA35uVlrmuUGIZkI
Also…..more info and facts on the lifts th-cam.com/video/xTkesfg9j7w/w-d-xo.htmlsi=ZA35uVlrmuUGIZkI
💗💜💫 Wow that was amazing. We went to Mt Titlis at the end of September 2023. We also did ride the gondola and the world's first revolving cable car. A lot more activities in Zermatt though.
Great Video Mike! However, You missed the train ride into Zermatt though, which is a pretty amazing cog-rail train up the valley and into the adorable train station in Zermatt!
Also, all the Canadians out there need to check out "Swiss Chalet" in the Zermatt village for an amazing Fondue dinner! 🫕
Loved the video, but you should go back in winter for the ski season, as the village is of great energy of a very different kind.
Those views are stunning! The bikes going down looked fantastic! Thanks for taking us along. Nice to see your sister too. 😊
Great video Mike, and with Jess along too for all those rides !! Fantastic scenery too :)
Happy Hoildays Mike ,Jess and to your extended families, Thank you for sharing this epic adventure with us. Great to see such beautiful bond with brother and sister.❤🇬🇾🇺🇲
Hi Mike, love coming along with you on your adventures ... another must ride cable car in Switzerland is the “CabriO” cable car located in Stanserhorn, near Lucerne , it is the only cable car in the world featuring two decks with an open upper deck. We rode this , which also include a funicular railway, back in July this year, cheers, Garry from DownUnder
As usual great video but the prices in Whistler are similar. I was seeing the Prices to take my parents on Sea to Sky Gondola and its almost similar.
incredable places and views !!! And, it was great to see Jess again :)
Mike your Sister is your literal twin! ao glad you brought her along with you hope you had time to get a souvenier in Italy to show you were there awesome vlog!
Your sis brings a welcome good vibe to the channel!! Family time is good time. Awesome vid as usual.
Have to say that watching this video and seeing you and your sister have this experience together makes me really happy. The total cost for the day seems pretty reasonable considering how much was covered. (and how many people can actually say they went paragliding in the Swiss Alps). Pretty cool.
Extremely fun video. Years ago we skied both Italy and Switzerland in the same day. We actually got to ski with the Italian ski racing team for a while. It was one of the most enjoyable moments of my life. The facilities back then were not nearly as much, but then the price of a ski pass was only around $45 (which was very expensive back then).
Love, Love, Love this video. I think this is the best one yet. You took advantage of every mode of transportation there was available. My dream trip! ❤❤❤
I just watched Jeb Brooks take the train from Venice to London and they of course stopped in Zermatt for a day. I am so glad you are back together with your sister. If I were there, yes money is no matter when it comes to safe adventures. I loved the 3 wheelers and kickbikes getting down. appreciated your hike to the top and pizza in Italy. I cannot begin to imagine how much manpower and cost to build all those methods of transportation.
I really hope you do more videos with your sister in the future because I love your energy together! ❤️ This is probably my favorite Downie video ever!
What a surprise this is. After that epic bike race I thought you;d take a few weeks off. Instead you take us to Switzerland and some of the most incredible scenery you've ever captured. I loved the crystal gondola. Everything in Switzerland is expensive, but this unique tour was worth it.
Wow, I have to go there. Jess is right Mike, it looks Funtastic. 👍😊🇮🇪🇨🇭🇨🇦
This brings back vague memories of taking the cog railway when I was a kid in the 70's. I remember it had snow then. Bucket list item to revisit.
Brought back good times. Stayed in Cervinia and skied to Zermatt. Caught last Cable car out of Zermatt and skied back to Italy at night. Solid cloud cover coming back below us, Just the moonlit mountain peaks visible. A once in a lifetime view. But then we skied into the clouds, total white out conditions,
Michael, I'm so glad i caught this video. Ever since I saw Heidi, the movie, I've wanted to visit Switzerland. I feel like I just did visit. I love 💕 all your videos. 💞🎄Merry Christmas 🎄❄️
WOW.. Just WOW !!! Thank you for the video Downie..
You bet
This is one of our favorite videos you have made. Very fun to watch you and your sister traveling together.
What a great Christmas Present for this old codger! I've long had Switzerland on my bucket list but, given my circumstances, I doubt if I will achieve this one. Thanks so much for sharing the joy you experienced with your sister Jess, the incredible scenery and excellent presentation. Looking forward to seeing where you go next.....could it be to visit me and my friends here in Melbourne? Cheers from me and have a happy and safe Christmas.🙂😉🙂
This was wholesome and truly gorgeous content! The special reveal was amazing! I would love to see your sister join more travels, she's so enthusiastic and fun. Thanks for a great time 👍
Next time you can try the cablecar from Chamonix France, Auguille du Midi to Punta Hebronner Italy, thats a crazy ride, very close from Zermatt 🤩
Superb!
Yeah there are several locations in mega ski resorts that encompass 2 countries :
France / Switzerland.
France / Italiy
Italiy / Switzerland
Italiy / Austria
Austria / Switzerland.
Some are all "cabin" like in Zermatt / Cervinia, some have a mix of chairlifts, and cabins, or have "telemix" (cable system having both chairs and cabins on the same cable).
Zermatt is probably the most expensive in Europe, or at least one of the most expensive Alpine locations.
Normally the contactless detectors work from far enough to keep your pass on the left side of your chest, so that skiers don't have to retrieve it with their gloves and risk loosing it. It's pretty much the same system in most ski resorts in the Alps, whether it's in Austria, France, Italy or Switzerland.
Frontiers are generally located on mountain peaks or ridges, so you were exactly on the frontier at the arrival station of the second 3S / top station of the large cable car.
There's even a pair if customs outposts at this location but I don't know if there are still people working there nowadays.
I've heard sometimes that for summertime cross-border return trips on these kinds of binational resorts, you better start your journey from the French or Italian side (and to a lesser extent the Austrian side), rather than the Swiss one as they may have *very* different prices according to where you come from.
Anyway, the views were great and the paragliding at the end was the perfect icing on the Strudel!
I marvel the love between the siblings! Best companions ever. They are so genuinely exited. Like kids in a good sense.
Worth every single penny! What a beautiful place
Amazing video🤩
Thank you!
Mike I only discovered you from my brother telling me about a few years ago .
This trip with your sister was awesome !!! Totally enjoyed 100% !!!
It's on my "bucket" list :):):)
Seeing how there’s 1) a solid transportation system in place, 2) that you’ve gone a long way, 3) it appears to be a one-off trip (likely will be proven to be wrong) and 4) the trips helped your sister kind of get above her fear of heights…it’s definitely worth it. Thanks for sharing!
I am speechless! Thanks Mike!❤🎉 and Merry Christmas!🎅🎁🎄👼
Thank you! That was impressive!
Glad you liked it!
What a great adventure the views were incredible glad your sister went with you. Have a wonderful Christmas
This is one of my favourite videos in a while.
@20:55ish when the flop changed I almost fell backwards in my chair and Iam laughing so hard I am crying!!! That was Absolutely Priceless! Talk about a very special adventure getting to travel with you two~ it would be amazing. Thank you both for this gift, I loved every second of it!
Omg I wish you know how much I enjoy this video . Just to see how close and fun you and your sister are, you guys took my breath away😍 siblings 4ever
Spent a whole winter in Zermatt as a ski instructor between bachelor and master and OF COURSE it was a blast! It's been almost 30 years now but I still look back at this time with a big smile 😊😎! I did the tandem-paragliding twice, too, it's one of the best things I did. But I think with you they took it a little too far, especially with your sister 😉!
This one made me jealous. It would be so worth it in my opinion to see the gorgeous countryside and different routes of travel. I don't know if I will ever make it overseas, but this is some of what I want to see and experience. Great seeing Jess in another video too.
It was worth it!!!!!!! So, awesome, Mike. You keep topping yourself with your videos.
The paragliding looks amazing! Tho I can understand how it may turn the stomach Jess! 🤢 you did so well!
That glass floored gondola was super cool, and sneaky! You were about to ask for your money back and then *boom* there's the glacier right beneath your feet 😂
😂 you know exactly how we felt!
If the pilots took their time and simply cruised, it would not have had that effect, but time is money, so they do they “thrilling” spirals to lose altitude and shave minutes off every flight. Same goes for tandem parachuting.🤙
I have used those TruEarth detergent strips and they work great, cool partnership for you Downie.
So proud of Jess for facing her fear of hights and thank you to both of you for the most excelent tour, woweeee xxxxxx
I used to live nearby and you got so lucky t have such amazing views of the Matterhorn, it is usually covered in clouds. Thanks for sharing your adventure with us.
I've been on the trains before actually, quite a pleasant experience and since my brother, his friends and I were using a friends pass I think. They basically let us on the more luxurious trains when we were going back to our hotel. What's nice is that my brother ordered wine one time and when he want to pay it on the train, the train steward (I think that's who they are since he brought him the wine) went "Merry Christmas" and basically gave it to him for free. Of course by the time we went home the view was dark but alas, I loved my time on that train.
Glad you had fun out in Zermatt Mike! Last year my folks and I took a cog wheel train up to the top of the peak at Jungfraujoch / Jungfrau. Yes Switzerland can get very expensive haha, but it was worth every penny! I definitely want to visit Zermatt and this itinerary helps! PS - showcasing the restaurants help in terms of seeing what they have as I am a vegetarian. Cheers from Toronto.
What a fun video! Switzerland is stunning.
It really is!
I got vertigo when you stood by the edge! My knees buzzed! OMG! thanks Mike!🦌💌❤️👍🙏
This reminds me very much of summer vacations spent hiking the Swiss/French/Italian alps with my family. Brings a smile to my face=)
Another great way to enjoy Zermatt and the alps in general is to go for some longer hikes. More often than not you can take the lift/heist/gondola/cablecar up, and then hike down.
Another great video.... Happy new year my friend... Bless
The purely mountain lines which you were travelling on were of course expensive, but the general public transport network liinking villages towns and cities is reasonably priced. And extremely frequent and reliable.... On the fares point over 400,000 Swiss residents have a General Abonnement which now costs 3,990 Franks per year. This 'GA' gives free rides on all public transport except the purely mountain lines. Well-advised tourists to Switzerland buy a Swiss Travel Pass for the duration of their stay'.This has the same validity as the GA and gives 50% off on fares on most mountain lines, including the lioes at Zermatt you travelled on. (NB a London-Brighton annual season now costs over £5,000.)
In that area it’s absolutely worth the price..you never have to do everything there. As long as you get the Chance to pick something and get to enjoy the moment it’s worth every second, I hope I get to go back to the country again and appreciate it more than my 20 yr old naive self did back in 2005
the compilers of this video could have bought a Swiss Travel Pass which gives free travel on all normal public transport in Switzerland, eg the train from the airport to Zermatt, plus 50% off on all the SWISS mountain lines featured on the video.
What a fantastic & probably quite rare weather day for such a trip! I almost got to go to Zermatt many many years ago, but the weather was crappy on the day we had planned to go, so we went elsewhere but I’ve always wished to see it in person. Did get to Grindelwald though on a clear day! Love to watch your adventures!
Mike. Your videos are always first class and more entertaining than anything on tv. As a train and gondola enthusiast I so appreciate your variety of vlogs. Many props to the editing and location scouting. Look forward to the next video and your perspective