Switzerland Crown Jewel September 1
I would love some advise on what type of clothing to bring. I keep looking at the weather for the area and the temperatures can vary, Thank you.
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I would love some advise on what type of clothing to bring. I keep looking at the weather for the area and the temperatures can vary, Thank you.
Comments
We went on the tour at almost exactly the same time of year in 2021. There were a wide range of temps from warm (short sleeve tops and capris) in Lugano to pretty cold at Jungfrau especially in the Ice Palace. The good news it's a fairly casual tour. The Welcome Dinner is at the hotel in a private room and the Farewell at a family run hotel/restaurant so I wore dress slacks and a nice top with flats. Dressing for the elements is more important. Most of the time the temps were fairly moderate. You want to be able to layer as needed.
In Zermatt there is the trip up to Gornergrat and you can return via the same cogwheel train or hike part way down. It's a very gentle hike. I had boots but would have actually done better with sneakers. It's a bit rocky so my ankles kept tilting and the boots dug in. The hotel provided hiking poles so no need to bring them.
At Jungfrau it was pretty cold on the train up and very cold in the ice palace plus you're walking on ice. To go outside there is a large metal deck and there is a way to walk out onto the snow which was a bit slushy. I was glad of my boots then. I also had a hat, a scarf, light gloves and hat. We had a sunny but breezy day. The weather up there can be completely different from down in the valley.
We went on that tour, which started on September 10, 2023. I didn't note the temperature specifically, but you can look at how people are dressed on my blog of the trip - https://www.mikeandjudytravel.com/2023-2Switzerland-01.htm
We are going on this one in June. We live in New Orleans, basically at sea level or slightly below. Would you recommend altitude sickness medicine for this trip?
@maitcarmom - You don't go to a really high altitude. We essentially live at sea level and didn't have any problems - and I didn't hear of anyone who did.
But do be careful in the Ice Palace. You'll be walking on ice and it's slipery. There are slip-on that you can use with your shoes that will give you better traction
Side note, I'm from New Orleans, grew up there and went to school at LSU, but don't live there now.
maitcarmom,
Given that Jungfraujoch has an elevation of over 3400 meters, you may experience some discomfort if you are not accustomed to such heights. I find that crystalized ginger (similar to throat lozenges) and ginger tea work to counter any discomfort. It should be taken before symptoms develop, however. Ginger also alleviates a myriad of other minor ailments. You can also confer with a pharmacist about other over-the-counter remedies. Keeping hydrated and avoiding alcohol also helps.
Regarding the Ice Palace, proper footwear—with hard soles and proper traction—will suffice in my opinion. My 90+ year old husband at the time had no problem. There are also hand rails providing added safety and reassurance. I hope this helps.
I am healthy but felt winded walking up the final steps on the Jungfraujoch. Fine walking down. I didn't know why and soon found out! Next time I went on a trip to a high altitude, I got some pills from the doctor. Not sure what they were. I was fine but some younger people struggled. Suggest you confer with your doctor.