Fiesch Transportation

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The resorts are reached from Brig on the red trains of the Furka Oberalp Bahn (FOB) towards Andermatt in less than 30 minutes by train or bus (certain times during the day and evening after 7pm the bus replaces the train service)....but once there what about all the aerial lifts and gondola options?? You'd think there would be a pass - well there is but the problem is not just one but several types on offer....and you'll need to work out what you plan to do and which ticket is best for your stay .....add to that the complication of whether you 'll get discounts if you have the Swiss Card or Half Fare Ticket and it gets a bit mind boggling!!!

Probably the best is the Hiking Pass for the Aletsch area which covers all the aerial transport across Riederalp, Bettmeralp and Fiescheralp plus the train/bus which links these resorts along their valley stations. The pass is valid for 2 days - any 2 days in the summer season but also for a weekend. Cost in 2007 was 55 Sfr or 40 Sfr for holders of a half fare card. We used this for the days days we walked between the three villages and side trips up the gondolas for the viewpoints and also for the long hike we do around the Eggishorn. Just doing this saved us on individual fares, even with half price concessions.

Another card is based on a 100/200 points system - so many points per section of gondola or chairlift used - this does not include the railway/bus links in the valley though.

The Mountain railways' summer hit Pass is valid on the lifts in Bettmeralp and Riederalp - from 3days (45 Sfr) to up to 8 days (95 Sfr). Note days are consecutive but probably a better option if staying in Rideralp or Bettmeralp. Again railway links in valley are extra) and note that visitors must have a completed guest card showing three overnight stays in the Eastern Raron, Brig, Goms, or Lötschental region.

So do your homework as to where you are based and what gondolas you plan to use to help decide on which pass to buy.....unless you are super fit and hike up and down everywhere!