What to wear on Gornergrat
Layers, because you gain 1,485 metres in 33 minutes
That is the whole problem in one sentence. You board in a village at 1,604 m dressed for the village, and thirty-three minutes later you step out at 3,089 m onto an open ridge. The operator states plainly that the summit is significantly colder than Zermatt, and beyond that I will not invent numbers. Take a warm mid-layer and a wind- and rain-proof outer, and add a hat and gloves outside high summer. Sunglasses are not optional at this altitude on a clear day, and neither is sun protection, because there is a great deal less atmosphere between you and the sun than you are used to.
Shoes decide whether you can walk down
If you plan to ride up and walk the Riffelsee trail from Rotenboden to Riffelberg, 3.1 km and about an hour, graded easy to moderate, wear shoes you can actually walk a mountain path in. That single decision is also the cheapest way to improve the value of the day, and the ticket built for it is the hiking ticket. Mild altitude effects are possible from about 2,000 m upward: move slowly, sit down if you feel odd, and take extra care with children under 2, pregnant travellers and anyone in poor health.
Pack for the summit even if you only plan to ride up and come straight back down. The train is warm and the ridge is not, and people spend more time outside at the top than they expect once they see the view.
What is actually up there, including the indoor options for a cold or grey day, is on what to do on Gornergrat.
Book a clear morning up the mountain
The return ticket is valid for one day and comes with free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, which is the sensible hedge when the forecast is unsettled.
Frequently asked questions
What should I wear on the Gornergrat Bahn?
Layers and a windproof outer, plus sunglasses and sun protection. The summit sits roughly 1,500 metres above Zermatt at 3,089 m and is significantly colder than the village, and the whole climb takes only 33 minutes.
Do I need hiking boots for Gornergrat?
Not to ride up and back. You do want proper shoes if you plan to walk the Riffelsee trail from Rotenboden to Riffelberg, which is 3.1 km and about an hour — see the hiking ticket.
How cold is it at the top of Gornergrat?
Significantly colder than Zermatt, which is roughly 1,500 metres below. The operator publishes no temperature figures and neither will I, so check the forecast for the summit on the day. The seasonal picture is on the best time to go.