elainesj

I just came across an offer by SBB for a trip to Pilatus with sledging that is 20% off until the end of March. (30% in February - boo). https://leisure.sbb.ch/storefront/pr...874036&lang=en

Anyway, it sounds surprisingly reasonable.

Thanks to the RailAway combined offer, you will benefit from: 20% reduction on the journey using public transport (train/bus) to Kriens, Linde-Pilatus
one sledging day pass
Offer valid: 7 December 2013 to 31 March 2014 (snow permitting)

Your journey
Thanks to the combined offer, you will benefit from 20% reduction on the journey using public transport. The OnlineTicket is valid for 1 day for the outward journey and 1 day for the return journey within a 3-day period. Please note that public transport OnlineTickets are valid for 1 day on integrated fare networks.

From Zürich HB to Kriens, Linde-Pilatus Bus via -LUZERN-BUS (incl. Passepartout 2nd class, RailAway combo offer 1 ZONE AGGLO LUZERN)
CHF192 (2 adults + 2 kids) + 60 (purchase 2 junior travelcards) = CHF252

OR

From Zürich HB to Kriens, Linde-Pilatus Bus via LUZERN-KRIENS MATTENHOF-KRIENS MATTENHOF KURZSTRECKE (incl. Passepartout 2nd class, RailAway combo offer KURZSTRECKE)
CHF193 (2 adults + 2 kids) + 60 (purchase 2 junior travelcards) = CHF253

Normal price roundtrip would be CHF100 (2 adults)+ 60 (purchase 2 junior travelcards) = CHF160. (Hmmm...this is interesting. Looks like sledging must be over CHF25 each).

My questions:
1. what is the difference between the 2 options above?

2. Will this cover my transportation (both ways) from Zurich to Pilatus - looks like train to Lucerne, then bus?

3. Where on Pilatus will I be? I thought you had to take the cablecar up? Will I only be halfway up and will I still be able to get great mountain scenery?

4. Will I be able to stop as long as I want in Lucerne or do I have to complete the whole journey at one time?

5. If I choose to book, what are my time constraints? Do they sell out? Can I book the day before so I can wait to see the weather?

and finally,

is this anything like a decent deal?

Thanks,

Ingo

3.) You will only be halfway up, the "Schlitteltageskarte"(sledging day pass) is valid between Kriens and Fräkmüntegg (gondola), not the upper part (cable car) to Pilatus Kulm (summit).

It is only a decent deal if you want to go sledding. Btw, I doubt there's enough snow for much sledding there, but you can always check conditions once you're there.

dulciusexasperis

Why don't you phone SBB and ask them?

As far as I know, there are no SBB employees who answer questions here on Fodors.

elainesj

Because I live in Canada and it would likely be an expensive international call. Plus I figured it was probably just me not understanding how things are described and just want to clarify it. I thought members here would be familiar with how their offers operate.

If this is not the type of question to ask here, I'll be more careful in the future. Sorry if I bothered folks with unnecessary questions. I should have hunted down SBB's email and asked them directly. I did read their terms and conditions carefully. I do find the way things are worded a touch difficult for me to understand (my brain must be wired weirdly as it is all in plain English!)

Anyway, thanks ingo, you answered the parts I was particularly unsure of. I have a better understanding of the offer and what it includes. Also good to know there may not be enough snow by then.

PalenQ

If you have a Swiss Pass the whole Pilatus thing is 50% off - the thrilling train from Alpnachstad - including trains or lake boats to Alpnachstad 100% covered - and then from the top aerial cable cars back to suburban Lucerne and Krens 50% off then free bus back to city center.

If traveling around Switzerlandmuch at all the Swiss Pass can be a great deal - or things like the Half-Fare Card or Swiss Card, etc. For lots of great info on Swiss trains, passes (also good on lake boats, city trams and buses, postal buses and free entry to 470 Swiss museums) check out these IMO superb sites: www.swisstravelsystem.com; www.budgeteuropetravel.com; www.ricksteves.com - there was a special that may still be on with Swiss Passes of certain durations - free travel up to Pilatus summit and back and several other peaks - it may have expired but recently was a bonus for buying by a certain day - look for specials in spring to pop up if using a pass in 2014.

PalenQ

I have been to Lucerne many times and more times than not Pilatus has its unique visage - it's main calling card it seems - in either clouds or fog or mist - leave your schedule flexible if you want to take in the rave views from its summit.

elainesj

PalenQ: thanks so much. And yes, I'll watch the weather before making the expensive decision to take the cablecar up to the summit.

Because I am only there for 2 nights (just a quick stop really), none of the swiss passes are financially feasible. Really good for longer trips though. I like all inclusive passes

PalenQ

Mt Titlis about an hour from Lucerne is a much more dramatic Alpine area than Pilatus - take train to Engelberg then conveyances up toward the summit of Titlis - along with Zermatt and Interlaken primo Alpine resorts - Pilatus seems to be a solitary peak where the thrill is the train going up and cable coming down plus the views once up top.

Consider Engelberg as an alternative if Pilatus is fogged or clouded in - IMO Engelberg is all in all a more awesome experience.

https://www.google.com/search?q=imag...=1600&bih=1075

PalenQ

PalenQ: thanks so much. And yes, I'll watch the weather before making the expensive decision to take the cablecar up to the summit.>

the usual thing to do is to take the absolutely thrilling mountain railway from Alpnachstad up and then for variety the cable car back down the other side to Krens, in suburban Lucerne - do both not just one round trip. And take a boat to Alpnachstad to experience the iconic Swiss lake boats! The Pilatus train leaves from near the dock.

Or if going to Engleberg and Titlis take a boat to a rail station on the lake for the same unforgettable lake boat experience.