There's a LOT more scenery to see in the Berner Oberland even if there are clouds and fog than going all the way to Zermatt in the hopes of viewing the peak. The village of Zermatt is not nearly as interesting as some of the villages in the BO.

Rstephenp, go HERE: https://www.rhb.ch/en/home

Does my daughter who is 10yrs old need a seat to be reserved on Scenic train such as Bernina, Gotthard, Glacier express?>

Yes but you only need to pay for the seat reservation with the free Family Pass.

Yes go to individual sites of each train to do so -same time you make your seat reservations (need not have pass to do so I believe)- just say you will have a pass.

Locals over the Bernina Pass Railway use the exact same tracks as does the official BEX -and you can just hop on and off at will- rarely very crowded like the typically chock full BEX -with tour groups and tourists - they run about hourly and are about as fast as the Bernina Express - the world's slowest express train as they call it and no reservations on locals even possible.

The MAJOR differences between those "locals" and the Bernina Express are these:

the locals usually do not have the Panorama cars with the ultra-large windows but coaches in which there are more seats. The P-cars have seats with tables so if you want to have a snack on the way or even a picnic it is a lot easier.

The locals also don't always cover the entire route and you may have to change if you wish to travel over the whole route on one timing
How Pal knows these locals are "rarely if ever crowded" I have no idea. It doesn't make the windows any bigger and it doesn't change the scenery but I'll leave it to you.

Pal has been here for years whining about how the Glacier Express is "overrated" and now he's decided those Panorama Cars aren't worth the time and money.

Have a great trip...ANYWAY!

I didn't take the "official" Bernina Express (BE) and so can only comment on my experience of the local trains on those same rails:

The windows were not panoramic -- but I didn't feel the need to see the sky and frankly, I was able to see everything I wanted from the "normal" windows -- which, BTW, could be opened. I don't think you can do that on the BE trains?

IIRC, my seat had a tray. Not a table, but more than enough space for my beverages and snacks.

One can identify one's route on "local" trains on the Swiss rail website, so you can easily tell whether you can go straight through, where you can stop (and if you do, whether there is a manned luggage desk and if so, during what hours; the sizes and costs of luggage lockers, etc.)
http://www.sbb.ch/en/home.html

I have no regrets about my choice to take the local trains rather than the BE -- JMO. As with so many decisions when traveling, I think it really is a matter of personal preferences.

To clarify: I COULD see sky above the mountains. I just couldn't see it overhead.

Pal has been here for years whining about how the Glacier Express is "overrated" and now he's decided those Panorama Cars aren't worth the time and money.>

Really pointing out that if not wanting to book in advance and fit your schedule to those of the official BEX the locals are fine and yes I think panoramic cars are overrated- who looks up but just out the window.

And locals in summer have the ultimate panoramic car- openair flat bed cars with no roofs!

Personally I see no advantage to official BEX trains - I've ridden locals several times and raely crowded save for a few stops when groups of hikers get on for a station or two. Dukey does and that is subjective - we are both right in our own impressions.

Pal has been here for years whining about how the Glacier Express is "overrated" and now he's decided those Panorama Cars aren't worth the time and money.>

To make it clear I believe the Glacier Express is over hyped and overranked for the scenery -not its panoramic cars - The Bernina Express or regular trains however go thru the most awesome scenery of any railway in Europe IMO.

Dukey - on BEX you can't open the windows? I don't recall and may have changed - on regular ones you can open and stick your face out the window- not too far of course - but even better than being stuck in your seat on a full train -if stuck on the east side you may see not nearly as well as if you are on the westside (if taking BE be sure to get a seat on the west side where all the great scenery is!).

BE trains are oriented to tour groups and are typically full. Regular trains I was able to move back and forth from side to side as scenery dictated (though most on the west side) - so BEX trains are fine - you get commentary en route still I believe - but regular trains have their pluses too.