The views from the train were breathtaking and although Carter got a little bored (3 year olds aren’t as impressed by snowy mountain landscapes) he was really good on the train. Since we went during the week, it wasn’t crowded at all, which made it much more relaxing. We also brought Rocky and it was his first ever train ride! He was very nervous and kept leaning on us and even sat on my husband’s lap on the ride down. I guess dogs and cog rail trains aren’t the best mix.
The train isn’t just for the holiday stuff, people were going up to get to their houses along the way and we even picked up some people who were going skiing. They got off near the top, popped their skis on and took off!
At the top you step off the train directly inside the mountain and you can take a long tunnel to Santa’s house, or go outside to explore and hit up the restaurant. The tunnel is a bit dark so make sure to tell your kids ahead of time if they are scared of the dark! Carter was a bit nervous to meet Santa but warmed up to him quickly! Santa gave us some fruit and a little present for Carter which turned out to be an ornament and some candy.
In Santa’s house they also have face painting, which Carter refused to do, and a little cafe kiosk where we got some hot chocolate. To be honest there wasn’t a ton to do inside, but we didn’t get to check out any of the outside activities so I’m sure there was more to see.
Because of the storm and high winds they had to close early, so we only got to spend about 25 minutes up there! I think they felt bad for making us leave because they gave us free hot chocolate and an extra toy for Carter. The snow was basically in white out conditions by the time we left and we were on the last train down with all the employees as well!
Halfway up and down the mountain you can get off the train at Caux and visit the Village de Noel. We stopped on the way down, which was perfect because it wasn’t too crowded and as the sun was setting we had a nice (and cold) wintry view of the lake!
As we walked to the village we were greeted with these cute little fairy houses. The fairies had their own Christmas village!
Carter got a little obsessed with making snowballs and throwing them at us, and then jumping in the snow piles along the path. Here I am trying to talk him down from the snow bank and telling him about the ice on the walkway! Thankfully we brought his snow boots and made him wear them! If you plan to visit here be sure to dress very warm and wear good shoes and socks!
Unlike my husband whose snowboots we can’t find still from our move here and ended up wearing regular shoes! Thankfully they had some fires goes to warm up and even a teepee kind of tent you could hide out in for some heat!
At the village they have some treats and food, including mulled wine to keep warm!
There’s also some activities for the kids. Carter colored an animal flag, which we were directed to hang on the fence along the path. You can also color and mail a Christmas card, but we didn’t do that activity. Along the path they had some noise music makers which were crafted out of various recycled materials such as bottle caps and even boots that made musical notes when you squeezed them!
Rocky had a bit of a hard time on the icy path, but he did make some new friends! The sheep, on the other hand, were not too keen on Rocky and took up some defensive positions when he walked by!
Carter pretty much just wanted to play in the snow the whole time. He saw another little girl making snow angels so he had to try it out of course!
The village and Santa house are very easy to get to by train from Montreux. They do recommend you book ahead of time because it can get crowded, especially on the weekends and closer to Christmas. The Santa house wasn’t anything too spectacular, but I still thought it was worth it because the train ride was really cool and beautiful. I would definitely go back next year, maybe it’ll be a new tradition!
Let it snow!
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