What mountain weather is like
Mountain weather changes fast: sun and rain can alternate within a day, mist gathers and clears, and the summit and the base, and morning and afternoon, feel clearly different. Learning in advance and staying alert make for an easier trip.
What to check before you go
- Check recent forecasts and current conditions, focusing on rain, wind and temperature gaps;
- Watch opening, cable-car operation and on-site notices and plan around them;
- Treat weather as a variable and leave room to adjust.
Handling the temperature gap
- The summit feels clearly cooler than the base — dress in layers;
- Bring a windproof jacket and a warm base layer to add or shed as needed;
- Dawn, dusk and damp days are colder — add a layer.
If the weather turns
- In a thunderstorm avoid ridges, tall trees and open ground and shelter nearby in good time;
- In heavy mist or wind, slow down, hold the rails and adjust the plan if needed;
- Put safety first and never enter unopened areas or take risks for a view.
