Asking about Switzerland, you must be thinking about going up Jungfrau, the operation is how the others explained it, this is due to the steepness of the climb. I went up the cog railway to Jungfrau in 2000 on a Contiki tour, we had a blizzard up the top with thigh deep power, it was -4 C but that didn't stop us running amuk in it and havin a ball, there was ice caves with beautiful ice sculptures in a maze of tunnels, and all the facilities you come to expect in such a country as Switzerland.
I recommend warm clothing - hope the weather is better for you! But we didn't mind!!!!