This Glacier Express has reached the highest point of its journey, the Oberalp Pass, and is just slowing down for the start of the rack rail, which will help with the steep downhill gradient to Nätschen and Andermatt.
This section of the line is constantly threatened by avalanches during winter. The gallery in the background already did its job a few times this winter, as you can see. But still the line has to be closed a few times a year, and every once in a while a train hits an avalanche (or the other way round). But the railway is the only mode of transport in this region during winter, so it keeps running whenever possible.
Also note the wooden cantenary masts and the generally very simple overhead wire construction, designed for quick and cheap replacement after an avalanche.
