John,
The recommended SwissPass is indeed a very good thing!
I'd love to be able to buy such a thing for locals!
If you intend to travel by train it is the cheapest thing to buy!
As mentioned it is valid only on "public" means of transportation, so most mountain cableways or such might give you a discount fare, not a free ride.
It is valid on all lines that are included in the usual day passes or all-year passes we can buy as residents.
If you look at this PDF (download-link!) you can see what we mean!
Overview Switzerland
Very best Regards,
Urias