As I understand it, you can access them for free with your own equipment, or rent the gear, or go with a guide. Most tourists are going to go with a guide at least the first time and probably rent gear afterwards. They might ask for donations for the maintenance, although generally I think that's paid from the equipment rental/tour income, subsidizing it for people going on their own.

$200 sounds about what you'd pay for a guided tour (gear included) in Switzerland.