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Glacier 3000 is one of Switzerland's most spectacular high-altitude excursions, a glacier world above Les Diablerets where you can walk a suspension bridge strung between two mountain peaks, ride the highest toboggan run on earth, and step out onto eternal snow surrounded by more than twenty-four four-thousand-metre summits.
Reached by cable car from the Col du Pillon, near the resorts of Les Diablerets and Gstaad, it combines genuine alpine drama with attractions that the whole family can enjoy, all at the top station of Scex Rouge at 2,971 metres.
This guide explains how to get to Glacier 3000, what to do once you are at the top, the best time to visit, and the practical details that make the day effortless, so you can spend your energy on the views and the experiences rather than the logistics.
Why visit Glacier 3000?
Glacier 3000 stands apart from Switzerland's other mountain excursions because it packs so many distinctive experiences into one accessible summit.
It is the only place in the world where you can walk a suspension bridge directly connecting two peaks, and it pairs that engineering marvel with a real glacier you can stroll across, a record-breaking alpine coaster, and a panorama that takes in the Matterhorn, Mont Blanc, the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau on a clear day.
Because the snow lasts all year, it offers a taste of winter even in the height of summer, which makes it a magnet for first-time visitors and families alike.
It is also the highest excursion in the Vaud Alps and the wider Lake Geneva region, making it the natural high-mountain highlight for anyone travelling around Montreux, Gstaad or the Diablerets valley.
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How to get to Glacier 3000
The journey begins at the Col du Pillon, the valley cable-car station between Les Diablerets and Gstaad. From there, two consecutive cable cars carry you up to the Scex Rouge top station in around fifteen minutes, lifting you from green pasture to a world of rock and ice.
Reaching the Col du Pillon
If you are travelling by public transport, the Col du Pillon is served by a post bus from both Les Diablerets and Gstaad. Les Diablerets is reached by train via Aigle on the line from Geneva, Lausanne and Montreux, while Gstaad lies on the scenic GoldenPass route.
Drivers will find parking at the valley station. Whichever way you arrive, the cable-car ascent itself is part of the experience, with the glacier revealing itself as you climb.
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The Peak Walk by Tissot
The signature attraction at Glacier 3000 is the Peak Walk by Tissot, the world's first suspension bridge to connect two mountain peaks. The 107-metre span links the View Point observation deck to the slightly higher Scex Rouge summit, and crossing it, with nothing but air beneath the narrow walkway, is a genuinely exhilarating experience.
From the middle, you are rewarded with an uninterrupted 360-degree panorama of the surrounding Alps. The bridge is included with your ticket and, weather permitting, is open year-round.
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Top experiences at the top
Beyond the Peak Walk, the summit is a playground of alpine activities clustered around the top station, with indoor warmth and a panoramic restaurant designed by the renowned architect Mario Botta close at hand.
The Tissot Alpine Coaster
The Alpine Coaster is the highest toboggan run in the world, a one-kilometre track that loops, banks and dips around bends, over jumps and across bridges as it descends. Open roughly from late spring to early autumn, it is a thrilling ride suitable for all ages and a firm favourite with families.
The Glacier Walk and Ice Express
For a taste of true glacier travel, the Glacier Walk is a marked route across the snowfield towards the rocky outcrop known as the Quille du Diable, where a mountain restaurant clings to the edge with staggering views. The Ice Express chairlift, meanwhile, glides low over the glacier and is a gentle way to take in the icy expanse.
Winter snow fun
In the colder months, the glacier becomes a snow-sports hub, with skiing, a Snow Bus that trundles across the ice, dog-sledging rides and snow play. The reliable snow cover means winter activities here often start earlier and last longer than in lower resorts.
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Glacier 3000 at a glance
Before you go, it helps to have the headline numbers and highlights in one place: the altitude, the unmissable attractions, how to get there and the fact that the snow never melts. The summary below captures the essentials.
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Best time to visit Glacier 3000
Glacier 3000 is open in every season, but the experience changes through the year. Summer, from June to September, brings the mildest weather and is the only time the Alpine Coaster and Glacier Walk are fully open, making it the most popular period. Winter turns the summit into a snow-sports destination with skiing and the Snow Bus.
Spring and autumn can offer clear, quiet days, though some outdoor attractions are weather-dependent. As with any high excursion, visibility is everything, so choose a clear day and check the live webcams before you set off.
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Who is Glacier 3000 best for, and practical tips
Glacier 3000 suits a wide range of travellers, from thrill-seekers drawn to the Peak Walk and coaster to families wanting a safe, snowy day out and photographers chasing big alpine panoramas. The whole site is compact and easy to navigate, with most attractions a short walk from the top station. A little preparation makes the visit far more comfortable.
- • Dress in warm layers with a windproof jacket; it is cold and breezy at 2,971 metres even in summer.
- • Wear sturdy, non-slip shoes, as snow and ice are present year-round.
- • Bring sunglasses and sun cream, because glare off the glacier is intense.
- • Allow around half a day for a relaxed visit, and start early on busy summer days.
- • Check the weather and webcams, and keep plans flexible to catch a clear day.
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Tickets and the Swiss Travel Pass
Glacier 3000 is a cable-car excursion, and holders of the Swiss Travel Pass receive a discount on the fare rather than fully free travel. Some on-site activities, such as the Alpine Coaster and dog sledging, carry a small additional charge. Buying your tickets in advance from an authorised seller confirms your visit and saves time at the valley station, which is especially useful on fine summer days when the cable cars are busy.
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Dining and facilities at the top
The Scex Rouge top station is home to a striking restaurant designed by the celebrated Swiss architect Mario Botta, with floor-to-ceiling windows framing the glacier and a sun terrace for fine days. It offers everything from a quick self-service meal to a relaxed sit-down lunch, so you can warm up between activities without leaving the summit.
For the more adventurous, a remote mountain refuge perches at the Quille du Diable at the far end of the Glacier Walk, rewarding those who make the crossing with one of the most dramatic dining views in the Alps. There are also shops, warm indoor viewing areas and clean facilities, making the site comfortable for families and longer visits.
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Combining Glacier 3000 with your trip
Glacier 3000 fits beautifully into a wider tour of the Lake Geneva region and the Vaud Alps. Many visitors pair it with a stay in chic Gstaad or pretty Les Diablerets, while those based around Montreux can combine the glacier with a lakeside day on the Swiss Riviera.
The journey up from the Montreux side also links naturally with the scenic GoldenPass route, letting you string together a panoramic train ride and a glacier excursion in the same trip. With a little planning, Glacier 3000 becomes the spectacular high-altitude centrepiece of a varied few days in western Switzerland.
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Frequently asked questions
How high is Glacier 3000?
The Scex Rouge top station at Glacier 3000 sits at 2,971 metres above sea level, in the Vaud Alps above Les Diablerets, with the surrounding peaks rising higher still.
What is the Peak Walk by Tissot?
The Peak Walk is the world's first suspension bridge connecting two mountain peaks, a 107-metre span linking the View Point deck to the Scex Rouge summit, included with your Glacier 3000 ticket.
How do you get to Glacier 3000?
Take a cable car from the Col du Pillon, between Les Diablerets and Gstaad, which reaches the Scex Rouge top station in about fifteen minutes. The Col du Pillon is reachable by post bus, car or train via Aigle or Gstaad.
Is Glacier 3000 worth visiting?
Yes, especially on a clear day. The combination of the peak-to-peak Peak Walk, a real glacier, the world's highest alpine coaster and sweeping views of the Alps makes it one of the most varied mountain excursions in Switzerland.
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Final thoughts
Glacier 3000 delivers an extraordinary range of experiences in a single, easily reached summit: a bridge between two peaks, a glacier underfoot, a record-breaking coaster and a horizon studded with the giants of the Alps.
Dress warmly, pick a clear day, and allow a relaxed half-day to enjoy it all. Whether you come for the thrill of the Peak Walk or simply to stand on eternal snow in the middle of summer, it is a highlight of any trip through the Lake Geneva region and the Vaud Alps.
