At Glacier 3000, you can walk on the glacier ice without a guide to a beautiful viewpoint on the far side of the glacier. It’s a prepared trail that does not require special equipment like crampons. But it can be wet, slippery and cold. So we suggest warm clothing, waterproof shoes and hiking sticks if you have them. If you haven’t spent much time in snow, this glacier walk is a particularly special experience.
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| Location: | Gstaad, Canton Vaud, Switzerland |
| Address: | Glacier 3000 cable car at Col du Pillon |
| Car: | Parking: Route du Pillon 1865 Les Diablerets (46°21’13.7″N 7°12’22.5″E) From Gstaad 20 mins, from Montreux 50 mins, from Interlaken 1hr30, from Bern 1hr45, from Zürich 3hr40 |
| Train: | Bus stop: Col-du-Pillon, Glacier 3000 From Gstaad 35 mins, from Interlaken , from Montreux 1hr30, from Zürich 3hr40 |
| Trail: | 4.5 km round trip, about 2 hr total walking time with kids |
| Condition: | snow and rock, no strollers |
| Skill: | moderate due to tricky footing |
| Open: | summer season mid-May to mid-September |
| Price: | cable car return CHF 80/adult discounts with Gstaad Card and Swiss travel cards |
| Services: | restaurants & WC at both ends of trail |
| More info: | www.glacier3000.ch • webcam • forecast |
Overview
Glacier 3000 is located in southwest Switzerland, between Interlaken and Montreux. You can reach this area by car or bus, then ride a cable car to reach the glacier. See location on Google Maps.
Glacier 3000 Overview
You reach Glacier 3000 by taking two cable cars, one from Col du Pillon to Cabane (2525m), then another from Cabane to Scex Rouge (2971m). At the top, you’ll find the amusements like the suspension bridge, alpine coaster and sledding fun park. Learn more about Glacier 3000 amusements.
Hiking map
Here is the hiking map for the Glacier 3000 area.
We did the Glacier Walk (hike #8 pink), which is a 2.2km walk each way on the glacier to a lookout at Quille du Diable (2908m). This is the only “easy” walk in the area.
Hike #2 from Cabane to Oldenegg looked like it would be ok for families. I thought about doing #7, but once I got there, it was obvious that hike wasn’t suitable for our crew. See more Glacier 3000 hiking trails.
Hiking map
Here is the trail map for the glacier walk, just as a rough guide. The exact trail may change slightly each year since the glacier ice is always slowly moving. So follow the trail markers, not this exact map.
View interactive map, print map and download GPX on Komoot.
Trail conditions
The trail is prepared with machines, so the snow is relatively smooth and walkable. However, the day we were there in mid-August, the snow was very wet and melting, with big puddles everywhere and rivers running through the trail (as shown below). It was impossible to keep our feet dry. We were basically walking through icy puddles the entire way, which was not very comfortable.
I’m very glad we did this hike, but I won’t lie – there was lots of complaining about cold wet feet and even I felt quite stressed and considered turning back. So consider yourself warned and come prepared. Many people on this trail had inappropriate shoes, thin trainers and flats, I felt sad for them.
How to get there
Glacier3000 is very close to Gstaad and a reasonable day trip from Interlaken, Bern, or Montreux. But it’s quite far from Zürich or Lucerne, so better to visit while staying in the region.
By car: From Gstaad, follow signs to Col-du-Pillon (46°21’13.7″N 7°12’22.5″E), about a 20 mins drive. There is a large parking lot next to the cable car station.
By public transport: From Gstaad train station, take bus 180 to Col-du-Pillon, Glacier 3000. The bus drops directly at the cable car station.
Ticket prices
To reach the glacier, you’ll need a return ticket from Col du Pillon to Scex Rouge. In 2022, a cable car return ticket costs CHF 80/adult, CHF 40/child 6-15, under 6 free. See current prices.
Discounts with the Gstaad Card, GA, SBB Half-fare, Swiss Travel Pass, and SBB Day Passes. Children with a Junior or Family Card ride free.
If you are coming from Geneva, Lausanne or Montreux, you can book at tour that includes transportation to the Glacier 3000 cable car.
Opening Times
Glacier 3000 is open year round, except a few weeks in October for maintenance. In 2022, the gondolas run from 9:00 to 16:50 (last descent from Scex Rouge). Check the website for current schedule.
The trail is prepared year round, so you can do it in summer or winter. In winter you can usually visit the suspension bridge and glacier walk. Some attractions may close due to inclement weather. Check the status of this trail on the Glacier 3000 website.
Photo story of trail
Riding up the cable cars
Here is a view of riding up the first cable car from Col du Pillon. You can see the top of Glacier 3000 in the distance.
Amusements
Before your hike, walk across the suspension bridge, which is directly above the cable car station.
You can optionally ride the alpine coaster, which is an extra fee.
Starting the hike
When you are ready to hike, ride the Ice Express chair lift down to the ice. Follow the “Glacier Walk” signs and stay on the marked path, which is controlled for safety.
The trail is 2.1 km each way, mostly on snow, some of rock. The trail basically flat, but it can be difficult walking on snow, slippery and wet. I would definitely take walking sticks and waterproof hiking shoes.
Example of a crevice near the walking path. Stay on the marked path.
Big views on the glacier.
Looking back at the trail.
Here’s where the trail leaves the snow and continues on rock.
Beautiful views to the east.
Arriving at Quille du Diable
The path ends at this tower, Quille du Diable (aka quill of the devil), where you’ll find a restaurant and toilets.
If you walk up to the tower, you can turn around and get this view of the glacier. You can see the restaurant deck with lounge chairs. Keep kids close, lots of cliffs around here.
There’s not much to do here except take some pics, then turn around and walk back. There are more ambitious hikes that continue from here. I’d love to try those next time.
Walking back
Walk back the same way you came. Make sure to give yourself enough time to make the last cable car down the mountain.
Note how much the weather changed since we started the walk. Weather can change quickly up here, so bring layers. We started in short sleeves and ended in fleece and windbreakers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I wear for this hike?
This hike is in the mountains at a high elevation where the weather and temperatures can change quickly. Even on a sunny day, the temperature can be cool. Dress appropriate to the weather forecast. I would definitely bring layers like a fleece and windbreaker in case the weather gets colder during your visit. I suggest long pants to protect your legs from the snow.
Because you are walking on snow, we suggest waterproof shoes with good tread, preferably high ankles to keep the snow from getting into your socks. I suggest hiking sticks with snow baskets to help you keep your balance.
Even on a cloudy day, bring sunscreen, sun hat, and sunglasses. Although there are restaurants at each end of this hike, I suggest bringing at least 1 L of water per person and snacks.
Where should I stay near Glacier 3000?
We would suggest staying in Gstaad, which is a short drive or bus ride from Glacier 3000. On the budget side, you could stay at the Gstaad Saanenland Youth Hostel. Families may enjoy The Alpina Gstaad, which has an indoor kids club, outdoor playground and kids pool with a slide. For a more luxury stay, our friend suggest Huus Hotel.
Other close mountain villages to Glacier 3000 are Les Diablerets, Gstaad, Saanen, Rougemont, Lauenen, and Zweisimmen. It is also a popular day trip from Montreux, Lausanne, Geneva, Interlaken or Bern.
One summer we stayed in Lauenen near Gstaad. Another summer we camped at Camping du Berceau, which had a big pool and waterslide, a pretty good restaurant on site, and a large grassy field for tents by the river.
