This is Glacier 3000
The Glacier 3000 ski and summer sports area is located at only 30 minutes from the famous resort Gstaad. A cable car takes you up from the ground station of Col-du-Pillon to the top station Scex Rouge. Up there, you can enjoy stunning views of Switzerland’s highest mountains, including the Mont Blanc, the Matterhorn and 24 other mountains over 4000 meters. The mountain offers both summer and winter activities, from skiing and snowboarding to dog sledding and an alpine coaster. You can catch your breath in several bars and restaurants.
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Year-round activities
Some of the activities are available all year round. Those include culinary breaks in bars and restaurants, including the impressive Botta restaurant at the Scex Rouge cable car station. Designed by the famous architect Mario Botta, it features three levels with beautiful views of the mountains, and a sunny outdoor terrace.
Other activities that are available all year include:
- the view point at a short walk from the Botta restaurant, where you can enjoy a wonderful mountain panorama;
- the Ice Express chairlift, taking you down to the glacier where several activities are available, such as the snow bus and the fun park;
- the spectacular Peak Walk, which is a short hiking route from Scex Rouge over metal stairs and a breathtaking suspension bridge connecting two mountain tops.
Summer activities
These are your options for a visit in summer:
- roll down in the alpine coaster;
- take a ride over the glacier in the snow bus;
- book a dog sled ride;
- do some Nordic walking: both easy as well as more challenging trail are accessible;
- take a hike. There are wonderful panoramic routes, including one leading to the Dôme mountain and back to Scex Rouge;
- challenge yourself on the via ferrata route.
Winter activities
Both seasoned winter sports enthusiasts as well as unexperienced visitors can enjoy the snow in winter:
- there’s a well-maintained snowpark for freestyle skiing and snowboarding, open from October to May (the exact dates depend on weather and snow conditions). Visitors can join free training sessions in the avalanche training center;
- cross-country skiing is possible too;
- ski rental is available;
- in the fun park, you can engage in sliding, which is a kind of sledding on plastic plates;
- several winter hiking routes allow you to enjoy the snowy area at a relaxing pace. The Glacier Walk is an impressive one. This groomed hiking trail takes you across the glacier to the restaurant Refuge l’Espace on the glacier’s edge. From there, you’ll have wonderful views down into the Derborance valley and into the Valais.
How to prepare
Weather is important if you visit Glacier 3000. Light clouds, drizzle or a bit of snow don’t matter for the nearby sports activities, but if you go up for the views, for active sports or for hiking, clear skies and stable weather conditions are important. Arrange for proper hiking or ski gear. The Peak Walk with its suspension bridge is recommended only to those who don’t suffer from fear of heights. Take care when snowboarding, skiing or sliding, as you can hurt yourself or others if you don’t pay close attention.
Combine your visit to Glacier 3000 with other activities
Depending on the time you spend up at Glacier 3000, you can add some more activities to your day trip. A visit to Gstaad is well possible. If you have more time to spend, you can travel to Montreux.