Glacier 3000 is the high point — literally — of the Vaud Alps. At 3,000 m above Les Diablerets you get a suspension bridge between two peaks, the world’s highest alpine coaster, a walk out onto the glacier, and a 360° view that runs from Mont Blanc to the Jungfrau.
It’s a brilliant day out, but a few things catch people out: what’s actually open in summer versus winter, when to ride the coaster so you don’t queue for an hour, and the age rules for kids. This guide covers all of it so your visit runs smoothly.
If you’re planning a wider trip, this slots into Day 3 of my 4-day Vaud Alps itinerary.
List of Contents
Glacier 3000 at a glance
- Where: Above Les Diablerets, in the Vaud Alps near Gstaad
- Top station: Scex Rouge, 2,971 m
- Get there: Cable car from Col du Pillon
- Adult return: CHF 89 (CHF 45 with Swiss Travel Pass or Half Fare Card)
- Open: Year-round, except a short maintenance break in late October / early November
- Time needed: Half a day minimum; a full day if you do everything
Skip the ticket queue and check live availability – book your Glacier 3000 ticket online here
How to get to Glacier 3000
It’s easier than the altitude suggests. Drive or take public transport to Col du Pillon, just above Les Diablerets, then take the cable car up to Scex Rouge at 2,971 m. The cable car runs roughly every 20 minutes, with the first ascent at 9:00 and the last descent around 16:50 in summer (earlier in winter).
If you’re on Instagram check out our virtual videos about Glacier 3000
Arrive by car:
There’s parking at Col du Pillon.
Arrive by public transport:
Take the train to Aigle, then the line up to Les Diablerets and a bus to Col du Pillon.
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Glacier 3000 tickets and prices
| Ticket | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult return (cable car) | CHF 89 |
| Adult with Swiss Travel Pass / Half Fare Card / GA | CHF 45 |
| Child 6–15 | CHF 45 |
| Child under 6 | Free |
| Children with SBB Junior Card | Free |
The standard ticket includes the Peak Walk by Tissot, the Ice Express chairlift, the Snow Fun Park and the Glacier Walk. The alpine coaster, dog sledding and snow bus are paid extras.
You can buy at the ticket office or online in advance, which I’d recommend in peak summer to avoid the queue. Buy your ticket here.
If you’re visiting more than one or two mountain attractions on your trip, a Swiss Travel Pass gets you 50% off and covers most trains and buses — it usually works out cheaper overall. Check Swiss Travel Pass prices.
Prices were last checked June 2026 and can change — always confirm on the official site before you book. Planning a full Swiss Alps trip? Book a one-to-one itinerary call and I’ll build the route around you.
What to do at Glacier 3000
Peak Walk by Tissot
This is the one everyone comes for — the world’s only suspension bridge connecting two mountain peaks. Walking across it feels like stepping into the sky. (Don’t confuse it with the Tissot First Cliff Walk at Grindelwald-First; different attraction, different region.)
The alpine coaster
So much fun on this alpine coaster: especially when we visited it was quite foggy which added to the thrill.
be warned it is quite fast, long, and with proper views. One run is around CHF 9, with cheaper multi-run prices — and you’ll want to go twice, so buy two upfront. just saying…
Two things to know:
The coaster only runs June to October. It’s closed in winter and can shut in rain, snow or strong wind.
Check the queue the moment you arrive. If it’s short, ride it first. Most people leave it to last and hit a long line. Turst me on this we waited forever, but it was worth it.
Glacier Walk
The Ice Express chairlift drops you onto the glacier, where a marked trail crosses to the Quille du Diable on the far side — about an hour each way, with the small restaurant, Refuge l’Espace, invites for a rest before heading back. The terrace is located at the Valais border with views down to the magic Derborance valley.
If that’s too long, just walk to the #glacier3000 wooden sign; it still gives you the feel of standing on the ice. Do it while you can — warm summers have been shrinking the snow noticeably.
Eating up top
You can picnic on the big terrace, or eat at the Botta Restaurant (named after architect Mario Botta). If you do, book a table with a view — it’s worth it. Alternatively you find the Restaurant Le 3, also a great choice if the Botta is fully booked.
Visiting Glacier 3000 with kids
It’s a great family day out, but mind the altitude rules:
- Babies under 15 months are not permitted.
- A visit is not recommended under 2 years old, because the cable car gains altitude very fast.
- Children under 6 go free; ages 6–15 pay CHF 45.
The Peak Walk involves around a hundred steps, so it’s not buggy-friendly — bring a carrier for little ones.
Tips for the best visit
- Go on a clear day. The whole point is the view and the outdoor activities; check the webcam and forecast before you commit.
- Arrive early for the coaster and lighter crowds.
- Layer up. It’s 3,000 m — it can be cold and windy even in July.
- Note what’s seasonal. The alpine coaster (June–Oct) and the ice grotto can be closed, and the grotto has shut in hot spells for safety. Check the official activity plan for your date.
Where to stay near Glacier 3000
The natural base is Les Diablerets village, a short drive from Col du Pillon. We’ve stayed at The Glacier Hotel in both summer and winter — see our full review for whether it suits your trip.
If this hotel is not available or not where you like it to be check the map below to find the perfect place to stay around the Glacier 3000.
Fitting Glacier 3000 into a bigger trip
Glacier 3000 is a half-day done well, which leaves room to explore the area. It works perfectly as Day 3 of my 4-day Vaud Alps itinerary, alongside the Gourmet hike in Leysin and the family lakes at Frience in Gryon. Coming in winter? See Villars-Gryon and Les Diablerets as a winter resort.
You may not know this but Glacier 300 is also a perfect day trip from Gstaad.
FAQ – Glacier 3000
How much does Glacier 3000 cost?
The adult return cable car is CHF 89, or CHF 45 with a Swiss Travel Pass or Half Fare Card. Children 6–15 are CHF 45, under 6 free.
Is Glacier 3000 open all year?
Yes, except a short maintenance closure in late October / early November. Summer and winter offer different activities — the alpine coaster, for example, runs June to October only.
How long do you need at Glacier 3000?
Plan at least half a day. A full day if you want to do the coaster, the full Glacier Walk and lunch.
Can you visit Glacier 3000 with a baby?
Babies under 15 months aren’t allowed, and it’s not recommended under 2 because of the rapid altitude gain.
Is Glacier 3000 worth it?
Yes, on a clear day. The Peak Walk and alpine coaster are genuinely special, and the views are among the best in the Vaud Alps, if nor in Switzerland.
I hope that the information provided here will prove useful when planning your Family trip to Glacier 3000 in the Alp Vaudois region.
If I have left anything out, please ask your questions in the comments below and share your experience. So that other readers can join in the conversation and benefit from your queries and stories as well.
Thank you & Never Forget to Explore
