In this guide you will find everything about the Glacier 3000, from the peak walk to glacier hikes and toboggan runs. It’s very close from Gstaad and Les Diablerets.
Text and pictures by Marc Gottwald
Welcome to the Glacier 3000
If you are looking for a spectacular view over the Swiss Alps, Glacier 3000 is the place to visit. On clear days you see 24 peaks which are higher than 4000 meters like for example the famous mountains Mont Blanc, Matterhorn, Jungfraujoch or the highest mountain in Switzerland called Dufourspitze with an altitude of 4634 meters.
“Glacier 3000” is located close to Gstaad , a major holiday destination for many people, including celebrities. But also near “Les Diablerets”. It has gained massive popularity since the amazing “Peak Walk by Tissot”, a suspension bridge built in 2014 which connects the two peaks near the cable car station. It was named 3000 simply because it’s a glacier region and the highest peaks in this area go on a level of more than 3000 meters.
If you want to see once in your life glaciers then this mountain is a great place to experience that. You can even walk on the ice! This guide includes all the activities that you can take part in this destination.
6 TOP Activities to do at “Glacier 3000”
1). Ski and snowboard
If you love skiing and snowboarding, then this is a great place to be near Gstaad and “ Les Diablerets”. With 30 kilometers of slopes, it is rather a smaller ski area, but with the beautiful view and the longest slope of 10 kilometers, “Glacier 3000” is still worthwhile. The mountain belongs to the Gstaad Ski area with more than 200 kilometers of slopes!
The activities are open from November to May in an area that ranges from 3000m to 1,300m. Skiing and snowboarding offers a great experience for all the enthusiasts.
2). “Peak Walk by Tissot”
What an adventure near the famous “Gstaad” and “Les Diablerets”! You will enjoy walking on a suspended bridge connecting two Alpine peaks. This is a unique experience as there is no other place globally with a suspension bridge connecting two mountain peaks.
Many tourists are coming to the “Glacier 3000” just for the “Peak walk”. Often referred to as the Peak Walk by Tissot, it provides some of the Alps’ most amazing easy accessible views. Famous mountain peaks in the French and Swiss Alps are visible from the bridge such as the Mont Blanc, Eiger, Mönch, Jungfraujoch, Matterhorn, and the Dufourspitze .
It says the Peak Walk is open the whole year. If you really want to visit it, don’t visit the place after heavy snow falls. We came in the afternoon after snowfalls in the night before (50-80cm) and the peak walk was still closed.
3). Glacier walk
As I love hiking, my favorite was the “Glacier Walk”. As the name suggests, you will walk on the ice while you enjoy the magnificent environment with the spectacular views for about an hour. This short walk takes you to a classic restaurant Refuge de l’Espace located at the end of the path. Here you will get a phenomenal view over the Valais and the Derborence Valley and enjoy a delicious culinary menu at the restaurant.
The walk can be done during the whole year so especially in summer when you can see the ice it’s very impressive. In winter the ice is normally covered with snow. With a bit luck you even see a helicopter or an airplane landing. They are doing alpine flights from “Gstaad” respectively “Saanen”.
4). Alpine coaster
If you visit “Glacier 3000” between May to September, you will get to enjoy the magical Alpine Coaster. It has about three jumps, six waves, and about ten steep turns. Besides, it can run at a maximum speed of 40km/hr. The alpine coaster will steadily increase your adrenaline and heartbeats, giving you one of the most unforgettable experiences.
5). Sled Dogs
Another great activity to enjoy is hoping on the sledges and the Huskies pull you across the Glacier. This romantic dog sled ride will give you an exceptional experience especially combined with the fantastic view over the alps. The season normally starts in the beginning of November and goes till the end of april.
6). Snow bus
The innovative team has developed a snow bus! It offers you a chance to explore the glacier comfortably as you remain seated. This tracked vehicle can accommodate up to 20 people at a time..
Final thoughts about the Glacier 3000
Other fun activities to try while at the “Glacier 3000” including flights, hiking, cross country skiing, and shopping at the souvenir shop. It’s strategically located close to Gstaad and Les Diablerets, which offers a lot more attractions you can visit and activities to try. If you want to enjoy skiing activities or the sledge dogs ride, then you should visit during winter.
The alpine coaster is open in Summer while the Peak Walk and the Glacier Walk are open all the year. Make sure to wear warm clothes during winter so that you can have a humble time. If it’s windy it can get dangerously cold. We had -20 degree Celsius and some strong winds. Nevertheless, Glacier 3000 is a top destination in Switzerland which you can visit in any season.
