The Glacier Walk at Glacier 3000

The walk starts with a chairlift. From the top station at Scex Rouge (2,971 m), the Ice Express carries you down onto the glacier. It runs daily from 09:15 to 16:20, weather permitting, and is included in the cable car ticket. Dogs may ride too, with the owner responsible for their safety on the seat.

At the bottom you are standing on the ice. This is where the Glacier Walk begins, and in winter the dog-sled rides start a few minutes' walk away.

The Glacier Walk is a secured route across the glacier to Refuge l'Espace, at the foot of the Quille du Diable (2,908 m). Glacier 3000 gives about 3 km and about 1 hour each way, so plan on two hours for the round trip plus time at the far end.

It is the best way to get out among the snow and feel the scale of the glacier, with the Quille du Diable ahead of you all the way. Dogs are welcome on a lead.

Glacier 3000 suggests arriving at Col du Pillon by 15:00, and the last ascent is at 16:20 in summer and 16:00 in winter. A morning start is the comfortable way to fit in the walk.

You are walking on snow at almost 3,000 m, whatever the month in the valley. For winter, Glacier 3000 advises warm boots, ski trousers, a warm jacket, gloves, a hat, sunglasses and sun cream. For summer it advises mountain boots, a windproof jacket, sunglasses and sun cream. In spring and autumn it can snow at any time, or be very warm.

If you arrive under-dressed, the souvenir shop at the top rents mountain trousers, jackets and shoes.

The reward at the far end is Refuge l'Espace, a mountain restaurant at the foot of the Quille du Diable that Glacier 3000 describes as perched on top of a 1,000 m cliff. The only way there is on foot, along the Glacier Walk.

The refuge opens from February 2027, from 09:30 to 15:30. Until then the walk is still open, and the restaurants in the Scex Rouge building are there for lunch before or after.

The Snow Fun Park is the place to slide on snow all year round, and it is included in the ticket. It is the easy option for families who want snow without committing to the full walk.

A few minutes from the chairlift lies Lake Blue Ice, a glacial lake. It can drain suddenly, so swimming is not allowed.

Groups who would rather ride than walk can book the Snow Bus, a snowcat that carries up to 20 people across the glacier. It is for groups only, available all year on reservation, and booked in advance by email through booking@glacier3000.ch. No price is published, so ask for a quote.

There is no separate charge. The return cable car ticket from Col du Pillon to Scex Rouge includes the Ice Express, the Glacier Walk, the Snow Fun Park and the Peak Walk. It costs CHF 95 for adults, and CHF 48 for children aged 6 to 15 and for holders of a Swiss Travel Pass, GA or Half Fare card; children under 6 go free.