Glacier 3000 in November: the unmissable adventure in Les Diablerets

On a November day, with our pedestrian tickets in hand, we set out to discover Glacier 3000. The promise of a world apart, suspended between late autumn and early winter. Every year, from the beginning of November, skiers flock to the gates of the ski area, which has just reopened after its annual maintenance. And this year, the snow is already here!

The ascent: 15 minutes to change scenery

The adventure begins well before reaching the summit. Today we travelled by car, but access by public transport is very easy from the centre of the village of Les Diablerets: several buses run daily on the route to Gstaad, and additional shuttles are provided during the winter season. It is also possible to come directly from Aigle, in the plain, by boarding the ASD (Aigle-Sépey-Diablerets) train, which takes you to the village in fifty minutes along a breathtaking route.
At the Col du Pillon, we leave our vehicle in the nearby car park and buy our tickets to board the panoramic cable car, surrounded by a stream of skiers. In just a few minutes, the scenery changes: the green meadows give way to bare rock, then eternal snow. The cabin rises to an altitude of almost 3,000 metres in two sections, with a change at the intermediate station. From here, the Cabane des Diablerets is easily accessible below, in just a few minutes, but is still closed until the end of December. The ascent itself is a spectacle, revealing the summit station and the promise of what awaits us up there.

A 360° panorama of the giants of the Alps

Leaving the cable car, we leave the skiers behind: while they rush to hit the slopes at the top of Scex Rouge, we climb up to the arrival station and the rock on which it seems to balance. We pass the restaurants and the panoramic terrace, heading for the famous suspension bridge. After climbing dozens of steps, we reach a small platform: the breathtaking landscape takes our breath away. Before us, a ballet of Alpine giants. From Mont Blanc to the Matterhorn, via the Jungfrau, 24 peaks over 4,000 metres high stand proudly in all directions. On a clear day, you can even see the peaks beyond Lake Geneva – Suchet, Mont d'Or, Aiguilles de Baulmes – which mark the border with neighbouring France. You feel both humble and infinitely privileged when faced with such a magnificent view.

The thrills of Peak Walk by Tissot

This is the star attraction, and it's easy to see why. This unique suspension bridge connects two peaks. Stepping onto this walkway is literally like stepping into the void, evoking a mixture of fear and wonder. At the end of the 107-metre metal walkway, inaugurated in 2014, a Tissot watch is embedded in the stone at the centre of an observation platform. This offers a spectacular view overlooking the village of Les Diablerets and the Ormonts valley, as well as the surrounding peaks. It is a unique experience in an enchanting and exceptionally accessible setting. A memorable moment, an iconic photo and a memory that will last a lifetime.

A four-season attraction

As we descend from our vantage point, we can see a large part of the ski area, which opens every year at the beginning of November, much to the delight of the most impatient visitors. The snow has not yet fallen low enough for the most iconic slopes to welcome skiers, so only the accessible part suitable for all levels, at the top of the glacier, is open at the moment. Nevertheless, we can easily imagine the area filling up as soon as the Combe d'Audon opens — a famous black run that descends the other side of the Oldenhorn — the Red Run — which connects to the Cabane des Diablerets — or the Black Wall, accessible via a tunnel that opens onto a 46° slope and allows you to return to the Col du Pillon. The steepest in the world!
As we take the chairlift that will take us to the flat glacier and the start of our next activity, we can make out the Alpine Coaster facilities, already well buried under the snow. This rail sled, open during the summer season, is the highest in the world! Glacier 3000 holds several records with its high-altitude activities. With a loop at the start, the toboggan hurtles down the edge of the cliff in a series of dizzying turns and can carry two passengers for a shared adventure.

Taking our first steps into the expeditions of the far north

Arriving at the foot of the Ice Express chairlift, included in our ski pass, we take a few steps along a secure footpath and pass a return access point for skiers before continuing on to the pass, which opened in summer 2022. Standing at the foot of the Oldenhorn, the junction between the cantons of Valais, Vaud and Bern, we are impressed by its majestic presence, bordered by rocky cliffs where rockfalls are frequent, and it seems immense. However, at an altitude of 3,123 metres, it is not the highest point of Glacier 3000: that honour goes to the summit of Les Diablerets, further away, towards the Dents du Midi, which overlooks the valley at 3,210 metres. But we have mainly come for a very popular activity: a ride with sled dogs.

Time spent with the huskies is subject to many conditions: weather, of course, but also their well-being. Heat, the number of people around, and snow quality are all factors that can influence their working day. The musher gives them a break, but they seem to be in great shape: they're back from holiday and more motivated than ever to enjoy a great season. For winter 2025-2026, two new tours are being offered in addition to the usual ones, at different times of the day and for different distances, from 300 metres to 6 kilometres. Petting and taking photos with the huskies are the highlight of the activity, and it's clear that each one has its own personality; the musher makes sure that the shy ones are not disturbed. And the others too, especially during their nap. As for us, we still have a bit of walking to do.

The Glacier Walk adventure

We opted for an alpine hike on the secure Glacier Walk trail to soak up the unique atmosphere of this land of ice and snow. The pedestrian ticket gives us free access to this walk in addition to the Peak Walk by Tissot crossing. The route crosses the glacier from one end to the other; it takes us about an hour, at a good pace and after crossing a few ski slopes, to reach the Valais side. From there, a new breathtaking view unfolds over the village of Derborence, threatened by the Quille Saint-Martin — the famous Devil's Peak — at the foot of which we find ourselves. Further on, the trail continues towards the Cabane de Prarochet and, in summer, the walk to Lake Sanetsch is a must for the more experienced. We turn back, hoping that the Refuge de l'Espace will be open on our next visit and that we will be able to enjoy a well-deserved break, with their terrace suspended above the void and their local cuisine.

Return to Les Diablerets by air

As we reach the Scex Rouge resort, bursts of colour catch our eye: paragliders are preparing for take-off. They fly off from the edge of the rock face, throwing themselves into the void above the Pierredar plateau, far below. The manoeuvre is impressive and sends a thrill through us: it's a dizzying activity! One of the passionate professionals tells us that paragliding from Glacier 3000 is possible all year round. The idea of flying over the Vaud Alps and seeing their immensity from the air is appealing, but first you have to jump!

We'll definitely be back!

A day at Glacier 3000 is much more than just a trip to the mountains. It's a chance to completely disconnect, a powerful sensory experience that reminds you of the strength and beauty of nature. You come down with your head full of images, your lungs filled with fresh air, the feeling of having experienced something unique and a single desire: to share this unforgettable experience. Next time we'll go back to ski!