A day on the slopes of Glacier 3000

Skiing at 3,000 metres above sea level, at the foot of the Diablerets summit, the highest point of the Alpes Vaudoises? It’s possible — and even easy — thanks to the Glacier 3000 facilities. Overlooking the village of Les Diablerets and the Ormonts Valley, the ski area holds several surprises in store for your day on the snow!

Reaching 3,000 metres effortlessly

The adventure already begins down in the valley, in Aigle. After spotting the green TPC trains — or, if you’re lucky, the Glacier 3000-themed train — you set off on a journey of around fifty minutes along a spectacular route: bridges suspended over the void, tracks carved into cliff faces, sweeping views over the valley… The train finally stops in the heart of the village of Les Diablerets, impressively overlooked by the massif.
Post buses or shuttle services — free with ski passes — are waiting to take you up to the Col du Pillon. During the fifteen-minute ride, the scenery becomes ever more impressive, offering increasingly breathtaking panoramas. No need to worry about the road — simply feast your eyes on the snow-covered fir trees and the cliffs and plateaus unfolding towards the summit.
Once at the departure station, you easily reach the cable car platform, included with the Magic Pass. Every twenty minutes, a connection takes you first to the intermediate station, then to the summit station. Step out — and you are immediately on the ski area: all that’s left is to put on your skis.

An accessible ski area…

Numerous button lifts and drag lifts are installed on the glacier, allowing skiers to reach the Valais side and return to the cable car without detours. The Scex Rouge run, next to an impressive snowpark, offers a first fast descent for warming up, before returning to the starting point by chairlift.
From there, the slopes allow you to switch sides: at the foot of the Oldenhorn, after a straight section, a drag lift pulls you up to the Dome, on the upper part of the glacier. Several runs without difficulty and suitable for beginners wind down to the lower plateau, from where drag lifts take you back up; and a second snowpark welcomes you in an exceptional setting, with a 360-degree view of the iconic Alpine peaks: Jungfrau, Eiger, Matterhorn and even Mont Blanc.
For those who venture as far as the famous Quille du Diable, a stop at the Refuge de l’Espace will leave you speechless, facing the vertiginous panorama opening beneath the terrace, suspended above the void, and much loved by yellow-billed choughs.

…but also suited to advanced skiers

The Glacier 3000 ski area is also ideal for advanced skiers. More dependent on weather conditions, the iconic slopes will nevertheless delight winter sports enthusiasts whenever they are open. The Combe d’Audon — the most challenging and much-loved run — descends into the valley of the same name down to Oldenhegg and its small refreshment hut, for a relaxing moment in an exceptional alpine setting.
You then reach the foot of the Martisberg slope by chairlift, before heading back to the intermediate station. After tackling this famous run, enchanted by the glacial valley scenery and the cliffs of the Oldenhorn, you can enjoy a gourmet break in the sun on the terrace of the Cabane des Diablerets.
For those tempted, the summer experience at the same location promises a refreshing change of scenery… and perhaps the company of ibex, which particularly enjoy the area in summer.

A direct return to 1,300 metres

The day continues with a ride back up to the intermediate station, then on to the summit station. To soak up a little more of that pure high-altitude air, the walk to the Peak Walk by Tissot is well worth it.
And when it’s time to head down, if the slopes are open, why not return to the Col du Pillon without taking off your skis? From Scex Rouge, the Red Run descent is thrilling, suspended between two cliffs in a majestic setting.
After passing the Cabane des Diablerets, the route continues via Martisberg to the famous tunnel — a passage carved into the rock, where a conveyor belt brings you out at the foot of the Rocher Jaune, facing an extremely steep slope. And for good reason: with a 46-degree gradient, the Black Wall is the steepest in the world! Adrenaline guaranteed, flawless technique required — infinitely more intense sensations!

A gentle return to the village

For those who prefer to avoid the Black Wall, on a narrow route winding between forest and rock, the cable car cabins run every twenty minutes until 4:30 pm (ski area closing at 4:00 pm).
Back at the Col du Pillon, take one last look at these pristine slopes and etch this extraordinary alpine landscape into your memory. Buses and shuttles await you in front of the station to take you back to the village or down to the valley, effortlessly and with a peaceful mind for a little while longer.