Glacier 3000 and the Peak Walk

Going to Glacier 3000 and doing the Peak Walk was a peak in what I'm willing to endure for the wildest experiences

When I was planning my main experience during my time in Switzerland, there is only one thing that repeatedly came up in my search: visiting Glacier 3000 and experiencing the Peak Walk. There were some planned experiences that were bookable on a few group tour sites. However, my intuition told me to do it on my own. And I was much, much better for it.

First, I need to say that yes, you can do it on your own. In fact, I would suggest you do it on your own instead of booking a group trip. It is SO much easier and cheaper. Plus, I felt a sense of empowerment from learning the train system and being in control of my schedule.

History of Glacier 3000

Glacier 3000 is a renowned mountain destination located in the heart of the Swiss Alps, near the town of Les Diablerets in the canton of Vaud, Switzerland. When the Col du Pillon cable car was completed in 1957, the cable car provided access to the Diablerets glacier and opened up the area to tourists and outdoor enthusiasts seeking breathtaking alpine vistas and recreational opportunities.

In 2001, Glacier 3000 was officially launched as a tourist destination, offering a wide range of activities and attractions year-round. The highlight of Glacier 3000 is the Peak Walk, which is the world’s first suspension bridge connecting two mountain peaks: Scex Rouge and View Point.

Traveling to Glacier 3000

From Montruex, I boarded on the train at the Montruex station, direction to Brig IR 90, toward Aigle. Then, I took the R 24 train toward Les Diablerets. Finally, I took a bus from Les Diablerets to Colu-du-Pillon, Glacier 3000.

The journey from Montreux to Glacier 3000 took about an hour and a half. The pleasure of viewing the beautiful Swiss countryside from the comfort of my seat was worth the time invested.

When I disembarked the bus at the base of Glacier 3000, my reality did not seem real.

Being present in Switzerland was so visually perfect that it shifted me to another level of reality.

I used my Montreux Riviera Card to get a percentage off the lift fee to the top of the summit.

The lift up to the mountain was incredible. No photo I could take could do it justice.

Once I got to the top – I had to remind myself that I was not at Vail, Colorado or Whistler in British Columbia.

I was on top of a fucking glacier in Switzerland.

And I was COLD. Plus, it wasn’t just cold – it was windy. Yet, all the happy Swiss dogs that were around seemed non plus about how cold and windy it was.

Peak Walk

Now, nothing is as dumb as realizing, while one a freezing mountain, that maybe you didn’t pack and wear the right shoes for what you’re about to do. But, I was determined to take my camera and experience the Peak Walk. Wind whipping up and blasting me on the face – or not.

Now, it’s one thing to have that mindset of positivity. Another, when you’re faced with the consequences of your choices.

While I was on the bridge, the wind whipped up and snow blasted me in the face. In a split second, I realized that my expected panoramic views of the Swiss Alps and the surrounding landscape were not going to happen. The biting cold and clouds simply made visibility reduced to almost nothing.

On one hand, I’m happy that I did the most of the Peak Walk that I could.

On the other, I realized that my dedication to recording my experience through my photography would end up giving me frostbitten fingers.

Returning to the base

After buying my souvenir of a small Switzerland cow bell, it was time for me to descend back down to the base of the mountain.

Did I feel a bit sad for not skiing a bit before heading down? Nope. Not at all. I didn’t want to ski alone. That’s how people hit trees. Plus, I wanted to go to Gstaad and try and find a quality Swiss watch.

But, the day had other plans. I ended up making the better choice of having a relaxing late lunch at Restaurant Col du Pillon and letting my intended bus to Gstaad pass on by.

Sometimes, it’s better not to be highly motivated and just sit down and enjoy the day.

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