Glacier 3000 Ski Resort Guide
Glacier 3000 ski resort has one of the longest ski seasons in Switzerland, is home to epic freeride terrain and boasts an impressive terrain park. A major reason why I purchased a Magic Pass, Glacier 3000 is close to the linked ski resorts of Les Diablerets, Villars and Gryon.
The view from the Tissot Peak walk
GLACIER 3000 SKI RESORT FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Glacier 3000 is accessed by a two-stage cable car and the journey to the top provides epic views of the resort. Glacier 3000 is big mountain skiing and snowboarding and is surrounded by some of the largest mountains in the Swiss Alps. One of my first experiences at Glacier 3000 was the Tissot Peak Walk which really puts the ski resort into perspective.
GLACIER 3000 SKI AREA
Glacier 3000 is a ski resort located in the Swiss Alps, offering skiers and snowboarders access to a wide range of terrain. The resort is known for its stunning views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers, making it a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts. With over 30 kilometres of ski slopes, Glacier 3000 is the perfect destination for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities. Glacier 3000 has all you’d expect from a Swiss Alps ski resort. Its size is epic and has the added speciality of being situated across 3 Swiss cantons.
The ski area at Glacier 3000 has 1800m of vertical drop leading down to the base area. The resort might not seem like it has much to offer if you judge it by the relatively small 30km of pistes but just sit on any lift and you will see what Glacier 3000 is all about, the freeride. The long run to the base of Reusch can offer a 7km run along perfectly groomed runs.
BEGINNERS TERRAIN AT GLACIER 3000
First-timers won’t find much of interest at Glacier 3000 but if you know the basics there are plenty of mellow blues that will help you to refine your turns. Never evers should head to nearby Villars which will have more suitable terrain to learn to ski or snowboard.
INTERMEDIATE TERRAIN AT GLACIER 3000
Those with a little more experience, Glacier 3000 has a range of intermediate terrain that is ideal for building confidence and improving skills. The runs are well-groomed and offer a good challenge for those looking to progress their skiing or snowboarding. The upper slopes at Dôme and the Quille du Diable have a number of decent blues. There are also two reds for those feeling more confident.
ADVANCED TERRAIN AT GLACIER 3000
If you are looking for a real challenge, Glacier 3000 has a range of advanced terrain that will test even the most experienced skiers and snowboarders. The resort has a black run from Oldenhorn to Oldenalp which was stunning and quiet on my visit. The off-piste terrain at Glacier 3000 looks endless for those who want to explore the backcountry.
FREESTYLE TERRAIN AT GLACIER 3000
For those who love to hit the park, Glacier 3000 has a well-equipped freestyle area with a range of features including jumps, rails, and boxes. The park is regularly maintained and is perfect for those looking to try out some new tricks. Because of the long season, Glacier 3000 often hosts pros who are looking to refine their tricks on the high-quality of features.
GLACIER 3000 SKI RESORT PISTE MAP
Glacier 3000 Piste Map
LIFTS AT GLACIER 3000 SKI RESORT
Glacier 3000 has a range of lifts that are designed to get skiers and snowboarders up the mountain quickly and efficiently. The lifts are well-maintained and run smoothly, allowing for a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Initially, you will access Glacier 3000 by using cable cars from either Reusch or Col du Pillon. where you will find a number of surface lifts to access the blues on the glacier. The new surface tow (first i’ve used) made the connection to the black run simple.
Besides that the lifts that link the bottom of the black run at Oldenalp back to the Cabane are efficient if not slightly awkward. If you were looking to lap this epic run you would need to take two chairs, and go up the cable car to Scex Rouge, before traversing back towards the run. This can be frustrating but is the price you pay for skiing up on the glacier.
GLACIER 3000 SKI RESORT PROS
Glacier 3000 has a wide range of terrain for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities
The views from Glacier 3000 are beautiful and take in some of the most epic surrounding mountains and glaciers.
The long ski season at Glacier 3000 has a well-maintained freestyle area
GLACIER 3000 SKI RESORT CONS
Glacier 3000 can be crowded on weekends and during peak season
Can be expensive, especially for lift passes and accommodation
TRAVEL TO GLACIER 3000 SKI RESORT
Glacier 3000 is located in the Swiss Alps and can be easily reached by car or train. The closest airport is Geneva, which is approximately two hours away by car. There are also regular shuttle buses that run from nearby towns and cities to the resort.
You can access Les Diablerets by train from Geneva connecting in Aigle. If staying in Les Diablerets I would recommend having access to a car as it gives you the freedom to drive to Glacier 3000 as well as Leysin.
If you don’t want to drive, locally, the resort has bus services that run between Glacier 3000 and the nearby Les Diablerets.
GLACIER 3000 LIFT PASS PRICES
The cost of a lift pass at Glacier 3000 varies depending on the time of year and the length of stay. Lift passes can be purchased online in advance, which can save money and ensure that they are available during busy times.
The Magic Pass makes great sense for visitors to Glacier 3000, especially if you are planning to ski for 2 or more weeks a winter. The Local Area lift pass also includes; Leysin-Les Mosses-La Lécherette, as well as Villars-Gryon-Diablerets. All of these resorts are included on the Magic Pass which makes better value for money.
GLACIER 3000 VIDEOS
GLACIER 3000 SKI RESORT GALLERY
ACCOMMODATION AT GLACIER 3000 SKI RESORT
There is a range of accommodation options available at Glacier 3000, including hotels, apartments, and chalets. Accommodation can be expensive, especially during peak season, so it is recommended to book in advance to secure the best prices.
Staying in Les Diablerets made the most sense to me and will suit other Magic Pass users for its access to nearby ski resorts. If you would prefer to stay in Gstaad, this is also possible but doesn’t make the best use of the lift pass.
SEASON DATES GLACIER 3000
The ski season at Glacier 3000 typically runs from late November to late April, depending on the snow conditions. During this time, the resort is open daily and offers skiers and snowboarders access to a wide range of terrain. This is amongst the longest ski seasons in the Swiss Alps.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON GLACIER 3000
Glacier 3000 was one of my favourite stops on the Magic Pass. The views were epic and the terrain really enjoyable. I would love to revisit and explore more of the off-piste, including the run under the cable car back to the base.
