When it comes to alpine and mountain coasters, the more extreme the location the better the ride!
And we can’t think of a more fitting example than the Glacier 3000 Alpine Coaster.
Located at the top of Glacier 3000, this ride holds the title of the highest alpine coaster in the world.
So if you’re looking for more information on the Glacier 3000 Alpine Coaster then you have come to the right place!
In this article, we provide a comprehensive guide for anyone looking to experience this one-of-a-kind attraction so keep reading to find out more.
Table of Contents
- Glacier 3000 – What To Expect
- How Long is the Glacier 3000 Alpine Coaster
- How Fast is the Glacier 3000 Alpine Coaster?
- What is an Alpine Coaster?
- Cost
- Video
- Operating Hours
- Where is the Glacier 3000 Alpine Coaster?
- Rider Requirements and Regulations
- Frequently Asked Questions
Glacier 3000 – What To Expect
After making your way up to the top of Glacier 3000 and taking in the incredible views you’ll head over to the start of the alpine coaster.
The ride itself starts with a sharp turn to the right and you’re immediately met with the most incredible view looking down into the valley.
It almost feels like you might head straight off the edge!
From there the cart picks up some speed with a small descent before it enters the 520° helix.
From there it’s a fast, winding descent rider over the luna-like landscape. The descent and views make this one of the most unique alpine coasters in the world.
The ride ends with one final straight before coming to a stop at the bottom. From there the cart heads back up the mountain to the starting point via a cable-pulled ascent.
The Alpine Coaster will quickly raise your adrenaline level and get your heart beating hard! You will experience weightlessness up to 6 metres above the ground on this high-flying adventure in a mountain environment you will never forget. You determine the speed with the brake lever and how many times you want to go down the toboggan run.
Here are some interesting facts about the ride:
- The ride starts at an elevation of 2,925 meters (9,596 feet) above sea level, making it the highest alpine coaster in the world.
- The track is 1 kilometre long and takes about 90 seconds to complete (depending on your speed)
- The track has a 520° helix, 10 curves, 6 waves and 3 jumps so you’re in for a thrilling ride.
- The cart can reach a maximum speed of up to 40 km/h (25 mph)
How Long is the Glacier 3000 Alpine Coaster?
The Glacier 3000 is 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) long and has multiple curves, waves and jumps as it makes its way down the mountain.
You can expect a total ride time of about 5-6 minutes depending on your speed. Note that the total ride time includes the downhill section followed by the cable-pulled ascent to the top.
The downhill ride time is about 90 seconds depending on your speed (alpine coasters are fitted with a manual brake so you’re in control of this).
How Fast is the Glacier 3000 Alpine Coaster?
The Glacier 3000 Alpine Coaster can reach a maximum speed of 40 km/h (25 mp/h).
As a safety feature, this alpine coaster has a speed restrictor that prevents the carts from going over the maximum speed.
It also has a manual brake that lets riders control the speed of their descent.
If 40 km/h (25 mp/h) is too fast for you, you can slow the ride down to a speed that feels more comfortable.
The brake levers are located on either side of the cart. You pull them back to engage the brakes.
It doesn’t take long to get the hang of it and before you know it you’ll be cruising down the mountain.
What is an Alpine Coaster?
If you’re unfamiliar with alpine coasters (also known as mountain coasters), check out the post we wrote.
Alpine or mountain coasters are gravity-powered roller coasters that use the natural contours of a mountain to provide riders with a thrilling downhill ride experience.
Alpine coasters are a great activity that the whole family can enjoy. However, given the nature of this ride, there are some age and height restrictions that apply.
In addition, alpine coasters are equipped with a manual brake, enabling riders to adjust their descent speed.
This unique feature allows riders to have greater control of their experience.
If things get a bit too fast for your liking you can apply the brake, if you’re more of the daredevil type then you can leave the brake untouched for maximum speed.
And finally, no prior experience or training is necessary. You can just jump in and enjoy the ride.
How Much Does the Glacier 3000 Alpine Coaster Cost?
At the time of writing, the cost to ride the Glacier 3000 Alpine Coaster was as follows:
| Ticket | Price (CHF) |
|---|---|
| Single ride per person (adult/child) | CHF 9.00 |
| 5 ride pack | CHF 36.00 |
Tickets can be purchased directly at the alpine coaster cashier desk.
Keep in mind that to access the alpine coaster you’ll need to catch a gondola from Col du Pillon to Scex Rouge.
A return ticket for the gondola is CHF 85.00 for adults and CHF 43.00 for children.
Glacier 3000 Alpine Coaster Video
One of the great things about mountain coasters is that many people have filmed their experiences.
These videos give you an opportunity to “experience” the ride before you go on it.
The video below gives you a first-person view of what you can expect from start to finish on the Glacier 3000 Alpine Coaster.
One thing to be aware of though is that point-of-view videos can be a bit misleading.
The wide-angled lens makes the drops shallower and the ride seems way slower than it is in real life.
They provide a good idea of what the ride looks like but only real-world experience tells you how they feel.
So get out there and try it for yourself!
Glacier 3000 Alpine Coaster Operating Hours
Due to its location the Glacier 3000 Alpine Coaster only operates during summer and its operation is subject to snow conditions.
You can find the operating status of all cable cars, hiking trails, restaurants and activities (including the alpine coaster) on the Glacier 3000 website.
Where is Glacier 3000 Alpine Coaster?
The Glacier 3000 Alpine Coaster is located at Glacier 3000, a mountain resort in the beautiful Canton of Vaud in western Switzerland, close to the French border.
If you’re going there by car you can park for free at the cable car station. Type in “Col du Pillon, Glacier 3000″ in your GPS and you will be directed to the right address.
The alpine coaster is located at the top of the mountain so you’ll need to catch the gondola from Col du Pillon to Cabane and then switch over to another gondola which takes you up to Scex Rouge.
Directions to the Glacier 3000 Alpine Coaster can be found on the map below:
Rider Requirements and Regulations
As with any ride of this nature, there are some rider and passenger requirements that are in place for your safety:
- The minimum height to ride alone is 140 cm.
- The minimum age to ride alone is 9 years old.
- The minimum age to ride is 3 years old.
- Children between the ages of 3 and 9 must ride as a passenger.
- No existing health issues that could pose a risk to yourself or others.
- The speed must be selected so that neither you nor others are put in danger. One must remain at least 25 metres behind the toboggan in front of you.
- It is prohibited to stop at any time.
- It is mandatory to wear a seatbelt.
- One must follow the directions of the personnel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the alpine coaster in Glacier 3000?
The alpine coaster in Glacier 3000 is the highest-situated alpine coaster in the world.
It is a gravity-powered roller coaster that uses the natural contours of the mountain to provide riders with a thrilling downhill ride experience and incredible views.
