While the mountain railway industry in Switzerland reported a five percent decline in visitor numbers for the first half of the summer, Glacier 3000 experienced a remarkable 40 % increase, welcoming 65 000 guests between May and August. This surge represents a significant boost compared to the past five years average.

Glacier 3000 attributes this success to its four-season strategy, which has been in place for around 15 years and has transformed the mountain railway into a year-round attraction, focusing on year-round pedestrian access. The cable car, which remained operational after the ski season ended in April, saw a substantial uptick in visitors, transporting 40 % more passengers than in 2023.

The mystery of last year’s cable car breakdown has been solved
Just over a year ago, a mysterious breakdown involving the cable car’s electrical inverters led to a 15-day shutdown in the middle of the summer season. The cause has since been identified: fine metal particles from renovation work on the Botta restaurant damaged the electrical system. Despite this setback, Glacier 3000’s 2024 summer visitor numbers still exceeded the five-year average by 40 %.

Botta Restaurant is set to open in November
Looking ahead to autumn, Glacier 3000 is focusing on completing the renovation of the Botta restaurant, which was destroyed by fire in September 2022. The new structure, featuring a south façade transformed into an Alpine micro-solar power plant with over 600 photovoltaic modules, is on track to be ready for the winter season, with an opening planned for early November.

No Autumn Break Again This Year
Glacier 3000 will keep its lifts running throughout the autumn for the second consecutive year, responding to growing demand. The annual maintenance work will be carried out on the first section of the cable car between 17 September and 4 October, ensuring continued access via alternate routes during this period. Visitors from Gstaad and the Vaud Alps can still reach the summit of Scex Rouge without interruption.

BASED ON AVS