Quille du Diable Glacier

Route Description for Quille du Diable Glacier

This hike is relatively gentle with little elevation gain, but the trail is almost completely over a snow covered glacier, so waterproof hiking boots or winter boots are best. The temperature can range from 10 degrees to below freezing even in summer, so wear appropriately warm clothing including a hat, gloves, and shades.

Take the lift from Col du Pillon to SCEX Rouge (2,971 m). The cost is 80CHF two ways (subject to change). Take note of the lift operating hours (09:00 - 16:50, every 20 minutes) which may change.

At the Scex Rouge lift station are several amenities, two restaurants, an outdoor snack bar, and a souvenir shop that also sells and rents out jackets.

From the Scex Rouge lift station, take the Ice Express chairlift down to the glacier surface. The chairlift is located behind the souvenir shop and outdoor snack area. On the glacier, follow the path south and then southeast.

The path is marked by poles and cord on one side. tIt’s very wide and quite flat, and as it’s sometimes graded by a snow plow, you will not need any glacier/mountaineering hardwear.

Since you’ll be walking on top of a glacier, stick to the path and do not venture off- there could be crevasses. The path on the glacier will eventually transition to a rocky area at the far end of the trail.

The restaurant Refuge l’Espace is located near the Quille du Diable. They serve regional delicacies on their outdoor deck that has a stunning view to the valley below, so you can have a meal and rest here before walking back to Scex Rouge.

If you have the time, cross the hanging bridge (Peak Walk by Tissot) at Scex Rouge, which will offer even more great views of the surrounding mountains.