Col du Pillon

An emblematic mountain pass for cycling in Switzerland, with numerous climbs during the Tour de Suisse and the Tour de Romandie, the Col du Pillon is a road pass open all year round linking the Alpes Vaudoises to the canton of Bern. With a length of 13km and a maximum gradient of 11%, it is known for being relatively ‘rolling’.

Many of the region's must-see natural sites are nearby, starting with the famous Glacier 3000, where the cable car departs from the top of the Col du Pillon. At the top of Glacier 3000, discover the very famous Peak Walk by Tissot, the only suspension bridge in the world to link two summits. The ski area also has runs to suit all abilities: beginners at the top and experts at the bottom, with the Combe d'Audon (black run) and the Black Wall (one of the steepest runs in the world!). In summer, other activities such as the Alpine Coaster and hiking offer a unique experience at Glacier 3000.

For hikers and mountain bikers, there are numerous possibilities from the summit of the Col du Pillon. For example, it's a great starting point for exploring the Cascade du Dar, around 25 minutes' walk away. There are also Via Ferrata routes.

Lac Retaud can also be reached on foot from the Col du Pillon (35 minutes) and is a popular swimming spot for the locals. For the less sporty, it is also possible to get there by car via a small mountain road. The Palette summit, with its breathtaking views over the Ormonts valley, the Diablerets massif and the Arnensee, is also accessible in summer from the Col du Pillon car park (around 2 hours' ascent).