Impact Experience
- Friday, August 21, 2026
- Glacier 3000, Col du Pillon
Glaciers & Water
Together with Dr. Matthias Huss, director of the Swiss Glacier Monitoring Network GLAMOS (ETH Zurich), we explore the glacial landscape and examine the question: Where does the water in the Saanenland come from, and what does the retreat of the glaciers mean for our region?
Following the guided “Science Walk,” a “fireside chat” brings science and tourism together. The event concludes with lunch featuring panoramic views at the Botta mountain restaurant.
Program
8:15–8:45 a.m. Shuttle from Gstaad to Col du Pillon (optional)
9:00–9:30 a.m. Ascent to Glacier 3000
9:30–11:30 a.m. Guided Science Walk with Dr. Matthias Huss (GLAMOS / ETH Zurich)
11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. “Fireside Chat” at the Botta Mountain Restaurant
- Matthias Huss
GLAMOS / ETH Zurich) - Patrick Bauer
Gstaad Saanenland Tourism
12:00 – 1:30 p.m. Lunch
3-course meal, Botta Restaurant, Glacier 3000
1:30–2:00 p.m. Return trip by mountain railway
Shuttle back to Gstaad (optional)
Attendance at this event is by personal invitation from Impact Gstaad only.
Dr. Matthias Huss
Dr. Matthias Huss is a senior researcher at ETH Zurich and the University of Fribourg, as well as a visiting researcher at the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (WSL). He has served as director of the Swiss Glacier Monitoring Network (GLAMOS) since 2016.
His research focuses on the observation and modeling of glaciers at various scales, ranging from individual sites to global assessments of the contribution of glaciers to sea-level rise and regional water availability. He has developed a series of models to study how glaciers respond to climate change, and his work also extends to other components of the Alpine cryosphere, including permafrost and natural hazards.
As director of GLAMOS, he is committed to communicating scientific findings on glacier change in Switzerland to the general public—a responsibility he considers an essential part of his role as a researcher. Matthias Huss completed his doctoral thesis in glaciology at ETH Zurich in 2009.
INFORMATION
General Information
- Meeting point: Col du Pillon or optional shuttle from Gstaad (8:15 a.m.)
- Meals: Lunch, including mineral water and coffee (included in the price)
- Language: German
- Clothing: Hiking boots and weatherproof clothing are recommended
Costs & Services
Unkostenbeitrag:
- For members: Free
- With a Half-Fare Card or GA: CHF 40.00
- Without a Half-Fare Card or GA Card: CHF 60.-
Services:
- Lunch, including mineral water and coffee
- Guided Science Walk
- Mountain railway ride
- Shuttle from Gstaad to Col du Pillon (optional)
The number of participants is limited to 25. Registrations will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.