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About this place
Lac Lioson is a small mountain lake in the municipality of Ormont-Dessous, just above the Col des Mosses pass and the village of Les Mosses in the canton of Vaud, Switzerland. It sits at roughly 1,848 m above sea level beneath Pic Chaussy, in the Vaud Alps, and covers about 7 hectares.
Where is Lac Lioson?
The lake lies in the Pic Chaussy massif, several hundred metres higher than the Col des Mosses (1,445 m). It belongs to Ormont-Dessous, at about 46.386° N, 7.129° E. The surroundings are wild and almost undeveloped, with high alpine pasture around the water.
How do you hike to Lac Lioson?
Most walkers start at the Col des Mosses or at the car park in Lioson d'en Bas, higher up the approach. A signpost at the pass gives about 1 hour 10 minutes to the lake. From the Lioson d'en Bas car park the walk takes roughly 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the source. The gradient is steady and the path is often recommended for families.
If you want a longer day, a loop from the centre of Les Mosses covers about 9.4 km with around 500 m of ascent and takes about four hours. A variant via Pra Cornet and La Lécherette runs about 9.8 km with 640 m of climbing.
You can reach Les Mosses by car or public transport: take a CFF train to Aigle, change to the Aigle – Les Diablerets line as far as Le Sépey, then continue uphill to the pass.
What will you see at the lake?
Lac Lioson sits in a bowl of rock and meadow, with Pic Chaussy (2,351 m) rising above it. The summit is about two hours on foot from the car park, so many visitors combine the lake with the climb. A mountain hut, the Refuge du Lac Lioson, stands nearby and makes a natural stop.
When should you go?
Summer and early autumn are best, when the trails are clear of snow. The water is usually very cold, so swimming is mainly a midsummer pastime. Check your route and the forecast before setting off, as walking times vary with the starting point.
Frequently asked questions
How high is Lac Lioson?
About 1,848 m above sea level, roughly 400 m above the Col des Mosses.
How long is the walk from the Col des Mosses?
The pass signpost shows about 1 hour 10 minutes. From the Lioson d'en Bas car park it is shorter.
Can you climb Pic Chaussy from here?
Yes. The summit (2,351 m) is about two hours from the car park, and the pass signpost gives 2 hours 45 minutes.
Can you swim in the lake?
The water is very cold, so swimming is only advisable in high summer and for well-acclimatised swimmers.
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