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About this place
Le Merdasson is a summit in the Vaud Prealps above Montreux, in the Swiss canton of Vaud. At roughly 1,858 m above sea level, it sits on the same ridge as the much busier Dent de Jaman and offers a full panorama of Lake Geneva with a fraction of the crowds.
Where is Le Merdasson?
The peak rises above Montreux between the Jaman pass and the Rochers-de-Naye massif, at about 46.438° N, 6.973° E. The Vaud Prealps are gentler than the main Alpine chain, yet they still have rocky crests and open pastures.
How do you get to the top?
The easiest approach is the train from Montreux towards Rochers-de-Naye. Get off at La Perche and the summit is about 200 m away. There is no official trail to the top, so you follow the faint tracks through the grass. The slope is fairly steep but needs no climbing skills.
A popular alternative is an 11 km loop from the Haut-de-Caux car park with around 800 m of ascent. The first 700 m follow the railway to the Crêt d'y Bau stop; to skip that stretch, take the train there. The loop links Merdasson with the Dent de Jaman and is generally rated moderate to difficult.
What can you see from the summit?
Lake Geneva spreads out below, the Rochers-de-Naye rise behind you and the Dents du Midi line the horizon. Merdasson is far less visited than the Dent de Jaman or Rochers-de-Naye, so a quiet moment on top is easy to find.
When is the best time to go?
Hike between May and October, when the ridge is free of snow. The wind on top can be icy, so pack an extra layer even on a clear day. In winter the peak is a ski-touring objective: a route described by an alpine club starts around Les Cases and La Joux, passes La Perche and climbs about 858 m.
Frequently asked questions
How high is Le Merdasson?
About 1,858 m.
Is there a marked path to the summit?
No. From the La Perche stop a faint track leads about 200 m uphill.
Can I get there without a car?
Yes. Take the Montreux train towards Rochers-de-Naye and get off at La Perche or Crêt d'y Bau.
Is it a good winter trip?
Only with mountain experience. It is a classic ski-tour objective, and outside the season the ridge can be icy and windy.
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