Le Tarent

Le Tarent is a 2,548 m peak rising above Les Diablerets in the municipality of Ormont-Dessus, canton of Vaud. It sits in the western Bernese Alps and is the highest summit of the chain that runs north of the Col du Pillon.

Where is Le Tarent?

The massif stands close to the border between Vaud and Bern, at roughly 46.38° N, 7.15° E. It is a cluster of summits rather than a single spike: Le Tarent is the high point, with Châtillon (2,478 m) and La Para (about 2,540 m) among its neighbours. The Col du Pillon pass, at 1,546 m, marks the southern limit of the group.

How do you get there?

Les Diablerets is the natural base, and the mountain road to the Col du Pillon starts nearby. On the north side, the village of L'Etivaz is the usual starting point. For summer walkers the best-documented outing is La Para: it begins at Lac Retaud near the Col du Pillon, passes the Isenau and Arpille pastures, and takes around 5 hours as a round trip. The regional tourist board rates it as demanding and suited to people used to mountain paths.

What can you do here in winter?

The massif is a ski-touring favourite. The Alpes Vaudoises guides describe a route from L'Etivaz of about 14 km with some 1,530 m of climbing, graded AD. It follows the Eau Froide valley to the hamlet of Les Maulatreys, passes the Fodéra and Lévanchy chalets, enters the Combe de Châtillon, then reaches the Col du Tarent and the summit slope. A Châtillon variant can also be taken along the east ridge. The touring season generally runs from December to April, depending on conditions. The routes are neither marked nor secured, so avalanche risk has to be assessed on the day, ideally with a guide.

When should you go?

From June to September the area suits hiking around Isenau and Lac Retaud, plus the ascent of La Para. In winter and early spring, ski tours on Le Tarent and Châtillon are possible in settled weather with stable snow. Check the current forecast and avalanche bulletin before setting out.

What else is nearby?

Les Diablerets is known for the Glacier 3000 cable cars at the Col du Pillon, and the village doubles as a ski and climbing centre. The surrounding Vaudois Alps pastures supply cheese made in summer alpine dairies, and L'Etivaz gives its name to a well-known cheese.

Frequently asked questions

How high is Le Tarent?

2,548 m above sea level, the highest point of the range north of the Col du Pillon.

Is there a marked summer trail to the summit?

The best-documented summer route in the massif goes to neighbouring La Para from Lac Retaud, about 5 hours return. Le Tarent itself is described mainly as a ski-touring objective.

How hard is the ski tour?

The Châtillon variant from L'Etivaz is graded AD, roughly 14 km long with 1,530 m of ascent.

Where exactly is it?

In the canton of Vaud, Switzerland, in the Ormont-Dessus and Les Diablerets area, close to the Bern border.