La Pare

Tornette, also called La Para or La Pare, is a summit of about 2,540 m in the western Bernese Alps, canton of Vaud. It rises above Les Diablerets on the edge of the Pays-d'Enhaut region, the district that Château-d'Oex belongs to. Hikers come for the Isenau alpine pastures and a full 360-degree panorama from the top.

Where is Tornette?

The peak stands in the range north of the Col du Pillon pass (1,546 m) and is one of several summits of the Le Tarent massif, whose highest point reaches 2,548 m. The surrounding valleys and pastures link the Les Diablerets side with Pays-d'Enhaut and the village of L'Etivaz. Maps and guides use three names: La Para, La Pare and La Tornette.

How do you reach the summit?

The standard summer route begins at Lac Retaud near the Col du Pillon. The trail passes Isenau and its mountain chalets, continues through Metreile and the Arpille pastures, and finishes with a steep climb to the top. The descent goes via the Col du Seron (2,153 m) and back to Arpille.

Local tourism material puts the round trip from Lac Retaud at around five hours. The hike is demanding and suits people who are confident on mountain paths.

What can you see from the top?

The summit gives an all-round view of the neighbouring Vaud and Bernese peaks. On the way up you walk through the Isenau grazing land, typical of Pays-d'Enhaut, where cattle spend the summer.

Can you ski-tour Tornette?

Yes. The winter route starts in L'Etivaz and crosses the Col du Seron. It covers about 15 km with roughly 1,400 m of ascent, is graded PD-, and is aimed at experienced skiers. The season usually runs from December to April. The route is unmarked and exposed to avalanche risk, so check the current bulletin before setting out.

When should you go?

Hike in summer or early autumn, when the path is free of snow. Start early to be back before the afternoon thunderstorms that are common in the Alps. In winter the mountain belongs to ski tourers.

Frequently asked questions

Are Tornette and La Para the same mountain? Yes. They are alternative names for the same peak above Les Diablerets; La Pare is a third variant.

How high is Tornette? The most common figure is 2,540 m. Some tourist pages list 2,530 or 2,529 m, which usually refers to the highest point of the trail.

How long does the hike take? The full loop from Lac Retaud takes about five hours.

Is it an easy family walk? No. The final ascent is steep, and the route requires fitness and mountain experience.