Save this place and discover nearby attractions with NextOnTrip
In the app you can add it to your favorites, see what else is worth visiting nearby on the map, and earn a badge for your visit.
The app is available for iPhone and Android.
About this place
Tour d'Aï is a 2,331 m summit above the resort of Leysin in the canton of Vaud, Switzerland. It is the high point of the Leysin massif and rises on the range between the Rhone valley and the Col des Mosses, south of Lake Geneva. The neighbouring Tour de Mayen sits beside it, and both peaks are visible from the lakeshore.
Where is Tour d'Aï?
The mountain stands straight above Leysin in the Vaud Alps, on the western edge of the Bernese Alps. Its rocky profile, topped by a summit cross, dominates the village skyline. From the surrounding slopes you look out over the Rhone valley and Lake Geneva.
How do you get to Tour d'Aï?
From Leysin, take the gondola up to La Berneuse. Most visitors start their walk to Tour d'Aï from there. The alternative is to approach from the hamlet of Aï, which you reach by chairlift. The summit itself is reached on foot or by via ferrata, so bring sturdy hiking boots and a decent level of mountain fitness.
What can you do here?
- Via ferrata. The Tour d'Aï route is graded K3: demanding and very exposed. It ends at the summit cross, and you walk down to the village of Aï. Helmet, harness and full ferrata kit are required.
- Hiking. Trails link the top of the Berneuse lift with Tour d'Aï, and route descriptions are listed by the Vaud Alps tourism sites.
- Panorama spotting. It is a good place to take in the Alps, Mont Blanc and Lake Geneva in a single view.
What will you see from the top?
On a clear day you see the Alps, Lake Geneva and Mont Blanc, and the Jura plateau to the north. Over on La Berneuse, the revolving Kuklos restaurant offers a 360-degree view, which makes it a handy stop before or after your climb. There is no restaurant on the Tour d'Aï summit itself, so pack food and water.
When should you go?
Summer and early autumn are best, when the lifts run and the ferrata is open. In summer 2024 the Berneuse gondola operated daily from 15 June to 3 November; timetables change by year, so check current hours with Leysin before you travel. Start early, when visibility tends to be better and mountain weather steadier.
Frequently asked questions
How high is Tour d'Aï?
It reaches 2,331 m above sea level and is the highest point of the Leysin massif.
Does a cable car go to the top of Tour d'Aï?
Not to the summit. The gondola from Leysin ends at La Berneuse, and you continue to Tour d'Aï on foot. Alternatively, a chairlift serves the village of Aï.
Is the Tour d'Aï via ferrata hard?
It is graded K3, which means fairly difficult and very exposed. It suits people with vertical-terrain experience and their own or rented equipment.
Where can you eat nearby?
The closest known restaurant is the revolving Kuklos on La Berneuse. There is no food service on the Tour d'Aï summit, so bring a picnic.
Nearby places
Earn badges for the places you visit
Download NextOnTrip, discover new places and check off your trails.