Lioson Lake at Les Mosses: easy hike and swimming at altitude

Lake Lioson, a turquoise gem above Les Mosses

Perched at about 1850 m above sea level, in the municipality of Ormont-Dessous, Lake Lioson is one of the most beautiful surprises of the Vaud Alps. It is accessed via Les Mosses, just above the Col des Mosses, and the first sight of the lake greatly rewards the ascent: deep turquoise water, nestled in the hollow of the alpine pastures, surrounded by fir trees and cliffs. It's the kind of scenery that makes children say "wow" even before they've set down their bags. Ideal for a first real hike at altitude, the site remains accessible to families while offering a true high mountain atmosphere. People come here to walk a bit, picnic by the water, and enjoy a break away from it all.

What your children will discover

Lake Lioson is primarily a color unlike any other: an almost unreal turquoise that changes with the daylight. Your children will discover a real high-altitude lake, with its trout and char that fishermen tease from the shore. The loop around the lake (about 1.5 km) is done at a leisurely pace and allows for varying viewpoints. Upon arrival, near the mountain restaurant, a small animal park always makes an impression: ponies, goats, rabbits, chickens, and little pigs delight the youngest. It's a great opportunity to talk about life in the mountains, the alpine pastures, and the water that comes from melting snow.

What to do there and the atmosphere on site

The atmosphere is that of a peaceful alpine pasture: you walk, observe, and catch your breath. Once at the top, several options are available to you. Walk around the lake, spread out a blanket for a picnic by the water, or settle on the terrace of the Lake Lioson restaurant for a fondue or a plate of specialties. The bravest will attempt swimming: the water is clear but very cold, best reserved for the heart of summer and good swimmers. The children will happily spend a long time by the animals in the park. All this in a mineral and green setting, without traffic, where you mainly hear the wind and the bells of the herds.

Before you go

• Recommended age: from 4 years for regular walkers (steady ascent of about 1h to 1h30).
• Duration: plan for half a day (ascent, loop around the lake, picnic, animals).
• Price: free access and hiking; expenses at the mountain restaurant are your responsibility.
• Reservation: none for the walk; reservation recommended at the restaurant for groups (to be confirmed on the site).
• Accessibility for strollers/PRM: no, mountain path, not suitable for strollers.
• Transport: parking at Col des Mosses; postal bus stop "Col des Mosses, Poste". A closer parking area exists at Lioson d'en Bas (shorter walking duration).
• To bring: good hiking shoes, water, snacks, warm layer and windbreaker (it can be cool at altitude), sunscreen, swimsuit and towel for the brave.
• Ideal season: from mid-June to the end of October, when the mountain restaurant is open and the paths are clear.

Parents' tips

• Leave in the morning: the light is beautiful on the lake and you'll avoid the heat of the ascent.
• To shorten the effort with young children, drive up to the parking lot at Lioson d'en Bas: only about half an hour of walking remains.
• Always bring a warm layer: even in the middle of summer, the wind can be chilly at 1850 m.
• Swimming is not spontaneous: the water is very cold, keep the little ones at the edge and watch them closely.
• Save some time for the animal park at the end: it's often the highlight for the children.

Useful information

• Address: Lake Lioson, above Col des Mosses, municipality of Ormont-Dessous (1862 Les Mosses), Vaud.
• Official site: alpesvaudoises.ch
• Hours: natural site freely accessible; mountain restaurant open from about mid-June to the end of October (exact hours to be confirmed on the official site).
• Access: car to Col des Mosses (parking), then walk up; by public transport, postal bus to "Col des Mosses, Poste" then about 1h of walking.

Want more outings? Find all our activities in Ormont-Dessous.

Why we recommend it

Lake Lioson ticks all the boxes for a successful first mountain outing with family: a short and steady walk, a spectacular reward upon arrival, options for picnicking or dining on site, and an animal park that lights up the eyes of the youngest. It's a simple, free, and memorable nature outing, within reach of the Romandy region.

In two words

An easy hike above Les Mosses to a turquoise lake at 1850 m, with swimming for the brave and a small animal park: the ideal alpine adventure to start as a family.