Location and surroundings
Haute Corde lies in the Vaud Alps of Switzerland, in Bex in Aigle District. It sits in the wider chain of the Central European Highlands > Alps > Western Alps > Northwestern Alps > Bernese Alps > Vaud Alps. At 2,325 m it is well above the valley settlements, with alpine slopes, ridges and passes around it. In the Vaud Alps it ranks 98th by elevation among 155 named peaks.
The setting is a mountain landscape with short approaches from the surrounding valleys and access points. Nearby huts, passes and summits show that this is a working alpine area used for hiking and mountaineering rather than a single standalone summit.
Neighbouring peaks
- La Corde (peak), 2,153 m, 0.9 km E
- Col de la Poreyrette (mountain pass), 2,044 m, 1.0 km E
- Haute Pointe (peak), 2,421 m, 1.0 km SW
- Tour d'Anzeinde (peak), 2,169 m, 1.1 km NE
- Col des Essets (mountain pass), 2,029 m, 1.4 km E
- Sex des Branlettes (peak), 2,620 m, 1.8 km SE
- Lion d'Argentine (peak), 2,274 m, 2.0 km SW
- Pierre qu'Abotse (peak), 2,735 m, 2.0 km S
The nearest higher peak is Haute Pointe, 2,421 m, just 1.0 km to the southwest. Compared with its neighbours, Haute Corde is lower than several surrounding summits, but it rises above the nearby cols and sits among a tight cluster of peaks and passes.
The view from the summit
From Haute Corde, the main high points within 25 km are spread across the Vaud Alps and adjacent alpine groups. To the southwest are Haute Cime at 3,257 m, 21.4 km away, Tour Sallière at 3,220 m, 23.8 km away, and Cime de l'Est at 3,178 m, 19.1 km away. To the northeast are Wildhorn at 3,250 m, 18.7 km away, and Sommet des Diablerets at 3,210 m, 4.6 km away. To the southeast is Bec des Etagnes at 3,232 m, 24.7 km away.
These are the larger summits that shape the skyline around the peak. Sommet des Diablerets is the closest of the major high points listed, while the others mark the broader alpine horizon in several directions.
The range
Haute Corde belongs to the Vaud Alps, a range with 155 named peaks. Its highest summit is Sommet des Diablerets at 3,210 m, about 5 km northeast of Haute Corde. That makes Haute Corde part of a range with a clear high point but far below it in elevation.
The Vaud Alps are part of the wider Bernese Alps system and extend across the alpine landscape of western Switzerland. In that range, Haute Corde is a mid-ranked peak rather than one of the dominant summits, but it sits close to several named neighbours and passes.
Access and starting points
The nearest settlement is Les Plans-sur-Bex, 4.8 km southwest of the summit. For public transport, Solalex bus stop is 1.4 km northwest and Gryon, La Benjamine bus stop is 1.9 km west. There are two car parks within 2 km, with the nearest 1.3 km northwest. These points give the most practical access to the mountain from the valley side.
OpenStreetMap also shows Cabane Barraud alpine hut 1.6 km northeast, Refuge Giacomini alpine hut 1.8 km northeast, and La Vare alpine hut 1.8 km south. A drinking water point lies 1.3 km northwest and a spring 1.8 km south. From Solalex, the rough walking time to the top is about 1.5–2 hours; from Les Plans-sur-Bex it is about 2.5–4 hours, depending on the route and conditions.
Climate and weather
These are estimates from NASA POWER climate data adjusted to summit height. At the summit, the warmest month is about July at 9 °C, and the coldest is about January at -6 °C. Mean temperatures are above freezing from April through October. In the surrounding area, annual precipitation is about 1,150 mm, with the wettest month in May at about 125 mm and the driest in February at about 70 mm.
At this elevation in the Alps, weather can change quickly, with cold wind, cloud, rain, and snow possible outside the warmest months. Wet ground, lingering snow patches and reduced visibility are common mountain hazards, especially in shoulder seasons.
Best time to visit
The most practical period for a visit is usually the part of the year when the summit is above freezing, from April to October. Even then, early spring and late autumn can still bring snow, icy sections and unstable weather at 2,325 m. The drier months around February and the generally wetter May show that conditions vary through the year, so timing matters.
For hiking or a straightforward alpine ascent, summer and early autumn are generally the most suitable seasons in this part of Switzerland. Snow cover, short daylight in winter and rapid weather changes make the colder months less suitable for most visitors.
Nature and wildlife
The slopes around Haute Corde are typical of the alpine belt in western Switzerland: grass, rock, scree and exposed ridges above the valley floor, with vegetation thinning as elevation increases. Lower down you can expect alpine meadows and scattered mountain plants; higher up the ground becomes more open and sparse.
Wildlife in this kind of terrain often includes mountain birds, chamois and other alpine animals adapted to steep ground and seasonal snow. The area is shaped more by altitude and exposure than by forest, so conditions change quickly with aspect, wind and snow cover.
Guides and organised ascents
For a peak like Haute Corde, a certified mountain guide is sensible if you are unsure of route-finding, snow conditions or alpine movement on steep ground. In Switzerland, guides are represented by the Swiss Mountain Guides Association (SBV/ASGM), an IFMGA/UIAGM member, and the national alpine club is the Swiss Alpine Club (SAC/CAS). Established guiding companies in Switzerland include Zermatters and Bergsteigerschule Pontresina (Go Vertical Mountain Guides).
Organised ascents usually cover route choice, pacing, safety decisions and, when needed, rope work and equipment advice. Visitors often also check with local tourist offices in places such as Solalex, Gryon or Les Plans-sur-Bex for current mountain conditions and access information.
Safety and preparation
Haute Corde is a 2,325 m alpine peak, so visitors should be ready for steep ground, loose rock, sudden weather changes and possible snow patches outside midsummer. Good footwear, layered clothing, navigation tools and enough food and water are important, and an early start helps reduce exposure to afternoon cloud and storms.
For mountain rescue in Switzerland, the direct emergency number is 1414 for Rega air rescue. 144 for ambulance and 112 also work. Download maps before setting out, because reception can vary in the mountains.
Interesting facts
Haute Corde is the 98th highest of 155 named peaks in the Vaud Alps. Its nearest higher neighbour is Haute Pointe, 2,421 m, only 1.0 km away to the southwest. The highest point in the range, Sommet des Diablerets, lies about 5 km to the northeast.
The peak sits in Bex, in Aigle District, and is surrounded by a compact group of named summits and passes. That makes it a useful reference point for short alpine traverses and for understanding the local ridge system.
FAQ
How high is Haute Corde? It rises to 2,325 m in the Vaud Alps of Switzerland.
Where is Haute Corde located? It is in the municipality of Bex, in Aigle District, canton Vaud, in western Switzerland.
What is the nearest higher peak? The nearest higher summit is Haute Pointe, 2,421 m, 1.0 km southwest.
What are the closest peaks and passes? Nearby are La Corde, Col de la Poreyrette, Haute Pointe, Tour d'Anzeinde, Col des Essets, Sex des Branlettes, Lion d'Argentine and Pierre qu'Abotse.
Are there huts on Haute Corde? Nearby huts and shelters include Cabane Barraud, an alpine hut 1.6 km northeast; La Vare, an alpine hut 1.8 km south; and Refuge Giacomini, an alpine hut 1.8 km northeast.
Is there water on the way to Haute Corde? Yes: there is drinking water 1.3 km northwest of the summit and a spring 1.8 km south. Even so, carry enough for the day, usually 1.5-3 litres depending on heat and route length.
How long does it take to walk up from Solalex? From Solalex bus stop, the rough walking time is about 1.5-2 hours. It is an estimate from distance and height gain, and the real path may be longer.
Is mobile phone coverage reliable? Four communication masts are mapped within 10 km, and the nearest is 7.6 km west. On open ground a signal is more likely, but it can fail in valleys and behind ridges. Always download maps before you go, and 112 reaches emergency services over any available network.