Espace Dôle

At the Espace Dôle resort you will enjoy a breathtaking view of the Alps, Lake Geneva and a vast ski area without borders. Better known as “La Dôle”, the area is easily identifiable thanks to its curious “white mushroom” at the top. The Dôle massif is the highest point in the Franco-Swiss area at 1677m.

The Espace Dôle ski resort

In 1779, Goethe discovered the view from La Dôle and wrote in his travel diary: “There are no words to express the beauty and grandeur of this spectacle”. At any time of the year, the summit of La Dôle is a favourite destination for hikers and nature lovers: along the way, the unspoilt fauna offers a beautiful spectacle, and at the end, a breathtaking panorama rewards the efforts made.

The Espace Dôle ski resort is located 20 km from Nyon and 40 km from Geneva, where it offers one of the most varied ski areas in the Jura. The slopes, ranging from green to black, are accessible to beginners as well as more experienced skiers.

Equipped with a chairlift at four points and eight ski lifts, the domain extends from 1230 to 1678 metres above sea level.

At the summit, the Dôle ski resort offers one of the most beautiful views over Lake Geneva and the Swiss and French Alps. Easily accessible on foot and by train, Espace Dôle offers ideal downhill skiing for families.

Espace Dôle ski resort commits to sustainable development

The “Syndicat Mixte de Développement Touristique de la Station des Rousses” (SMDT) has announced the signing of a “transactional protocol” on the project to modernise the resort of Les Rousses and the Dôle-Tuffes link.

The cross-border project has a clear objective: to enhance the natural and sporting heritage of the Swiss Dôle and French Tuffes massifs. To this end, investments are focused on supporting tourism in the nearby resorts by modernising infrastructures and offering new services and activities in both summer and winter. All this is done with a focus on the economic development of the region while preserving the natural and cultural heritage of the area.

To achieve this, the ERDF (European Regional Development Fund) is supporting the La Dôle-Les Tuffes operation by investing 4.5 million euros through the France-Switzerland INTERREG fund. The Burgundy-Franche-Comté region has also provided financial support of 980,000 euros, while SAEM SOGESTAR, the company managing the Les Rousses resort, is investing 759,000 euros in the Dôle-Tuffes project.

Unforgettable experiences in Espace Dôle resort

Espace Dôle is full of activities such as canoeing, hiking, dog sledding, via ferrata, canyoning, climbing, sailing, Nordic skiing, swimming, fishing, cycling, snowshoeing, mountain races, horse-drawn carriage rides, paragliding, mountain biking, alpine skiing, caving, hot air ballooning, golf, scuba diving, paragliding, tree climbing, electric skateboarding and ski joëring.

What would a holiday in the mountains be without a little sledging? Sledging is the most popular activity in the mountains during the winter season. Let’s not kid ourselves, whether you’re young or old, one or more sledging trips are always a fun-filled moment and a great memory.

The Espace Dôle mountain resort in summer

Climbing enthusiasts will be well catered for at this resort. The resort offers two sites with about fifteen routes each, so you’ll be spoilt for choice. Routes are offered for everyone, regardless of levels and different desires.

Hotels in the Espace Dôle station

Château de Bonmont ****

The Château de Bonmont welcomes you in a peaceful rural setting, just 7 km from Nyon and Lake Geneva.

Looking for a luxury hotel in La Dôle? Welcome to the Chateau de Bonmont, an establishment of choice for travellers like you.

Free Wi-Fi access is available to guests and rooms at the Hotel Chateau De Bonmont are equipped with a minibar.

During your stay you can take advantage of the hotel’s services, such as 24-hour reception, newspaper and luggage storage. Guests of the Chateau de Bonmont can also use the hotel’s swimming pool and lounge. Free parking is available for guests.

Chalet OTT

Beautiful newly renovated chalet for 12 people with sauna and Nordic bath, less than 100 m from the alpine ski slopes of Jouvencelles and the cross-country ski and snowshoe trails. No need to bring your car. Fireplace available, long balcony, veranda, terrace, parking spaces.

Also note that there are about 20 steps up to the chalet. Also, it has 4 bedrooms: the first one has a double bed; the second one has a double bed and a single bed; the third one is the biggest one, with a double bed, two single beds and an extra bed; while the fourth bedroom has only a sofa bed.

Skiing in Espace Dôle: the resort’s highlights

Espace Dôle, also known as Dôle-Télécabine, is located in the Vaudois Jura, near the French-Swiss border, between the villages of Saint-Cergue and La Dôle. Despite its modest size, it is a resort much loved by French-speaking Swiss and those looking for a peaceful, accessible ski getaway with spectacular views of Lake Geneva and the Alps. Its proximity to Geneva (less than an hour away) makes it an ideal destination for weekend getaways or for families wanting to try their hand at skiing.

A natural and panoramic ski area

The Espace Dôle ski area extends between 1,230 and 1,678 meters above sea level, offering 23 km of varied slopes that wind through fir forests and open meadows.

The setting is typically Jura: unspoiled nature, silence, and a relaxing atmosphere. The slopes are mostly red and blue, perfect for intermediate skiers and those looking for recreational skiing with breathtaking scenery.

From the top of La Dôle, the view takes in Lake Geneva, Mont Blanc and, on clear days, even the Bernese Alps.

Families, beginners and tranquility

Espace Dôle is especially designed for families and beginners. The local ski school offers small group lessons and personalized attention, while the Les Dappes area has a safe space for beginners.

The atmosphere is serene and family-friendly, far from the large Alpine crowds. It is a perfect resort for those looking to ski at their own pace, without pressure or queues, enjoying direct contact with nature.

Activities beyond skiing

In addition to downhill skiing, Espace Dôle offers a wide range of winter activities: snowshoe trails, cross-country ski trails connecting to Saint-Cergue, and scenic routes ideal for hiking.

The area is part of the Jura Vaudois Natural Park, so respect for the environment and sustainability are priorities.

Families can also enjoy sledding areas and excursions with views of Lake Geneva, ideal for combining sport and leisure.

Gastronomy and local atmosphere

The Vaudois Jura region is famous for its simple and authentic cuisine. Mountain restaurants offer traditional dishes such as Swiss fondue, rösti, and local cheeses.

Alpine refuges, such as the Chalet de la Dôle, are perfect for a charming break with local products. In Saint-Cergue, cafés and small brasseries maintain the welcoming spirit of the Swiss mountains.

Accessibility and sustainability

One of the great attractions of Espace Dôle is its accessibility. From Geneva, you can take the train to Nyon and from there the NStCM (Nyon–Saint-Cergue–La Cure) rack railway, which goes directly up to the resort.

This rail access makes Espace Dôle a model of sustainable mobility and an excellent choice for those who want to ski without a car.

Tips from the I Love Ski Community for skiing in Espace Dôle

• Head up to La Dôle early: The views of the sunrise over Lake Geneva and Mont Blanc are unforgettable.
• Ideal for families: A perfect domain for children and beginners looking for safe and easy-to-manage slopes.
• Ski among the forests: The slopes of Les Dappes offer a magical feeling of calm and connection with nature.
• Try a local fondue: In the Jura mountain huts, fondue is enjoyed in front of open, peaceful landscapes.
• Travel by train from Geneva: An eco-friendly, comfortable, and authentically Swiss experience.