La Dôle
Mountain Alpine mountain in Jura range, ski and hike area
La Dôle crowns a Jura ridge with ski slopes, cross-country tracks and summer hiking; summit viewpoints look toward Lake Geneva and the Alps, attracting walkers, skiers and paragliders.
La Dôle is a mountain in the Swiss Jura within the canton of Vaud, with a summit at about 1,677 metres above sea level. It is a prominent local high point offering long-distance views across the region.
The summit and surrounding slopes provide panoramic viewpoints over Lake Geneva, the Alps and the French Jura and are used for hiking, cross-country skiing and nature observation. A communications mast and weather station occupy parts of the summit area.
The mountain has long been used for local recreation and scientific observation; infrastructure for meteorological and communications purposes was added in the 20th century. The area has developed as a managed outdoor recreation zone.
La Dôle sits in the Jura range in the western part of Switzerland’s Vaud canton, close to the French border and within reach of the Lake Geneva region.
- Summit elevation and views: Summit elevation is approximately 1,677 metres, and it is a popular point for panoramic views over Lake Geneva and the Alps on clear days.
- Outdoor activities: Facilities support hiking in summer and cross-country skiing in winter, with marked trails and local ski areas on the Jura slopes.
How to Get to La Dôle #
By car, follow autoroutes toward Nyon and head north into the Jura via the A1 and local roads to Saint-Cergue/La Dôle. Public transport: take a train to Nyon, then regional bus to St-Cergue; from there several marked trails and a small local lift lead up toward the summit region.
Tips for Visiting La Dôle #
- On clear days the ridge path offers views of Lake Geneva and the Jura - aim for late afternoon light.
- The summit is exposed: pack layers even in summer and watch for sudden fog.
- There are several marked routes from nearby passes; the trail from Le Brassus is quieter than from the roadhead near Montricher.
Best Time to Visit La Dôle #
Visit in summer for hiking and clear panoramas; winter appeals to snow sports but requires caution.
Weather & Climate near La Dôle #
La Dôle's climate is classified as Subarctic - Subarctic climate with cool summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -5°C to 18°C. Abundant rainfall (1581 mm/year), wettest in December, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of 0°C and lows of -5°C. Significant rainfall (145 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -5°C. Significant rainfall (141 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is freezing with highs of 3°C and lows of -4°C. Significant rainfall (120 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -2°C. Significant rainfall (122 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (128 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (133 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (111 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 9°C. Significant rainfall (112 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (121 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (134 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of -2°C. Significant rainfall (155 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -4°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (159 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
