Saint-Cergue ice rink: free open-air skating at the foot of the slopes

An open-air village ice rink

In the heart of Saint-Cergue, at the foot of the ski slopes, an open-air ice rink is set up each winter. Open to the sky and to the fresh air of the Vaud Jura, it's the cold-season ice gathering for local families. The atmosphere is friendly and easy-going, and best of all: both entry and skate hire are free. So you can come and glide as a family without worrying about the budget, at over 1,000 metres of altitude.

What your children will discover

It's the ideal place for first steps on the ice: beginners put on the skates lent on site and move at their own pace, in a reassuring village setting. The more confident try their hand at ice hockey, and the season also brings festive moments (themed evenings). At this altitude, you really feel winter: bracing cold, sometimes snow all around, and the simple pleasure of gliding.

What you do and the atmosphere on site

You borrow a pair of skates, step onto the ice and glide. When legs need a break, the snack bar serves something to warm up. The atmosphere is relaxed, typical of a village ice rink. For a proper winter's day, you can easily combine the rink with the little train ride and the snow activities nearby.

Before you go

• Recommended age: from 3-4 years old with an adult; beginners welcome
• Duration: free skating, at your own pace
• Price: free entry and free skate hire
• Opening hours: in winter, varying with the school holidays (evening sessions on some days); check before heading up
• What to bring: gloves and a hat; a helmet is advised for little beginners
• Transport: NStCM train to Saint-Cergue, rink in the heart of the village
• Best season: in winter, depending on the weather and ice conditions

Parents' tips

• Check the hours (different during the school holidays) and the ice conditions before heading up.
• Bring gloves and a hat; a helmet reassures little ones who are just starting out.
• Combine it with the NStCM train ride up: the adventure starts with the journey.
• The snack bar offers a welcome warm break between glides.
• For a group or a school outing, contact the manager in advance.

Useful information

• Address: Chemin Jean-Jacques Rousseau, 1264 Saint-Cergue (at the foot of the slopes)
• Contact: [email protected], +41 79 964 82 88
• Official website: st-cergue.ch
• Opening hours: in winter, varying with the school holidays (check the website or by phone)
• Getting there: NStCM train to Saint-Cergue; the rink is in the heart of the village

Why we recommend it

Because it's the simplest and most authentic ice outing: an open-air village ice rink, free, skates included, at the foot of the Jura slopes. Ideal for first steps on the ice, in a mountain setting that's easy to reach by train.

In a nutshell

An open-air village ice rink in Saint-Cergue, free (entry and skates), at the foot of the Jura slopes, all winter long.