CS2027 dates

Snowkite spot · France

Semnoz

Practical notes from riders: launch, parking and what to watch out for.

Show on the map45.7909, 6.0975
Nearest airport
NCYAnnecy Meythet airport, 15 km

Forecast and webcams

Before you go

Forecasts often disagree. When Windguru, ALADIN and Windy agree, it is worth going.

Under the snow

Surface and skis

Riders have not described the ground under the snow. Early in the season and after a thaw, expect things to stick out.

Rule of thumb: the smoother the ground, the less snow you need. On a mown meadow riders usually start from about 20 to 30 cm; on stubble, ploughed fields or dwarf pine you need much more.

Bring rock skis

For your first sessions, early in the season and anywhere the snow is thin, use old skis (“rock skis”) or an old snowboard. A stone hidden just under the snow can cut the base of new skis on the very first run.

Tips for this spot

  • On hills the wind is stronger and gustier than the forecast says. Behind a forest it breaks and swirls, so launch well away from trees.
  • Wind and frost add up: at −5 °C and 20 knots (10 m/s) it feels like about −14 °C. Goggles, a balaclava and spare gloves.
  • Frozen snow is hard: a helmet and back protector are worth it even on a flat plateau.

On site

Wind and riding area

riding areaPparking

From riders

What you need to know

Watch out for

  • Large numbers of hikers, cross-country skiers, and downhill skiers arrive during the morning.Facebook group Snowkiteurs des Savoie 2025

Parking

  • Car park about 250 m from the spot, free.OpenStreetMap

Conditions

  • Rideable from 8-9 knots (4–5 m/s), though 9 knots (5 m/s) is marginal for inflatable (LEI) kites.Facebook group Snowkiteurs des Savoie 2026

Riders' tips

  • FFVL weather stations can be used for live wind and history at the summit; Meteoblue does not distinguish between the summit and the resort.Facebook group Snowkiteurs des Savoie 2025
  • A smaller kite is enough on hardpack or groomed snow, while deep or heavy powder requires more power.Facebook group Snowkiteurs des Savoie 2026
  • It pays off to head out early in the morning before the crowds of hikers and skiers arrive.Facebook group Snowkiteurs des Savoie 2025

Facilities

  • Ski resortcommunity map
In riders' own words
  • „OpenStreetMap way/257123696“
  • „OpenStreetMap way/1237547894“
  • „avant l'arrivé massive des randonneurs, fondeurs et skieurs“
  • „tu sors à partir de 8-9 kt“
  • „je vais au Semnoz demain mais 9 noeuds annoncé ça serait un peu juste pour du boudin“
  • „Snowkite + ski areál“
  • „neige dure ou damée : ta plus petite aile ; poudreuse profonde ou lourde t'auras besoin de plus de jus“
  • „la rose des vents (avec orientation et force des vents dominants) est la même au sommet du Semnoz et dans la station du Semnoz“
  • „Balises meteo FFVL“
  • „Le vent était présent au petit matin mais vers 11h, il s'était éteint, le temps de profiter de quelques bords bien sympa et surtout avant l'arrivé massive“

Photos from the area

Crêt de Châtillon @ Plateau du Semnoz (51749501224)
Crêt de Châtillon @ Plateau du Semnoz (51749501224) · 132 m from the spot
Guilhem Vellut from Annecy, France, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Chalet Vial @ Plateau du Semnoz (51230170872)
Chalet Vial @ Plateau du Semnoz (51230170872) · 133 m from the spot
Guilhem Vellut from Annecy, France, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Plateau du Semnoz (51231089993)
Plateau du Semnoz (51231089993) · 138 m from the spot
Guilhem Vellut from Annecy, France, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Wind by month

When it blows

Average wind speed 10 m above ground from NASA POWER (MERRA-2, 2001–2025). The model works on a grid of roughly 50 km; on hills and by the water the wind is often stronger and gustier.

windiest monthsaverage wind in knots, NASA POWER; below the month in m/s

Values by month
January4.7 knots · 2.4 m/s
February4.8 knots · 2.5 m/s
March4.9 knots · 2.5 m/s
April4.8 knots · 2.5 m/s
May4.8 knots · 2.5 m/s
June4.6 knots · 2.4 m/s
July4.5 knots · 2.3 m/s
August4.3 knots · 2.2 m/s
September4.4 knots · 2.3 m/s
October4.5 knots · 2.3 m/s
November4.3 knots · 2.2 m/s
December4.6 knots · 2.4 m/s

Nearby

More spots within 60 km

Been there?

Add what you know

Parking changed, a new ban, a new obstacle in the water? Tell us, we will check it and update the page.

Sources: Community kite spot map at kiteboarding.cz; Riders' reports in public kite groups on Facebook (Snowkiteurs des Savoie). Wind NASA POWER, airports OurAirports, photos Wikimedia Commons (author and licence with each photo). As of 17 October 2026. These are riders' reports; local rules change, so look around before you ride and follow local signs.

A week on the water

Kite safari in the Red Sea

8 days on a yacht from Hurghada to the islands of the northern Red Sea. Next departure 7-14 November 2026, the 2027 dates are coming soon.

See the safari

The safari is organised by Mohamed of Paradise Kitesurf Red Sea. I've known him for years and we work together.