Snowkiting is to winter sports what kitesurfing is to the sea. This sliding sport, a kind of snowboarding, is becoming more and more popular. The ski resorts have understood this and are now offering snowkiting spots in all the mountains of France. Let’s take a look at the most beautiful places to practice snowkiting in France.
Snowkiting in the Alps
The French Alps are undoubtedly the gold standard when it comes to offering idyllic locations for snowkiting.
Le Lautaret
A winter sports resort in the Hautes Alpes, the Col du Lautaret benefits from a large amount of snow. This is why it is one of the most popular snowkiting spots in France and the scene of the Snowkite Master’s events that take place there regularly. At the Col du Lautaret, many schools offer equipment rental as well as lessons adapted to the most novice to the most experienced to establish their practice. Do we need to specify that the landscapes are breathtaking? Going down the slopes of the Col du Lautaret is pure happiness.
L’Alpe d’Huez
This ski resort is a real mountain resort, highly appreciated by ski aficionados and by supporters of the Tour de France by bike for its immeasurable curves and passes. The Col du Poutran is very popular with snowkiters ready to take off and soar from this mountain peak. This resort is very suitable for families who wish to discover snowkiting thanks to its numerous schools and experienced instructors. Private or group lessons to learn how to handle the snowkite wing, be sure to find the right formula for your sport.
Tignes and the Grande Motte glacier
This glacier culminates at an altitude of 3,000 metres and offers exceptional snow conditions. However, the typography of the terrain and the wind currents make this place a snowkiting spot reserved for experts, as handling the kite would be perilous for a neophyte. Experienced riders, on the other hand, will be ready to experience thrills and adrenaline rushes like nowhere else. From Tignes, take the Perce-neige funicular and then the Grande Motte cable car. Two lifts later, you’re at the top of this snowkiting mecca and its exceptional landscapes.
Snowkiting in the Pyrenees
Another prestigious mountain range, the Pyrenees offer their most beautiful snowkiting spots, notably in Les Angles.
At Les Angles
Les Angles is probably the most famous mountain range in the Pyrenees and for good reason. Famous for its aerodrome and its natural lake frozen in winter, it is the scene of skate, ski and snowkite lovers. For beginners, the rock of Aude will be ideal to begin its practice in good conditions, and the splendid landscapes do not spoil anything with the pleasure. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced rider, Les Angles is a great place for snowkiting in the Pyrenees.
The Vosges
The Vosges offer many resorts, but the most famous for snowkiting is undoubtedly La Bresse
La Bresse
A large family ski resort, La Bresse offers the best wind and snow conditions. Its wide valley is the ideal playground for snowkiters and the snowkite school offers week-long courses to develop your skills and enjoy nature and strong sensations. The Markstein and Kastelberg spots are renowned in the world of snowkiting and are approved for towed boarding in the Vosges mountains.
The Jura
Winter lovers can only go to the Jura for their sports.
In Les Rousses
The resort of Les Rousses is still protected from the horde of tourists and has managed to preserve its typical spirit of the Jura mountain villages. Bordering Switzerland and culminating at 1,200 metres, this modest resort is nonetheless very pleasant for snowkiting. Moreover, it is here that a competition between the best riders from France and Switzerland takes place every year in January: the Jurakite. An event not to be missed.