Chasseron
- Freeride, Freestyle
- Best for
- Beginner to Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Busy
- Crowd Level
- 12–25 kts
- Wind Range
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
Chasseron is a high-altitude ridge snowkiting spot in the Swiss Jura near Bullet/Les Rasses. The launch is described as a wide ridge and rolling plateaus near the summit (around 1607 meters), giving a large open riding area that varies with wind direction. Access is typically routed via Les Rasses: either by ski lift to the ridge or by hiking/skin-up from parking, with an additional option to drive up when snow is light. Wind is most consistently reported from NE, ENE, SSW, and SW, with typical speeds described around 12–25 knots. The spot is especially noted for steadier conditions in cold NE Bise flow, though the leeward sides of the ridge can develop turbulence depending on direction. Gusts are described as moderate, and winds can become very strong on the exposed ridge. Safety is a key concern. Sources warn about abrupt cliffs and steep drops on the northern and eastern faces, and advise not approaching too close to the cornice in poor visibility. Fog/low visibility can come in quickly, while barbed-wire fences may be hidden under shallow snow. Conditions also involve infrastructure near the summit (e.g., signage posts and fences), so careful approach and situational awareness are important. Overall, the spot is described as suitable for freeride snowkiting, with skill levels reported from beginner to intermediate depending on the day and conditions. Local guidance emphasizes checking snow depth (thin Jura coverage can occur), leaning on the steadier NE Bise days, and using the summit hotel as a landmark/refuge. Emergency response relies on REGA mountain rescue services.
- Reliable ridge winds on the Jura plateau, especially NE Bise
- Expansive freeride riding area that changes with wind direction
- Summit hotel as a landmark/refuge
- Open high-altitude ridge with an expansive riding area that depends on wind direction
- Strong reputation for reliable ridge winds, especially NE Bise
- Freeride-friendly terrain on snow (powder described)
- Hazardous cliffs/steep drops on the north/east faces
- Wire/fencing hazards can be hidden under shallow snow
- Poor visibility/fog can roll in quickly on the ridge
- Wind can be very strong on the exposed ridge
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- NE, ENE, SSW, SW
- Wind Range
- 12–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Gradient — Bise-influenced ridge flow; sources describe gradient-type wind on the ridge.
- Reliability
- Consistent ridge winds, especially the cold NE Bise.
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts
- Best Months
- December, January, February, March
- Shadow Zones
- Turbulence can occur on the leeward sides of the ridge depending on the direction.
Water & beach
- Launch
- Big — Wide ridge and rolling plateaus near the summit with extensive open space for kiting.
- Launch Difficulty
- Moderate
- Obstacles
- Fences, signage posts, and the hotel-restaurant building near the summit.
Through the year
Can be popular with locals on windy winter weekends.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Freeride snowkiting on a ridge with a relatively large riding area that varies with wind direction. Long ridge/undulating alpine pastures are described as suitable for touring and freeriding; terrain described as powder.
- Snow Conditions
- Powder
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Chasseron in the full forecast view.
Chasseron wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–16 ktsGusts 37 kts
- Direction
- WSW244°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 2516 kts
- Windy days
- 1/712 kts or more
- Temperature
- -2–13 °C
Over the next 7 days, Chasseron is forecast for daytime winds of 2–16 kts, peaking around 16 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 37 kts. The prevailing direction is WSW. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- Abrupt cliffs and steep drops on the northern and eastern faces
- Very strong winds on the exposed ridge
- Barbed wire fences hidden under shallow snow
- Poor visibility and fog can roll in quickly
- Danger of approaching too close to the corniche in bad visibility
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — REGA helicopter evacuation, supported by local mountain rescue units (SAR).
- Emergency Info
- REGA (Swiss Air-Rescue) is the primary emergency contact for mountain incidents. Emergency numbers in Switzerland: 112 (European emergency number), 144 (medical), 1414 (REGA).
Rules of the spot
Respect any marked wildlife protection zones; do not kite in the immediate vicinity of the ski pistes at Les Rasses.
- Wildlife protection areas
- Proximity to ski lift infrastructure
- The NE Bise wind provides the steadiest conditions
- Always check snow depth as the Jura can have thin coverage
- The summit hotel can act as a landmark/refuge
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Yverdon-les-Bains
- Nearest Town
- Bullet
- Parking
- Large public parking at the base of the Les Rasses ski lifts.
- Access
- From Saint-Croix drive east to Les Rasses; depending on conditions, drive up Chasseron when snow is light, otherwise use the skiing lift. Another described approach: access from Les Rasses via the ski lift to the ridge or hike/skin up from parking areas.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- French
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Hotel and other lodging are available in the villages around Les Rasses and Bullet.
- Food & Drink
- Summit restaurant serves local Swiss cuisine and provides shelter from the wind.
- Equipment Rental:
- Equipment for snowkiting and winter sports can be rented through local specialized schools serving the Jura ridge.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Chasseron?
The best overall months at Chasseron are December, January, February, March, May, June, July, August, September. The best wind months are December, January, February, March.
Which wind directions work at Chasseron?
Chasseron works with NE, ENE, SSW, SW winds.
What skill level is Chasseron suitable for?
Chasseron suits these riding levels: Snowkiting: Beginner to Intermediate.