Chasseron

Snowkiting
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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 this spot

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
Great for
Snowkiting freerideSnowkiting freestyleAdvanced riders
What's great
  • 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)
Heads up
  • 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
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Practical spot guide

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

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
Wetsuit Guide
Dec–Mar: winter technical outerwear (windproof shell) with thermal layers + Gloves
Crowds by Season

Can be popular with locals on windy winter weekends.

By sport

What to expect for each.

SnowkitingBest for this spotSkill Level

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.

Mountain
Snow Conditions
Powder
Forecast

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.

Nearby

Other spots in the area

Safety

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
Ability Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Recommended Safety Gear
HelmetHarness

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.

Restrictions
  • Wildlife protection areas
  • Proximity to ski lift infrastructure
Local Tips
  • 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
Amenities

What's on the beach

Parking
Restaurant
Toilets
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.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

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.