Daubensee (Leukerbad)

Daubensee (Leukerbad) is a high-altitude alpine lake spot with clean, generally flat water and a medium-sized beach area. The preferred wind directions are N, NNE, and NE, and the strongest sessions typically occur from July through October. Wind is driven by a reliable thermal pattern that develops in the afternoon, with a reported summer window around 13:00 to 17:00 and strong performance during clear, stable high-pressure weather. For summer kitesurfing, riders use the thermal flow in the north–east sector (N–NNE–NE). The lake is largely unstaffed and the main safety issue is specific to launch positioning: a high-voltage power line lies on the right/east side of the lake, so launching on that side should be avoided. Conditions around the edges can be rocky, and gusty mountain winds can add chop/turbulence near steep flanking walls. Water temperature in the warmer months remains cold due to glacial meltwater, and high altitude means air can be thin. This combination typically requires more appropriate wetsuit protection and kite/gear planning than you might use at sea level. There is no on-water rescue boat; mountain rescue (REGA) is the primary emergency option, and the European emergency number 112 is applicable. Outside summer, Daubensee is also described as a major snowkiting destination in winter when the frozen lake/plateau provides broad, flat, wind-exposed riding conditions on packed snow. The winter setup is beginner-friendly for snowkiting, while summer kitesurfing and foil sessions are generally more demanding due to altitude, cold water, and the launch-area constraints.