Grimsel Pass (Goms)

Mountain, Advanced riders
Best for
Intermediate
Skill Level
Quiet
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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

Grimsel Pass (Goms) is a high-altitude snowkiting destination centered around the pass area and the frozen Totensee. The riding terrain combines broad, open space for a variety of styles with flatter sections on lake ice, plus more varied terrain to the east and west of the lake. Wind is most useful from north to south quadrants (including N, NNE, SSE, S, SSW, and NNW). Clear-weather thermal acceleration through the pass valley can create stronger winds, and sessions are often supported during spring when conditions align for stable snow and access. Safety is a primary concern: the pass road and related cleared areas create road hazards, while power lines, steep alpine slopes, rocky outcrops, and avalanche risk all contribute to higher consequence terrain. Weather can change suddenly and the area can experience turbulence near surrounding ridges, so you should plan conservatively. For timing, the most consistently highlighted season is late spring—especially May and June—when the road is typically cleared while sufficient snow remains on the high plateau. Winter storms and whiteout conditions are also a known factor, so readiness and weather/avalanche checks are essential.

  • Large open snow area with flat riding on frozen Totensee
  • Spring-focused window (often May and June)
  • Thermal acceleration through the pass valley during clear weather
Great for
Snowkiting mountainAdvanced ridersBeginners
What's great
  • Very large, open snow terrain for several snowkiting styles, including flat options on frozen Totensee.
  • Strong thermal/pass-valley wind acceleration in clear weather, often supporting usable sessions in spring.
  • Good overall wind reliability during high pressure systems.
Heads up
  • Highly exposed to wind and rapidly changing alpine weather.
  • Road/transport access is limited during winter road closures.
  • Safety risks include road hazards, power lines, avalanche risk, and hidden rocks/steep terrain.
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
N, NNE, SSE, S, SSW, NNW
Wind Range
12–25 kts
Wind Type
Thermal — Thermal and pass-valley effects can accelerate wind through the pass during clear conditions.
Reliability
Good reliability during high pressure systems.
Gust Factor
Moderate gusts
Best Months
May, June
Shadow Zones
Turbulence can occur near the steep mountain ridges surrounding the pass.

Water & beach

Beach Size
Big
Launch
Big — Large open areas around the frozen Totensee lake and the pass summit.
Launch Difficulty
Moderate — Moderate overall launch/access complexity due to terrain and seasonal access.
Bottom Type
Rock — Rocky outcrops are present in the pass area; lake ice dominates the flat riding zones.
Water Quality
Excellent water quality is noted for the broader Goms region.

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
-8–19 °C
Air Temperature
Crowds by Season

Low to moderate; most popular during late-season spring snowkiting.

Storm/Rain Season

Storms are frequent in winter; high winds can create whiteout conditions.

By sport

What to expect for each.

SnowkitingBest for this spotSkill Level

Large, open high-altitude terrain with flat riding on frozen Totensee plus varied areas east and west of the lake; suitable for multiple snowkiting styles.

Mountain
Snow Conditions
Packed, Powder
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Grimsel Pass (Goms) in the full forecast view.

Grimsel Pass (Goms) wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
1–12 ktsGusts 25 kts
Direction
NW316°
Strongest day
Sat, Oct 2412 kts
Windy days
2/712 kts or more
Temperature
-6–9 °C

Over the next 7 days, Grimsel Pass (Goms) is forecast for daytime winds of 1–12 kts, peaking around 12 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 25 kts. The prevailing direction is NW. 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

  • Road
  • Power lines
  • Avalanches
  • Sudden alpine weather changes
  • Hidden rocks
  • Steep alpine slopes
  • Rocky outcrops
Ability Level: Intermediate
Recommended Safety Gear
HelmetHarness

Rescue & support

Rescue & Self-Rescue
Limited — REGA air rescue and local mountain rescue (SAC) are available.
Emergency Info
National emergency: 112; REGA air rescue: 1414.

Rules of the spot

Respect the pass road and surrounding infrastructure; avoid kiting directly over the cleared pass road. Check for sudden alpine weather changes and plan around road/visibility limitations.

Restrictions
  • Access limited by winter road closures.
Local Tips
  • The best sessions are often in May and June, when the road is typically cleared but snow still covers the high plateau.
  • Check the avalanche bulletin for the Goms and Bernese Oberland regions before heading out.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Brig
Nearest Town
Oberwald
Parking
Limited parking at the pass summit once the road is officially open.
Access
From Oberwald you can reach the pass area via transfer; otherwise it takes a few hours to hike (in winter the pass road is closed and access requires a several-hour hike/ski tour or pre-arranged transfer; in late spring May/June the road is typically plowed and drivable).
Local Language
German
Amenities

What's on the beach

Parking
Restaurant
Accommodation
Nearby town — Seasonal alpine hotels at/near the pass summit and accommodation options in Oberwald and the Goms valley.
Food & Drink
A restaurant is located at the top of the pass but operates seasonally.
Equipment Rental:
Available via mobile kite schools and sports shops in the valley/towns such as Oberwald.
Gear Storage
Not typically available at the pass summit.
Gear Repair
Limited specialized repair is available in the valley or larger towns like Brig.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

Off the water

Aletsch Glacier20km

The largest glacier in the Alps and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Historic Goms Villages15km

Traditional villages with historic wooden architecture (e.g., Ernen and Munster).

Gelmerbahn10km

One of the steepest open-air funiculars in Europe.

Hotel Grimsel Pass0km

Traditional alpine dining at the summit of the pass.

Grimselwelt Power Plant Tours5km

Guided tours through subterranean hydroelectric power systems.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Grimsel Pass (Goms)?

The best overall months at Grimsel Pass (Goms) are May, June.

Which wind directions work at Grimsel Pass (Goms)?

Grimsel Pass (Goms) works with N, NNE, SSE, S, SSW, NNW winds.

What skill level is Grimsel Pass (Goms) suitable for?

Grimsel Pass (Goms) suits these riding levels: Snowkiting: Intermediate.