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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
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
- 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.
- 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.
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
Low to moderate; most popular during late-season spring snowkiting.
Storms are frequent in winter; high winds can create whiteout conditions.
By sport
What to expect for each.
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.
- Snow Conditions
- Packed, Powder
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.
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
- Road
- Power lines
- Avalanches
- Sudden alpine weather changes
- Hidden rocks
- Steep alpine slopes
- Rocky outcrops
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.
- Access limited by winter road closures.
- 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
What's on the beach
- 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.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
The largest glacier in the Alps and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Traditional villages with historic wooden architecture (e.g., Ernen and Munster).
One of the steepest open-air funiculars in Europe.
Traditional alpine dining at the summit of the pass.
Guided tours through subterranean hydroelectric power systems.
From riders who've been here
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.