Grueb (Pfäfers)

Grueb (Pfäfers) is a snowkiting spot on an open alpine plateau above Pfäfers, accessible by car via Bad Ragaz and the approach toward Furggels and St. Margrethenberg. Wind is reported as gradient-driven, with the most consistent conditions during Bise (North wind), using best wind directions from north through NNE and NNW. The reported working wind window is roughly 10–20 knots, with light gustiness. Snow conditions are described as powder, and the terrain is a mix of flat-field and rolling/hilly alpine surfaces around the plateau, supporting freeriding as well as freeride/freestyle approaches. Best months for snowkiting are given as December through March. Safety is strongly tied to winter land use: cross-country skiing tracks (Loipe) are present and riders are instructed not to kite over them, and to respect designated winter closure zones when marked. Hazards reported for the area include fences (including barbed wire if snow cover is low), power lines, cross-country ski tracks, and hidden rocks when snow is shallow. Local guidance emphasizes that the spot performs best when the Bise wind is blowing from the North and that parking should be done only in designated areas around St. Margrethenberg to avoid local issues.