Haugastøl
- Freeride, Freestyle
- Best for
- Beginner
- Skill Level
- Flat
- Spot Type
- 15–30 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Haugastøl is a globally recognized snowkiting destination on the Hardangervidda plateau, known for vast open terrain and exceptionally reliable winds. The riding area is described as largely treeless and free of wires in the main snowkiting zones, which helps support freeride, freestyle, big-air, and foil-style snowkiting when snow conditions are good. Wind is predominantly from the east/south-east sector (NE through S), with strong gradient/plateau flow and excellent wind reliability. Providers describe powder snow and a mountain-plateau riding environment, with riding quality supported by the plateau’s exposure while still requiring attention to localized turbulence near buildings and behind steeper ridges. Safety is a primary concern. Hazards mentioned include power lines crossing the plateau, road traffic, and boulders that may be hidden under thin snow. Riders are also asked to respect wild reindeer and any temporary prohibited zones/closures, and to follow seasonal restrictions tied to protected reindeer areas. Planning matters: the RV7 road can be closed during storms, and sometimes convoy driving is used. For the best overall experience, multiple sources point to late winter into spring (especially March and April), balancing longer daylight with less bitter cold than mid-winter.
- Treeless, open Hardangervidda plateau riding with very reliable plateau wind
- Powder snow conditions reported for snowkiting
- Established local infrastructure for wind-sport enthusiasts and events
- March–April recommended for longer daylight and more comfortable cold
- World-class snowkiting destination with vast, open plateau terrain and very reliable winds.
- Snowkiting-friendly access with established infrastructure (toilets/parking and a community hub).
- Power lines, road traffic/closures, and hidden hazards under thin snow require careful route selection.
- Extreme cold and frequent storms can produce whiteout conditions and sudden travel interruptions.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- NE, ENE, E, ESE, SE, SSE, S
- Wind Range
- 15–30 kts
- Wind Type
- Gradient — Stable plateau wind; wind pattern primarily driven by low-pressure systems crossing the Hardangervidda plateau.
- Reliability
- excellent
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts — Providers describe moderate gustiness (one source as steady/gentler).
- Best Months
- January, February, March, April, May
- Shadow Zones
- Turbulence can occur near hotel buildings and behind steeper mountain ridges.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Flat
- Beach
- Sand — Mixed composition also reported.
- Beach Size
- Tidal
- Waves
- Flat — Snow surface / no surf wave conditions; for kite/wind sports the focus is wind over snow.
- Launch
- Big — Vast launch areas from the snowy plateaus adjacent to the main road and/or from frozen lake surfaces.
- Launch Difficulty
- Easy — Launch areas described as easy to access from broad plateau zones.
Through the year
Moderate during events; generally low off-season. Peak season during Easter holidays and weekends in March and April.
Blizzards are frequent from December through February; storms and heavy snowfall from December through March.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Open, treeless plateau riding on the Hardangervidda with vast launch options (plateau edges near the road and/or frozen-lake surfaces). Conditions are commonly described as reliable for snowkiting, with powder snow and minimal obstacles in the riding area (but with notable hazards such as power lines and hidden boulders under thin snow).
- Snow Conditions
- Powder
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Haugastøl in the full forecast view.
Haugastøl wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–20 ktsGusts 35 kts
- Direction
- SSW202°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 2520 kts
- Windy days
- 6/712 kts or more
- Temperature
- -2–6 °C
Over the next 7 days, Haugastøl is forecast for daytime winds of 2–20 kts, peaking around 20 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 35 kts. The prevailing direction is SSW. 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
- wild reindeer herd
- temporary prohibited zones near reindeer areas
- power lines crossing the plateau
- road traffic
- road closures during storms
- whiteout conditions
- extreme cold
- deep snow drifts
- large boulders hidden under thin snow
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue availability is limited; snowkiting safety relies on weather-dependent response and local community support.
- Emergency Info
- Emergency services: 112 (police). Rescue on the plateau is weather-dependent; one source notes limited rescue availability.
Rules of the spot
Respect wildlife and seasonal restrictions; stay out of protected wild reindeer zones and observe temporary prohibited zones/closures when active.
- National Park boundaries
- Reindeer protection zones
- Temporary prohibited zones
- Respect the wild reindeer herd and any temporary prohibited zones; check current prohibited zones when available.
- Always check the status of the RV7 road—during storms it can be closed and sometimes convoy driving is used.
- Carry a GPS and a shovel.
- Be aware that power lines run parallel to parts of the road.
- Check the plateau-specific weather (conditions at altitude can differ from the valley).
- Stay weather-ready for possible whiteout and severe cold.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Haugastөл
- Nearest Town
- Haugastөл
- Parking
- Parking available at the base; also at the Turistsenter and designated spots along RV7 across the plateau.
- Public Transport
- Accessible by train on the Bergen–Oslo railway (Bergensbanen), stopping at Haugastøl station.
- Access
- Best accessed with your own car so you can get to every spot on your own; approximately 4 hours drive from Oslo. Road access is via RV7; public transport includes the Bergen–Oslo railway with a dedicated Haugastøl station.
- Local Language
- Norwegian
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Specialized accommodation around the main tourist hub.
- Food & Drink
- A restaurant/bar hub is available locally for the kiting community.
- Equipment Rental:
- Equipment rental for snowkiting is available locally (foil and tube kites, plus mountain skis noted).
- Gear Storage
- Heated storage and drying rooms provided for guests.
- Gear Repair
- Basic kite repair services available on-site.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
The area’s core attractions revolve around Hardangervidda National Park and outdoor riding/cycling routes, with local services built around winter wind-sport visitors and the snowkiting scene.
Northern Europe's largest mountain plateau, offering vast wilderness and the largest wild reindeer herd in the world.
Historic railway station serving as a gateway between Eastern and Western Norway since the early 1900s.
Norway's most popular cycling route, following the old construction road for the Bergen Line through stunning mountain scenery.
High-quality local cuisine and a social hub for the international kiting community.
Activity center offering climbing, downhill biking, and trampoline parks during summer months.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Haugastøl?
The best overall months at Haugastøl are February, March, April. The best wind months are January, February, March, April, May.
Which wind directions work at Haugastøl?
Haugastøl works with NE, ENE, E, ESE, SE, SSE, S winds.
What skill level is Haugastøl suitable for?
Haugastøl suits these riding levels: Snowkiting: Beginner to Intermediate.