Freeride, Freestyle
Best for
Beginner
Skill Level
Flat
Spot Type
Moderate
Crowd Level

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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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

La Brévine is a snowkiting spot built around a vast, flat valley-floor platform (around 1000–1044 m elevation), offering long, open lines with minimal obstacles once you reach the launch area. The terrain is generally easy to access and well-suited to practicing both freestyle and longer-distance glides. Wind is strongest and most consistent in NE Bise conditions, with SW Vent also noted as a good direction. Across the spot, the wind is described as very reliable during Bise because the flow is compressed through the valley; localized turbulence can still occur near buildings or tree lines, but overall wind shadowing is minimal thanks to the open layout. Typical wind is reported around 10–25 knots, with mostly light gustiness. Safety considerations are significant due to the extreme cold and the possibility of features being hidden under snow: power lines and barbed wire fences are specifically called out as hazards, and there may be hidden rocks or stumps in shallow snow. Riders are advised to avoid restricted areas (especially roads) and to respect agricultural land where livestock may be present. Seasonally, La Brévine is at its best in winter, with a commonly cited peak window spanning December through March. Air temperatures are extremely low in winter, and sessions are frequently associated with snowstorms and intense cold snaps, so preparation and appropriate thermal layering are essential.

  • Open, flat valley terrain for long runs
  • Very consistent NE Bise wind
  • Severe cold makes snow conditions highly favorable for winter snowkiting
Great for
Snowkiting freerideSnowkiting freestyleAdvanced ridersBeginners
What's great
  • Large, open flat valley terrain suitable for snowkiting and progression.
  • Highly reliable wind during NE Bise conditions.
  • Snowkiting-focused destination with strong long-run and freestyle practice potential.
  • Local infrastructure in/near the village (food, toilets, parking).
Heads up
  • Very severe winter cold (extreme temperatures).
  • Hazards include power lines and barbed wire fences that may be hidden under snow.
  • Hidden obstacles (rocks/stumps) can exist in shallow snow.
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
NE, SW
Offshore directions
NE, SW
Wind Range
10–25 kts
Wind Type
Gradient — Valley wind regime with strong NE Bise (compressed through the valley) and SW Vent.
Reliability
Very reliable during the Bise (NE wind) which is compressed through the valley.
Gust Factor
Light gusts
Best Months
December, January, February, March
Shadow Zones
Minimal due to the flat, open nature of the valley; localized turbulence can occur near buildings and tree lines.

Water & beach

Water Type
Flat
Beach Size
Big
Waves
Flat — Snow surface; described as flat valley terrain for snowkiting.
Launch
Big — Vast open snowy fields across the valley floor; suitable for self-launch.
Launch Difficulty
Easy — Easy launch described for the open plateau/valley-floor terrain.
Shore Break
None — No shore break issues reported (snowkiting launch area).

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
Wetsuit Guide
Jan, Feb, Mar: 6/5mm or Drysuit
Crowds by Season

Can be popular on weekends during clear Bise wind conditions.

Storm/Rain Season

Snowstorms are frequent in winter; the valley is known for intense cold snaps.

By sport

What to expect for each.

SnowkitingBest for this spotSkill Level

Premier Swiss snowkiting destination on a large, flat valley floor that holds snow well in extreme cold. Open terrain is ideal for long runs and practicing freestyle.

Flat field
Snow Conditions
Powder
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for La Brevine in the full forecast view.

La Brevine wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
1–17 ktsGusts 38 kts
Direction
SW230°
Strongest day
Sun, Oct 2517 kts
Windy days
1/712 kts or more
Temperature
1–17 °C

Over the next 7 days, La Brevine is forecast for daytime winds of 1–17 kts, peaking around 17 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 38 kts. The prevailing direction is SW. 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

  • Power lines
  • Barbed wire fences
  • Extreme cold temperatures
  • Hidden rocks or stumps in shallow snow
  • Hidden fences often under snow
  • Power lines and fences may be difficult to spot under snow
Ability Level: Beginner
Recommended Safety Gear
HelmetImpact vestLeashBootsGlovesHarness

Rescue & support

Rescue & Self-Rescue
No — Spot-level rescue availability reported as no; however, regional emergency and rescue services can be reached via Switzerland’s emergency numbers.
Emergency Info
Emergency services: 144 (medical) or 117 (police) in Switzerland.

Rules of the spot

Respect agricultural land and avoid areas where livestock may be present; do not kite over roads.

Restrictions
  • Do not kite over roads.
  • Avoid areas where livestock may be present.
Local Tips
  • Temperatures can drop well below -15°C, so use high-quality thermal layers.
  • The Bise wind (NE) is the cleanest and most consistent direction here.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Neuchâtel
Nearest Town
La Brévine
Parking
Parking is usually available in the village of La Brévine or at designated pull-offs along the road toward Lac des Taillères.
Access
From Fleurier drive northeast via Les Sagnettes to La Brevine; the spot is in the high valley known as Val de la Brévine.
Local Language
French
Amenities

What's on the beach

Parking
Restaurant
Toilets
Accommodation
Nearby town — Local guesthouses and hotels are available in/near the village of La Brévine.
Food & Drink
Restaurants and cafes are located in the village center.
Equipment Rental:
Equipment rental is reported as available through local shops in the region for snowkiting gear.
Gear Storage
Available at some locations; limited on the mountain plateau.
Gear Repair
Professional repair services for kites and boards are available in the region (Neuchâtel).
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

Off the water

Winter snowkiting focus in a cold valley setting, with nearby Jura/culture highlights and regional outdoor activity options.

Creux du Van20 km

A natural rocky cirque offering panoramic views and hiking trails.

La Chaux-de-Fonds15 km

A UNESCO World Heritage site known for its watchmaking history and urban planning.

Cross-country Skiing0 km

High plateau area suitable for cross-country skiing.

Laténium35 km

Switzerland's largest archaeological museum located on the shores of Lake Neuchâtel.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at La Brevine?

The best overall months at La Brevine are January, February, March, December. The best wind months are December, January, February, March.

Which wind directions work at La Brevine?

La Brevine works with NE, SW winds. Offshore directions are NE, SW.

What skill level is La Brevine suitable for?

La Brevine suits these riding levels: Snowkiting: Beginner to Advanced.