Laegreidstolen
- Freeride, Freestyle
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Moderate
- Crowd Level
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Laegreidstolen is a world-class snowkiting area on the Hardangervidda plateau, characterized by a large, exposed mountain landscape and very consistent winter winds. Launch access is straightforward from the road parking area on RV7, about 8 km west of Haugastøl (with Haugastøl roughly a 4-hour drive from Oslo). Wind at Laegreidstolen is primarily weather-driven (frontal/gradient) and very reliable because the plateau is exposed to major systems. Reported typical wind speeds are about 15–30 knots, with moderate gusting. Best months reported for the spot are January through April. Conditions can be demanding and safety margins are essential. Hazards include whiteout conditions, extreme cold, rapid weather changes, rocks (especially if snow cover is thin early in the season), power lines, and road traffic near the highway. Local guidance emphasizes checking RV7 road status before travel, and keeping a safe distance from power lines that run parallel to the road. The area is used heavily by the snowkiting community and can be busy on sunny weekends, though the terrain is vast enough to find space. Rescue is limited and riders are expected to be self-sufficient; emergency coordination is through Norwegian emergency systems (112). National park regulations apply to the surrounding wilderness.
- Premier, exposed Hardangervidda plateau snowkiting terrain
- Very consistent, weather-driven winds with strong winter reliability
- Roadside access on RV7 (about 8 km west of Haugastøl)
- Very consistent wind for snowkiting due to the exposed Hardangervidda plateau
- Large, open launch area with easy roadside access (RV7)
- Long winter season with strong conditions through spring
- Can involve severe winter conditions (whiteouts, extreme cold, rapid weather changes)
- Hazards include rocks if snow cover is thin early in the season, plus power lines and road traffic near the access highway
- Rescue is limited and riders should be self-sufficient
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- W, NW, SW, E, SE
- Wind Range
- 15–30 kts
- Wind Type
- Frontal — Dominated by powerful weather-driven frontal/gradient winds crossing the open Hardangervidda plateau in winter.
- Reliability
- Reliability is exceptionally high as the plateau is exposed to major weather systems.
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts — Moderate gusting reported for this exposed plateau.
- Best Months
- January, February, March, April
- Shadow Zones
- Minor turbulence behind local ridges or small hills depending on direction.
Water & beach
- Beach Size
- Big
- Launch
- Big — Wide open mountain plateau with easy access from the road parking area.
- Launch Difficulty
- Easy — Easy roadside access and open launch area.
- Bottom Type
- Rock — Rocks can be hidden under thin snow.
- Tidal Range
- non-tidal
- Obstacles
- Large rocks hidden under thin snow; road traffic; nearby power lines following the highway.
Through the year
Can be popular on sunny weekends but the area is large enough to find space.
Winter storms from December to March frequently bring heavy snow and high winds.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Premier snowkiting destination on the Hardangervidda plateau with vast, undulating terrain and very consistent winds.
- Snow Conditions
- Powder
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Laegreidstolen in the full forecast view.
Laegreidstolen wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 3–24 ktsGusts 40 kts
- Direction
- S189°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 2524 kts
- Windy days
- 6/712 kts or more
- Temperature
- -3–4 °C
Over the next 7 days, Laegreidstolen is forecast for daytime winds of 3–24 kts, peaking around 24 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 40 kts. The prevailing direction is S. 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
- whiteout conditions
- extreme cold
- rapid weather changes
- rocks (especially if snow cover is thin early in the season)
- power lines
- road traffic
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Mountain rescue services are provided by the Norwegian Red Cross and local volunteer groups; riders are expected to be self-sufficient.
- Emergency Info
- Contact Red Cross Haugastøl or local emergency services at 112.
Rules of the spot
Vessels/kiters on the road must be respected; do not kite across the highway. National park regulations apply to the surrounding wilderness.
- National Park rules
- Do not kite across the highway
- Check road status (RV7) before traveling as it often closes or uses convoy driving during storms.
- Keep a safe distance from the power lines that run parallel to the road.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Haugastol
- Nearest Town
- Haugastøl
- Parking
- Public parking available along the road; spaces can be limited during peak weekends.
- Access
- Laegreidstolen is about 8 km west of Haugastol on road 7; Haugastol is approximately a 4-hour drive from Oslo.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Norwegian
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Haugastøl Turistsenter is described as a primary hub for snowkiters in the area.
- Food & Drink
- Cafe and restaurant services are available at Haugastøl.
- Equipment Rental:
- Equipment rental is described as available via nearby accommodation resources.
- Gear Storage
- Typically provided by local lodges/specialized kiting hotels in the area.
- Gear Repair
- Not specifically confirmed for this exact spot; main gear repair is described as limited/mostly requiring hub access.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
The Hardangervidda plateau is a high-altitude wilderness landscape where activity in winter is dominated by snow-focused wind adventures, shifting to hiking/cycling during the brief summer.
Northern Europe’s largest mountain plateau with vast wilderness and reindeer herds.
A world-famous cycling route that runs through the heart of the plateau during summer.
A gathering spot associated with the kiting community serving local Norwegian mountain cuisine.
A major alpine skiing destination with family-friendly slopes and activities.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Laegreidstolen?
The best overall months at Laegreidstolen are February, March, April. The best wind months are January, February, March, April.
Which wind directions work at Laegreidstolen?
Laegreidstolen works with W, NW, SW, E, SE winds.
What skill level is Laegreidstolen suitable for?
Laegreidstolen suits these riding levels: Snowkiting: Intermediate.