Laegreidvannet
- Freeride, Freestyle
- Best for
- Beginner
- Skill Level
- Flat, Ocean
- Spot Type
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Laegreidvannet is a snowkiting spot on the Hardangervidda plateau near Haugastøl, using the wide, frozen lake surface and surrounding open areas for riding. The season is winter-focused, with the best snow-and-wind combination described as February through April (with strong conditions in January through April as well). The lake is described as offering an extensive flat arena that supports speed practice and beginner learning due to the lack of shoreline obstacles. Wind is reported as dependable during winter months on the plateau, with typical speeds around 12–25 knots. Wind direction information provided by providers is mixed (W, NW, E, and SE are mentioned), but reliability is emphasized as high in winter and there can be small wind-shadow areas on leeward sides of rolling terrain. Safety is strongly tied to the mountain environment and nearby road access. Riders are warned about rapidly changing weather, including whiteout conditions, and about road traffic on Highway 7 (Rv7), including the risk of road closures or convoy/column driving during storms. Local rules also emphasize keeping clear of the road: launch and land at least 150 m away with the kite facing away, do not fly while crossing the road, and do not jump over the road. Additional hazards include wild reindeer and temporary prohibited zones, plus cold exposure and thin-ice areas near lake inlets or outlets. No rescue/lifeguard support is indicated for the spot itself; regional guidance suggests rescue is limited and riders should be self-sufficient, with emergency access via Norwegian systems (112 for emergencies).
- World-class snowkiting destination with vast, flat terrain
- Stable/high-reliability plateau winds in winter
- Beginner-friendly for learning and speed practice
- Situated close to Road 7 (with regular attention needed for closures)
- Very large, flat frozen surface suited to speed runs and beginner practice.
- Wind described as stable/high-reliability during winter months on the plateau.
- Crystal-clear conditions reported for the lake.
- Road 7 (Rv7) may be closed or use convoy/column driving during bad weather, affecting access.
- Mountain weather can change rapidly, including whiteout conditions.
- Extreme cold and thin-ice hazards near inlets/outlets.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- W, NW, E, SE
- Wind Range
- 12–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Mixed — Wind is mainly weather-driven across the open mountain plateau (gradient/frontal-driven winds). Spot-level direction specifics are not fully consistent across sources.
- Reliability
- High during winter months on the plateau.
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts
- Best Months
- February, March, April
- Shadow Zones
- Small shadows created by the rolling hills on the leeward sides.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Flat, Ocean
- Beach
- Mixed
- Beach Size
- Big
- Waves
- Flat
- Launch
- Big — Wide, open areas along the snow-covered shoreline and the frozen lake surface itself.
- Launch Difficulty
- Easy
Through the year
Can be busy on weekends in March and April.
Winter storms with high winds and snow are common from December to March.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Premier high-altitude snowkiting on the Hardangervidda plateau, using a vast flat frozen surface for speed and easy practice. Snow is typically described as powder, and the frozen-lake terrain offers large open riding space.
- Snow Conditions
- Powder
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Laegreidvannet in the full forecast view.
Laegreidvannet wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–25 ktsGusts 40 kts
- Direction
- S190°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 2525 kts
- Windy days
- 6/712 kts or more
- Temperature
- -3–4 °C
Over the next 7 days, Laegreidvannet is forecast for daytime winds of 2–25 kts, peaking around 25 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
- Wild reindeer herd
- Temporary prohibited zones
- Rapidly changing mountain weather
- Whiteout conditions
- Road traffic on Highway 7 (Rv7)
- Thin ice near lake inlets or outlets
- Extreme cold temperatures
- Power lines in some areas of the plateau
- Rocky outcrops near the shore
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Regional guidance indicates rescue is limited and mountain rescue is handled via Norwegian systems and volunteer/Red Cross support; riders should be self-sufficient.
- Emergency Info
- Call 112 for emergency services; nearest service point is Haugastøl. (Regional guidance: nearest major medical facilities in Geilo or Voss; police/medical emergency guidance is handled via Norwegian emergency numbers.)
Rules of the spot
Launch and land at least 150 m from Road 7, with the kite facing away from the road; do not fly the kite while crossing the road; do not jump over the road; respect wild reindeer protected zones and any temporary prohibited zones; avoid kiting too close to the main road (Rv7).
- Launch/land 150 m from the road minimum.
- No kite flying while crossing Road 7.
- No jumping over the road.
- Respect wild reindeer protected zones and temporary prohibited zones.
- Potential road closures on Rv7 during storms (column/convoy driving).
- Launch and land at least 150 m from the road with the kite facing away.
- Do not fly the kite while crossing the road; land, cross on foot, then relaunch.
- Do not jump over the road.
- Always check the status of Road 7 before heading out, since it can close or use convoy driving during bad weather.
- If road closures occur, follow official guidance (and convoy rules).
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Geilo
- Nearest Town
- Haugastøl
- Parking
- Limited parking in cleared pockets along Highway 7.
- Public Transport
- Accessible via the Bergen Railway (Bergensbanen), with stops at Haugastøl and Ustaoset providing direct access to the plateau.
- Access
- Laegreidvannet is approximately 8km west of Haugastøl on Road 7 (Rv7). Haugastøl is about a 4-hour drive from Oslo.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Norwegian
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Haugastøl is the primary lodging and hub for kiters in the area.
- Food & Drink
- Available at nearby Haugastøl or Geilo.
- Equipment Rental:
- Rental gear is often available at Haugastøl (equipment rental is described as commonly available through local tourism hubs in the area).
- Gear Storage
- Available at nearby tourist centers for guests.
- Gear Repair
- Basic repair services may be found in Geilo.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
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 for the international 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 Laegreidvannet?
The best overall months at Laegreidvannet are February, March, April.
Which wind directions work at Laegreidvannet?
Laegreidvannet works with W, NW, E, SE winds.
What skill level is Laegreidvannet suitable for?
Laegreidvannet suits these riding levels: Snowkiting: Beginner.