Lake Resia (Graun - Curon)
- Freeride, Wave
- Best for
- Beginner
- Skill Level
- Flat, Chop
- Spot Type
- Busy
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Lake Resia (Lago di Resia) near Graun/Curon is a high-altitude alpine freshwater spot known for a submerged church tower landmark and for dependable thermal wind in summer. Conditions are typically flat-to-choppy and clean, and the wind pattern is described as developing around late morning, peaking from early to mid-afternoon, and fading by early evening. For kitesurfing, the spot is commonly set up for freeride and practice: shallow areas are reported as suitable for learning, while deeper central water is better for progressing. Several sources emphasize that kiting is restricted to designated areas—especially keeping well clear of the submerged tower—and that the cold water remains a key factor year-round. In winter, the lake freezes and the venue becomes a prominent snowkiting location with packed snow and large, flat space for progression. However, winter access is cautionary: sources advise that ice thickness must be officially confirmed before going onto the lake. Overall, this is a consistent thermal venue with strong altitude/cold-water considerations, and the daily midday timing makes it attractive for riders who want predictable wind—provided they plan around the submerged obstacle rules and limited rescue coverage.
- Reliable thermal southerly wind pattern for summer sessions
- Iconic submerged church tower landmark (requires strict distance rules)
- Summer kitesurfing and winter snowkiting on the frozen lake
- Flat, clean alpine water with shallow learning areas
- Very consistent thermal winds in summer with a predictable midday/afternoon pattern
- Flat, clean alpine freshwater; commonly used for freeride and beginner practice in shallow areas
- Iconic landmark spot that also supports winter snowkiting when frozen
- Good infrastructure near the kite meadow (parking and visitor facilities described)
- Cold alpine water year-round (summer water temps rarely above ~17–18°C)
- Gusty, chilly thermal conditions
- Submerged/hidden obstacles (iconic tower) require keeping distance and using rules for designated zones
- Limited rescue availability
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- S
- Wind Range
- 12–20 kts
- Wind Type
- Thermal — Southerly thermal wind (often described as Vinschger) building later in the day; summer thermals are reported as daily/reliable.
- Reliability
- high
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts — Sources describe gustiness; one source characterizes gusts as light.
- Best Months
- May, June, July, August, September
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 5–7 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Flat, Chop
- Beach
- Sand — Sand/mixed shore areas described; one provider notes mixed beach composition.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Flat — Sources describe flat wave conditions; one provider mentions occasional chop.
- Chop Level
- Light chop — Flat-to-choppy described; typical is light chop.
- Launch
- Medium — Shallow/easy self-launch described from a grassy kite meadow (Kitewiese) near the submerged tower; can be narrow at higher water levels.
Through the year
Peaks in summer (July–August); quieter in May, June, September, October.
Thunderstorms are common in late afternoon during July and August.
By sport
What to expect for each.
High-altitude alpine kitesurfing spot with reliable thermal winds in summer and premier snowkiting when the lake freezes. Learning is often supported by shallow, safer beginner areas; advanced riders can use deeper central water.
- Kite Sizes
- 5–9 m²
Popular for windsurfing, especially during the afternoon thermal wind.
- Sail Sizes
- 5.5–7.5 m²
Wingfoiling is possible, but the entry is described as rocky and cold-water conditions require appropriate setup and caution.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes — Foil-friendly per provider.
- Min Depth
- 2 meters
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Seasonal snowkiting on frozen lake with packed snow; described as one of the best-known snowkiting venues in Europe.
- Snow Conditions
- Packed
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Lake Resia (Graun - Curon) in the full forecast view.
Lake Resia (Graun - Curon) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 1–6 ktsGusts 16 kts
- Direction
- NNW347°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 246 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Temperature
- -1–14 °C
Over the next 7 days, Lake Resia (Graun - Curon) is forecast for daytime winds of 1–6 kts, peaking around 6 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 16 kts. The prevailing direction is NNW. 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
- Cold water
- Submerged/hidden obstacles (iconic submerged tower)
- Rocks/shore obstacles near entry
- Altitude effects (thin air at ~1,500 m)
- Wind turbulence/shadow near village/tower
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguard presence described.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue described as limited; self-rescue feasible in shallow water per one source.
- Emergency Info
- Rescue is described as limited/no dedicated coastguard; nearest hospital references include Schlanders (Silandro) or San Valentino alla Muta. EU emergency number 112 noted in regional context.
- Localism / Vibe
- None — No localism friction described.
Rules of the spot
Use designated kiting zones only; avoid kiting near the submerged church tower. Launch from the designated Kitewiese. Avoid swimming areas.
- Designated-zones-only
- No kiting near the tower
- Plan for colder, gustier conditions than at sea level.
- Shallow areas are described as safer for learning; deeper central water suits more advanced riders.
- In winter, confirm ice thickness before heading onto the lake.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Merano
- Nearest Town
- Graun im Vinschgau
- Nearest Airport
- Innsbruck Airport (INN) ~105 km
- Parking
- Dedicated Kitewiese parking area described about 200 m behind Graun; regional info also mentions paid parking directly at the kite-spot area during the season.
- Access
- From Reschenpass road; kite meadow described as located near Graun.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Italian, German
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Hotels and apartments/guesthouses in Curon Venosta, Graun, Reschen, and nearby towns described.
- Food & Drink
- Food and drink available in Curon Venosta and Reschen; restaurant/bar near parking/kite meadow described.
- Equipment Rental:
- Equipment rental available through local schools/clubs during the season.
- Gear Storage
- Seasonal lockers/storage described at/near the kite station.
- Gear Repair
- Repair mentioned as available via local school/club arrangement.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
The area blends high-alpine scenery with a unique flooded-village history, and it is widely visited for wind sports and summer cycling/hiking, plus winter snow activities.
Iconic church tower rising from the lake; only visible remnant of the village flooded in 1950.
Museum documenting the history of dam construction and the flooding of the original villages.
Museum in Curon village center with historical photographs of the submerged village.
Famous alpine mountain pass popular for cycling and driving.
A 15.3 km circular loop around Lake Resia with views of the Ortler glacier; described as moderately challenging and mostly tarred.
Tandem flights start above Curon village.
Traditional South Tyrolean cuisine served in a rustic alpine setting overlooking the lake.
Mountain cable cars with access to family-friendly hiking trails and panoramic views.
Family playground near the lake in Curon; swimming pool in the village.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Lake Resia (Graun - Curon)?
The best overall months at Lake Resia (Graun - Curon) are May, June, July, August, September, October. The best wind months are May, June, July, August, September.
Which wind directions work at Lake Resia (Graun - Curon)?
Lake Resia (Graun - Curon) works with S winds.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Lake Resia (Graun - Curon)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Lake Resia (Graun - Curon): Kitesurfing: 5–9 m² · Windsurfing: 5.5–7.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 12–20 kts.
What skill level is Lake Resia (Graun - Curon) suitable for?
Lake Resia (Graun - Curon) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Beginner to Intermediate · Windsurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Intermediate · Snowkiting: Intermediate.