Lake Resia (Graun - Curon)

KitesurfingWindsurfingWingfoilingSnowkiting
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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 this spot

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
Great for
Kitesurfing freerideKitesurfing waveKitesurfing freestyleKitesurfing foilKitesurfing big airSnowkiting freerideSnowkiting freestyleWingfoil freerideWindsurfing freerideWindsurfing slalomWindsurfing foil
What's great
  • 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)
Heads up
  • 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
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Practical spot guide

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

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
-5–24 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
May–Sep: 5/4mmJan–Dec: 5mm full wetsuit
Crowds by Season

Peaks in summer (July–August); quieter in May, June, September, October.

Storm/Rain Season

Thunderstorms are common in late afternoon during July and August.

By sport

What to expect for each.

KitesurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

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.

FreerideWaveFreestyleFoil
Kite Sizes
5–9 m²
WindsurfingSkill Level

Popular for windsurfing, especially during the afternoon thermal wind.

FreerideSlalomFoil
Sail Sizes
5.5–7.5 m²
WingfoilingSkill Level

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
SnowkitingSkill Level

Seasonal snowkiting on frozen lake with packed snow; described as one of the best-known snowkiting venues in Europe.

Frozen lake
Snow Conditions
Packed
Forecast

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.

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

  • 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
Ability Level: Beginner
Recommended Safety Gear
HelmetImpact vestWetsuitBootsGloves

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.

Restrictions
  • Designated-zones-only
  • No kiting near the tower
Local Tips
  • 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
Amenities

What's on the beach

Parking
Toilets
Showers
Changing rooms
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.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

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.

Submerged Bell Tower of Curon0 km

Iconic church tower rising from the lake; only visible remnant of the village flooded in 1950.

Alt-Graun Museum1 km

Museum documenting the history of dam construction and the flooding of the original villages.

Upper Venosta Valley Museum

Museum in Curon village center with historical photographs of the submerged village.

Stelvio Pass30 km

Famous alpine mountain pass popular for cycling and driving.

Giro del Lago di Resia (circular trail)

A 15.3 km circular loop around Lake Resia with views of the Ortler glacier; described as moderately challenging and mostly tarred.

Tandem paragliding above Curon

Tandem flights start above Curon village.

Mein Dörfl1 km

Traditional South Tyrolean cuisine served in a rustic alpine setting overlooking the lake.

Schöneben - Haideralm2 km

Mountain cable cars with access to family-friendly hiking trails and panoramic views.

Playground and swimming pool (Curon)

Family playground near the lake in Curon; swimming pool in the village.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

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.