Les Montbovats (Franches-Montagnes)

Freeride
Best for
Intermediate
Skill Level
Quiet
Crowd Level
10–25 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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 this spot

About

Les Montbovats (Franches-Montagnes) is a Jura plateau snowkiting location built around very large, open riding terrain. The spot is accessed by driving northwest from Tramelan toward Saignelégier, then turning toward Les Rouges-Terres; the riding area opens up on the left once houses disappear. Wind is most often reported across these directions: N, NNE, NE, SW, WSW, and W. Typical conditions are in the ~10–25 knots range, with moderate gustiness noted and some local turbulence possible near farm buildings and small tree clusters. Best months are listed for the winter season window of December through March. For safety, the main concerns are landscape and farm infrastructure: barbed wire fences, dry stone walls that can be hidden beneath snow, power lines, and road traffic near where people approach the fields. Guidance emphasizes respecting farming boundaries and avoiding livestock areas when present. Local preparation tips focus on ride safety margins—waiting for sufficient snow cover (at least 30 cm) so stone walls are properly covered—and noting that the Northeast wind (Bise) tends to give more stable conditions. Rescue is not described as immediate/guaranteed on-site, but emergency support exists via nearby services and REGA helicopter coverage.

  • Expansive open plateau terrain for long-distance snowkiting
  • Winter wind directions commonly include Bise (NE) and Vent (SW)
  • Need to manage hazards from fences, stone walls, and power lines
Great for
Snowkiting freeride
What's great
  • Wide-open plateau pastures for long sessions
  • Dominant winter wind directions include Bise (NE) and Vent (SW), which can provide workable sessions
Heads up
  • Early/late season risk: dry stone walls and fences can be hard to see under snow
  • Power lines and road traffic add hazards near approach/launch
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
N, NNE, NE, SW, WSW, W
Wind Range
10–25 kts
Wind Type
Frontal — Regional winds are described as predominantly Bise (NE) and Vent (SW); this spot data is consistent with frontal/gradient-driven winter wind.
Reliability
unconfirmed
Gust Factor
Moderate gusts
Best Months
December, January, February, March
Shadow Zones
Small clusters of trees and farm buildings can create local turbulence.

Water & beach

Beach Size
Big
Launch
Big — Vast open pastures and agricultural fields on a high plateau.
Launch Difficulty
Easy
Obstacles
Wire fences, dry stone walls, and local power lines.

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
Crowds by Season

Usually quiet, with more local activity on weekends.

By sport

What to expect for each.

SnowkitingBest for this spotSkill Level

A classic Jura snowkite spot with massive open terrain on the plateau, suitable for longer cross-country sessions.

Flat field
Snow Conditions
Powder
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Les Montbovats (Franches-Montagnes) in the full forecast view.

Les Montbovats (Franches-Montagnes) wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
2–19 ktsGusts 40 kts
Direction
SW230°
Strongest day
Sun, Oct 2519 kts
Windy days
2/712 kts or more
Temperature
2–17 °C

Over the next 7 days, Les Montbovats (Franches-Montagnes) is forecast for daytime winds of 2–19 kts, peaking around 19 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 40 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

  • Barbed wire fences
  • Dry stone walls hidden under snow
  • Power lines
  • Road traffic near launch areas
Ability Level: Intermediate
Recommended Safety Gear
HelmetHarness

Rescue & support

Rescue & Self-Rescue
Limited — REGA helicopter support is available; local emergency services operate in nearby towns.
Emergency Info
Emergency numbers: 144 (Ambulance), 117 (Police), 1414 (REGA).

Rules of the spot

Respect farming boundaries and avoid areas with livestock if present in late/early season. Riders should be mindful that stone walls and fences may be hidden under snow early/late season.

Local Tips
  • Wait for at least 30cm of snow to ensure dry stone walls are properly covered.
  • The Northeast wind (Bise) provides the most stable conditions here.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
La Chaux-de-Fonds
Nearest Town
Saignelégier
Nearest Airport
EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg (BSL)
Parking
Limited roadside parking is available near the fields; ensure farm machinery access is not blocked.
Public Transport
Excellent rail access via Chemins de fer du Jura (CJ), with stations serving local villages.
Access
From Tramelan, drive northwest towards Saignelégier. After about 1.2 km behind Les Cerlatez, turn right towards Les Rouges-Terres. Continue on the main road until houses disappear and a large open area appears on the left—this is the riding area.
Cost Level
Expensive
Local Language
French
Amenities

What's on the beach

Accommodation
Nearby town — Guesthouses, small hotels, and mountain lodges are available in Le Bémont and Saignelégier.
Food & Drink
Local restaurants and cafes are found in Saignelégier.
Equipment Rental:
Rental is available through specialized snowkite schools and local winter sports shops in the Saignelégier area.
Gear Storage
Limited to on-site schools or private accommodation.
Gear Repair
Basic winter gear repair available in local sports shops; specialized kite repair usually requires sending gear to Bern or Lausanne.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

Off the water

Franches-Montagnes is a high-altitude plateau in the Swiss Jura, known for Nordic sports and snowkiting in wide-open landscapes, with iconic horses and a slow, rural pace.

Best time to visit: January and February for the best snow conditions.
Étang de la Gruère5km

A protected peat bog lake and nature reserve offering scenic winter walks.

Saignelégier Horse Cultural Center3km

Center dedicated to the Franches-Montagnes horse breed.

Cross-country Skiing0km

Hundreds of kilometers of groomed Nordic skiing trails.

Centre de Loisirs Saignelégier4km

A hub for dining and relaxation after winter sports.

Wellness Center Saignelégier4km

Thermal baths and indoor swimming pools popular with families.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Les Montbovats (Franches-Montagnes)?

The best overall months at Les Montbovats (Franches-Montagnes) are January, February, March. The best wind months are December, January, February, March.

Which wind directions work at Les Montbovats (Franches-Montagnes)?

Les Montbovats (Franches-Montagnes) works with N, NNE, NE, SW, WSW, W winds.

What skill level is Les Montbovats (Franches-Montagnes) suitable for?

Les Montbovats (Franches-Montagnes) suits these riding levels: Snowkiting: Intermediate.