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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
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
- Wide-open plateau pastures for long sessions
- Dominant winter wind directions include Bise (NE) and Vent (SW), which can provide workable sessions
- 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
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
Usually quiet, with more local activity on weekends.
By sport
What to expect for each.
A classic Jura snowkite spot with massive open terrain on the plateau, suitable for longer cross-country sessions.
- Snow Conditions
- Powder
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.
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
- Barbed wire fences
- Dry stone walls hidden under snow
- Power lines
- Road traffic near launch areas
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.
- 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
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.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
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.
A protected peat bog lake and nature reserve offering scenic winter walks.
Center dedicated to the Franches-Montagnes horse breed.
Hundreds of kilometers of groomed Nordic skiing trails.
A hub for dining and relaxation after winter sports.
Thermal baths and indoor swimming pools popular with families.
From riders who've been here
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.