Lillevann (Buskerud)
- Freeride, Freestyle
- Best for
- Beginner
- Skill Level
- Flat, Ocean
- Spot Type
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Lillevann is a snowkiting spot on a frozen lake just above the Haugastøl area. The key attraction is the very flat riding surface, which makes it suitable for beginner sessions focused on control and speed. Access is described as convenient from the Haugastøl hub, with the lake reachable by a short walk from nearby facilities. Wind availability in winter is described as generally strong and reliable for the area, with best directions spanning many points around north—especially NW/N through NE/E directions depending on the system. A provider also notes that north winds can accelerate over the lake, while another characterizes the wind pattern more generally as gradient/plateau-driven. Gusts are described as moderate-gusts during the season, and wind reliability is stated as high in winter. Safety planning is important at Lillevann. Hazards include power lines near the road, the proximity of the railway, potential ice fishing holes, and thin-ice risk early or late in the season. Extreme cold and visibility changes (including whiteout conditions) are also noted. Riders are advised to avoid kiting too close to road/rail lines and to check local guidance on ice thickness. The snowkiting season is described as winter through early spring, with stronger emphasis on January through April in one dataset and best overall winter-to-early-spring (December to May) in another. Winter weekends and Easter holidays can bring busier conditions due to the spot’s accessibility. For emergency planning, rescue availability is described as limited, with nearest major medical facilities in Geilo and emergency numbers 113 (medical) and 112 (police).
- Beginner-friendly flat frozen-lake surface
- Convenient access from Haugastøl
- Strong, reliable winter wind with best directions around north
- Practical alternative when higher-plateau roads are affected by storms
- Very flat frozen-lake surface that is beginner-friendly
- High accessibility from the Haugastøl area (car/train access and short walk)
- Open setting with generally strong winter wind availability
- Often used as a practical alternative when higher plateau access is disrupted by storms
- Winter-only activity with cold and frequent whiteout conditions
- Thin-ice risk early/late in the season
- Power lines and nearby railway/road are hazards near launch/edges
- Rescue is limited (no dedicated on-water service)
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- NW, N, NNE, NE, NNE, NE, ENE, E, ESE, SE, SSE, SSW, SW, WSW, W, WNW, NW, NNW
- Wind Range
- 10–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Thermal — Provider notes mention north wind accelerating on the lake; another provider describes the pattern as gradient winds.
- Reliability
- High during the winter season
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts
- Shadow Zones
- Potential minor turbulence from nearby hills depending on direction, but generally very open.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Flat, Ocean
- Beach
- Mixed — Mixed lakeshore with low vegetation and rocks.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Flat
- Launch
- Big — Frozen lake surface provides a wide, open area for launching and landing kites; shoreline is relatively flat with some low vegetation and rocks.
- Launch Difficulty
- Easy — Launch/landing on the flat frozen-lake surface.
Through the year
Can be busy during winter weekends and Easter holidays due to accessibility.
Winter storms can cause whiteout conditions and road closures from January through March.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Lillevann is a snowkiting spot on a frozen lake with a very flat riding surface, suitable for technical training, speed, and beginner sessions. It is described as a convenient option directly adjacent to the Haugastøl hub and a go-to alternative when higher-plateau roads are closed by storms.
- Snow Conditions
- Packed
From the spot
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Lillevann (Buskerud) in the full forecast view.
Lillevann (Buskerud) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 3–20 ktsGusts 37 kts
- Direction
- SSW202°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 2520 kts
- Windy days
- 6/712 kts or more
- Temperature
- -3–5 °C
Over the next 7 days, Lillevann (Buskerud) is forecast for daytime winds of 3–20 kts, peaking around 20 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 37 kts. The prevailing direction is SSW. 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
- Power lines near the road
- Proximity to the railway
- Thin ice early or late in the season
- Extreme cold
- Varying visibility in whiteout conditions
- Rocks along the shore
- Potential ice fishing holes
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — No dedicated on-water rescue service for the lakes; local volunteer mountain rescue and the community/tourist center provide safety support.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest medical facilities are in Geilo. Contact the local tourist center for local assistance. Emergency numbers: 113 (medical), 112 (police).
Rules of the spot
Respect groomed cross-country ski tracks on the lake if present. Avoid kiting too close to the road or railway lines.
- Drones may be restricted near national park boundaries
- Pack your backpack, splitboard, snowshoes or alpine skis and hike up to the lake.
- Check with the local tourist center for ice thickness reports.
- This spot can be a good option when winds are too strong on the higher plateau (or when access there is affected by weather).
- It is well-suited for your first hours with a kite due to the flat surface.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Oslo
- Nearest Town
- Haugastøl
- Parking
- Parking available at the Haugastøl Turistsenter or designated public areas nearby.
- Public Transport
- Accessible via the Bergen Line (Bergensbanen) with a station at Haugastøl; RV7 road runs through the area.
- Access
- Accessible by car or train; the lake is within walking distance of the Haugastøl train station and local accommodation.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Norwegian
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Near — Primary accommodation is at the Haugastøl hub; additional cabins/hotels are available in nearby Geilo.
- Food & Drink
- Hotel restaurant and café serve meals, snacks, and drinks.
- Equipment Rental:
- Rental gear is available locally for snowkiting.
- Gear Storage
- Storage is often available for guests at the local tourist center; dedicated storage is described as available in the main hub.
- Gear Repair
- Basic repair services may be found locally for snowkiting; the tourist hub/pro shop is described as supporting gear repair in the area.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Lillevann (Buskerud)?
The best overall months at Lillevann (Buskerud) are December, January, February, March, April, May.
Which wind directions work at Lillevann (Buskerud)?
Lillevann (Buskerud) works with NW, N, NNE, NE, NNE, NE, ENE, E, ESE, SE, SSE, SSW, SW, WSW, W, WNW, NW, NNW winds.
What skill level is Lillevann (Buskerud) suitable for?
Lillevann (Buskerud) suits these riding levels: Snowkiting: Beginner.