Margeriaz (Aillon-le-Jeune)
- Advanced riders, Freeride
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Flat
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Snowkiting here is generally aimed at intermediate riders and above, with the terrain and open plateau helping support longer exploratory sessions when conditions are right. Wind is reported as gradient/Alpine mountain winds, with a typical winter usable range around 10–25 knots and moderate reliability. North wind (Bise) is often noted as the most consistent and clean on the plateau, while the spot can also work in South wind conditions. Safety is a key consideration: the plateau is known for karst sinkholes (“chourums”) that can be hidden under snow, and fresh snow/changed snow cover can increase risk. Ski lifts/cables are also present, and skiers or snowshoers may share the area. Always follow resort safety zones, remain outside marked downhill ski runs, and monitor avalanche and weather conditions—low visibility/whiteout and sudden mountain changes are possible. Rescue availability is limited, with resort patrol support during opening hours, and the general emergency number is 112.
- Vast alpine plateau with room to launch and ride
- Moderate, usable wind conditions reported in winter
- Resort-based access with in-season ski patrol support
- Large open alpine plateau with space for snowkiting
- Works in both North and South wind directions with moderate reliability
- Winter is the core season with consistent snow cover potential
- Danger of hidden karst sinkholes ('chourums') if snow cover is thin
- Kiting must avoid marked ski runs and stay within resort safety zones
- Low visibility and sudden mountain weather changes can occur
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- N, S
- Wind Range
- 10–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Gradient — Alpine mountain winds; winter snowkiting relies heavily on weather systems.
- Reliability
- moderate
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts
- Best Months
- December, January, February, March
- Shadow Zones
- Some turbulence can occur near the ridge lines and forest edges.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Flat
- Launch
- Big — Top of the ski resort on a wide alpine plateau, with ski-slope marked runs reported roughly between 1,370m and 1,785m elevation (ski area extending to around 1,900m).
- Launch Difficulty
- Moderate
- Obstacles
- Ski lifts and chairlift cables; karst sinkholes may be hidden under snow.
Through the year
Reported can be busy on weekends with skiers, though the snowkiting plateau itself usually has plenty of space.
Late autumn and spring transitions.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Flat-water snowkiting on ski slopes/top plateau in alpine terrain up to around 1,900m elevation, with an undulating plateau suitable for exploration and technical riding. Snow conditions are reported as packed in one account and powder in another.
- Snow Conditions
- Packed, Powder
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Margeriaz (Aillon-le-Jeune) in the full forecast view.
Margeriaz (Aillon-le-Jeune) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 1–8 ktsGusts 21 kts
- Direction
- WSW256°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 258 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Temperature
- 1–15 °C
Over the next 7 days, Margeriaz (Aillon-le-Jeune) is forecast for daytime winds of 1–8 kts, peaking around 8 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 21 kts. The prevailing direction is WSW. 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
- Ski lifts and cables
- Karst sinkholes (chourums) which can be hidden under snow
- Skiers and snowshoers
- Sudden mountain weather changes
- Low visibility/whiteout conditions
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal — Seasonal coverage reported for resort safety presence.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Serviced by local ski resort patrol (pisteurs-secouristes) during winter operating season.
- Emergency Info
- Rescue is limited; the ski patrol (pisteurs-secouristes) can assist during resort opening hours. General emergency number is 112.
Rules of the spot
Ski resort operating hours are reported as 09:00-17:00 (conditions may vary). Kiting must remain outside the marked downhill ski runs and follow resort-designated safety zones and instructions from safety personnel.
- Kiting is generally forbidden on active ski pistes.
- Strict adherence to resort safety personnel instructions.
- Always check the avalanche bulletin before heading out.
- Watch out for the 'chourums' (deep natural holes in the limestone), which can be very dangerous if the snow cover is thin.
- The North wind (Bise) is often the most consistent and clean on the plateau.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Chambéry
- Nearest Town
- Aillon-le-Jeune
- Nearest Airport
- Chambéry–Savoie Airport (CMF) (~35 km) and Geneva Airport (GVA) (~90 km)
- Parking
- Parking available at the ski resort; large parking areas reported at the base of the Margériaz 1400 ski station.
- Public Transport
- Regional bus services connect Chambéry to the Massif des Bauges; for equipment transport, private car is highly recommended.
- Access
- Accessible via the Aillon-Margériaz ski resort infrastructure; reaching the top plateau typically requires a pedestrian lift pass or ski pass.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- French
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Hotels, gîtes, and mountain chalets available in Aillon-le-Jeune and surrounding Bauges area.
- Food & Drink
- Limited food/drink reported in one account; several mountain restaurants and snack bars reported at the base and mid-station of the ski resort.
- Equipment Rental:
- Specialized snowkite gear rental is rare; general ski/snowboard rental is widely available, and specialized gear may be provided by mobile schools.
- Gear Storage
- Not commonly available as a standalone service; usually provided by local accommodation or schools.
- Gear Repair
- General sail and kite repair services available in nearby urban areas such as Annecy or Chambéry.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
A mountain-plateau destination in the Bauges area combining winter snow sports with traditional Savoyard hospitality and nearby heritage towns.
Protected mountainous area known for biodiversity and traditional alpine landscapes.
Alpine landscapes, vineyards, and ski resorts.
Historical capital of the Duchy of Savoy featuring the Fontaine des Éléphants and medieval architecture.
Historic Alpine villages and vineyards of the Savoie region.
Mountain hiking, ski touring, and alpine climbing in the Savoy Alps.
Traditional Savoyard dining featuring fondue, raclette, and local Tome des Bauges cheese.
Local Alpine cuisine and wines in village restaurants.
Family-friendly ski area with slopes for all levels and dedicated beginner zones.
Network of trails through forests and plateaus of the Bauges massif.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Margeriaz (Aillon-le-Jeune)?
The best overall months at Margeriaz (Aillon-le-Jeune) are December, January, February, March.
Which wind directions work at Margeriaz (Aillon-le-Jeune)?
Margeriaz (Aillon-le-Jeune) works with N, S winds.
What skill level is Margeriaz (Aillon-le-Jeune) suitable for?
Margeriaz (Aillon-le-Jeune) suits these riding levels: Snowkiting: Intermediate.