Menzingen
- Beginners, Advanced riders
- Best for
- Beginner to Intermediate
- Skill Level
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Menzingen is a winter-focused snowkiting spot built around open plateau fields near Gubel. The riding area is described as mostly accessible and suitable for setting up safely in wide space, with easy access from Menzingen by driving toward Gubel and reaching the fields after roughly 1 km. Wind is typically available from multiple directions, with the best options listed as North, North-Northeast, West, West-Northwest, Northwest, and North-Northwest. The area is especially associated with Northeast Bise conditions, which are commonly described as the cleanest and most consistent direction; west winds can be more gusty. Typical wind strength is reported in the range of about 10–25 knots, with moderate reliability. Terrain combines flat-field practice zones with rolling hills, which makes it possible to progress from controlled riding to more inclined freeriding when snow conditions allow. Snow conditions are reported both as powder and packed depending on the day, but the key requirement is adequate snow depth to protect the pasture and to create safe riding conditions. Safety is a priority: avoid power lines, fences/barbed wire, roads, and tree edges, and do not use ski slopes. Also respect agricultural boundaries and restricted farm zones; riding is only permitted when there is enough snow cover (reported as at least 20–30 cm). For emergencies, REGA mountain rescue can be reached via 112/1414.
- Classic Bise/NE-driven snowkiting conditions in winter
- Mix of flat practice ground and rolling hills for freeriding
- Multiple workable wind directions (N through NW plus west variants)
- Open-area setup suitable for beginners and training
- Rolling terrain enables both flat-ground practice and hilly freeriding
- Strong winter focus with reliable Bise (NE) influence and additional west wind options
- Hazards include power lines, fences/barbed wire, roads, and nearby tree lines
- Requires sufficient snow cover (minimum depth) and can have turbulence near buildings/trees
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- N, NNE, W, WNW, NW, NNW
- Wind Range
- 10–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Mixed — Provider descriptions indicate mixed wind behavior with classic Bise/NE influence in winter alongside west components.
- Reliability
- moderate
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts
- Best Months
- December, January, February, March
- Shadow Zones
- Turbulence can occur near the monastery buildings and tree lines on the eastern edge.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Ocean
- Beach
- Sand
- Launch
- Medium — Wide open agricultural fields/plateau and adjacent rolling terrain between the village and the Gubel monastery.
- Launch Difficulty
- Easy
- Tidal Range
- negligible
- Obstacles
- Fences/barbed wire, power lines, trees, and a road bordering the riding area.
Through the year
Can be busy on windy weekends during peak winter months.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Flat open areas for practice as well as rolling terrain for hilly freeriding; described as a classic Central Swiss snowkite spot with good potential during Bise (NE) conditions when snow cover is adequate.
- Snow Conditions
- Powder, Packed
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Menzingen in the full forecast view.
Menzingen wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 1–15 ktsGusts 32 kts
- Direction
- WSW248°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 2515 kts
- Windy days
- 2/712 kts or more
- Temperature
- 4–16 °C
Over the next 7 days, Menzingen is forecast for daytime winds of 1–15 kts, peaking around 15 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 32 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
- power lines
- trees
- fences
- barbed wire fences
- roads
- obstacles
- agricultural boundaries / restricted farm zones
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Regional rescue includes REGA and local police/emergency services for incidents.
- Emergency Info
- Call 112 or 1414 for REGA mountain rescue.
Rules of the spot
Avoid obstacles and power lines; do not use ski slopes. Riding is only permitted when there is sufficient snow cover to protect the underlying pasture grass, and respect agricultural boundaries/restricted farm zones.
- No ski slopes
- Maintain minimum snow cover depth to protect pasture grass
- Keep distance from power lines
- Do not enter restricted farm zones
- Ensure at least 20–30 cm of snow (depth may depend on surface condition).
- The Northeast wind (Bise) is typically the cleanest and most consistent direction here; west winds can be gustier.
- Check local snow reports before traveling because the elevation is relatively low.
- Respect agricultural boundaries and avoid restricted farm zones; do not park on the grass or block farm machinery access.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Menzingen
- Nearest Town
- Menzingen
- Parking
- Limited parking is available at the monastery or in designated spots along the road. Do not park on the grass or block farm machinery access.
- Access
- From Menzingen, drive toward Gubel; after about 1 km you will see the wide open area/plateau fields.
- Local Language
- German
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Guesthouses and hotels are available in Menzingen and the nearby city of Zug.
- Food & Drink
- A restaurant is located at the Gubel monastery adjacent to the spot.
- Equipment Rental:
- Equipment rental described as available through local mobile schools specifically during the snowkiting season; general daily water-gear rental is not stated.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Scenic mountain with panoramic views, hiking trails, and a funicular railway.
Well-preserved medieval old town with the iconic Zytturm clock tower.
Family-friendly mountain resort with a suspension bridge and summer toboggan run.
Traditional Swiss cuisine in Menzingen.
Unique stalactite caves in the nearby Lorzentobel.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Menzingen?
The best overall months at Menzingen are December, January, February. The best wind months are December, January, February, March.
Which wind directions work at Menzingen?
Menzingen works with N, NNE, W, WNW, NW, NNW winds.
What skill level is Menzingen suitable for?
Menzingen suits these riding levels: Snowkiting: Beginner to Intermediate.