Semnoz (Annecy)
- Mountain, Beginners
- Best for
- Beginner
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Semnoz (above Annecy) is a major winter snowkiting venue on a vast high-altitude plateau, where open space makes it practical for setting up and launching. Sources describe it as particularly well-suited for progression, including beginners, with rolling hills and a large snow surface.
- Most reliable conditions reported with North wind (la Bise) in winter
- Designated snowkiting zones and nearby Nordic/cross-country tracks require careful separation
- High-altitude open plateau with wide launch/prep space
- Reliable North wind (la Bise) during winter months
- Powder snow conditions reported
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- N, NNE, S, SSW
- Wind Range
- 10–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Gradient — Wind described as a gradient pattern; North wind (la Bise) reported as the most stable and reliable on the plateau in winter.
- Reliability
- High during winter months when the North wind (Bise) is active.
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts — South wind can be very strong and more gusty.
- Best Months
- December, January, February, March
- Shadow Zones
- Turbulence can occur near the tree line and around the Crêt de Châtillon with certain wind angles.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Ocean
- Beach Size
- Tidal
- Launch
- Big — Launch/prep from a high-altitude plateau with wide open spaces.
- Launch Difficulty
- Easy — Sources describe the approach/launch as easy due to the plateau layout and open space.
- Obstacles
- Power lines near the Crêt de Châtillon; fences can be hidden by snow; proximity of roads and ski lifts.
Through the year
Can be busy on weekends and sunny days during the winter ski season; otherwise family-oriented with moderate crowds during winter.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Vast high-altitude plateau with rolling hills suitable for snowkiting; powder conditions reported. One of the best-known snowkiting spots in the French Alps above Annecy.
- Snow Conditions
- Powder
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Semnoz (Annecy) in the full forecast view.
Semnoz (Annecy) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 1–13 ktsGusts 31 kts
- Direction
- WSW243°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 2513 kts
- Windy days
- 1/712 kts or more
- Temperature
- 0–12 °C
Over the next 7 days, Semnoz (Annecy) is forecast for daytime winds of 1–13 kts, peaking around 13 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 31 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 near the Crêt de Châtillon (real danger)
- Cross-country skiers
- Roads
- Fences (can be hidden by snow)
- Ski lifts
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Yes — Mountain rescue provided by PGHM (helicopter and ground teams).
- Emergency Info
- France emergency number: 112 (EU) / 15 (medical), 17 (police), 18 (fire). Nearest major hospital: Centre Hospitalier Annecy Genevois (CHAG) in Annecy.
Rules of the spot
Strictly respect the designated snowkiting zones and stay away from cross-country ski tracks (pistes de fond). Respect any seasonal closures.
- No kiting in cross-country ski zones
- Observe local seasonal closures
- North wind (la Bise) provides the most stable and reliable conditions for kiting here.
- South wind can be very strong and more gusty.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Annecy
- Nearest Town
- Viuz-la-Chiésaz
- Nearest Airport
- Geneva International Airport
- Parking
- Large public parking lots are available at the summit near restaurants and the ski station.
- Public Transport
- Winter bus connects Annecy train station to the Semnoz plateau during ski season.
- Access
- Accessible from Annecy by car (about 20 minutes drive); parking available at/near the ski resort base/summit lots.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- French
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Hotels and mountain gîtes are available at the summit and in the valley near Annecy, including the area around Viuz-la-Chiésaz and Quintal.
- Food & Drink
- Several restaurants and snack bars are located at the summit near the parking area; on-site restaurants and bars at the ski resort.
- Equipment Rental:
- Rental is available through the local snowkite school; regional access to equipment rental via local specialized schools on the plateau is reported.
- Gear Storage
- Storage facilities are reported as limited; many riders use their own vehicles parked at resort lots.
- Gear Repair
- On-site mountain repair reported as limited; general kite repair exists in the broader Annecy area.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Semnoz pairs a lakeside city experience in Annecy with high-altitude mountain adventures. Visitors can combine sessions on the plateau with local cuisine and experiences in Annecy.
One of the cleanest lakes in Europe, offering scenic views and boat tours.
Historic center known as the 'Venice of the Alps' with canals and medieval architecture.
Downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing trails.
High-altitude restaurant serving traditional Savoyard cuisine like fondue and tartiflette.
Dedicated safe areas for children and families to enjoy sledding.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Semnoz (Annecy)?
The best overall months at Semnoz (Annecy) are December, January, February, March.
Which wind directions work at Semnoz (Annecy)?
Semnoz (Annecy) works with N, NNE, S, SSW winds.
What skill level is Semnoz (Annecy) suitable for?
Semnoz (Annecy) suits these riding levels: Snowkiting: Beginner.