Serre Ponçon (Savines-le-Lac)
- Freeride, Freestyle
- Best for
- Beginner
- Skill Level
- Flat, Chop
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Serre Ponçon (Savines-le-Lac) is a high-altitude alpine freshwater lake spot focused on thermal wind riding. In favorable weather, west to southwest thermal winds develop around midday and continue through the afternoon, commonly delivering enough wind for twin-tip freeride/freestyle sessions and also wingfoiling. The water is generally described as clean and flat with chop. Beach access is small and can be rocky: launch/landing points are reported as narrow in places near the bridge, and the usable shoreline can change with reservoir water level—so it’s important to verify conditions on arrival. Wind is typically in the 10–25 knot range during the main season, with summer described as very consistent (quasi-daily) when skies are favorable. Gust behavior is reported as steady in one source, while another notes moderate gusting; additional turbulence is possible in the wind shadow directly under/behind the bridge. Thermal winds can be reinforced by Mistral at times, so riders should be ready for stronger-than-expected gusts. Safety requirements are strongly emphasized for this spot: life jacket/approved flotation is reported as mandatory, and marked buoy zones must be respected (including swimming and buoy-marked capture/barrage zones). Due to boats in summer and the presence of rocks/bridge infrastructure, riders should follow local rules and consider boat-assisted starts offered by schools to avoid the tightest/rockiest sections. Rescue is limited overall; emergency services are available locally with the nearest major hospital in Gap.
- Reliable afternoon thermal winds
- Clean alpine freshwater lake
- Small/rocky launch near the bridge (technical logistics)
- Refreshment stand on the beach serving lunch
- Summer wind-sports hub supported by local schools and services
- Reliable afternoon thermal winds in summer (often west/southwest)
- Clean freshwater lake water and typically clear conditions for on-water sessions
- Flat-to-choppy water suited to freeride, freestyle, and wingfoiling
- On-beach refreshments and parking in/near the main launch area
- Launch/landing zones are small and rocky; near-bridge navigation can be technical.
- Storms/thunderstorms can occur in summer afternoons; boats and driftwood may add complexity.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- W, SW
- Wind Range
- 10–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Thermal — West/Southwest thermal lake breeze; typically builds from around midday and runs through the afternoon. Can be strengthened by Mistral at times.
- Reliability
- quasi-quotidien en été / high
- Gust Factor
- Steady — Reported as steady (quasi-quotidien in summer). Another source indicates moderate gusts.
- Best Months
- May, June, July, August, September, October
- Shadow Zones
- Potential turbulence and wind shadow directly under and behind the bridge.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Flat, Chop
- Beach
- Pebble — Pebble/rocky shoreline described; pebble bottom and rocks near launch/landing.
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Flat — Flat water with chop is reported for wind sports; one provider summarizes as flat wave conditions.
- Chop Level
- Light chop — Kite-focused sources describe flat water with chop; another provider summarizes chop overall.
- Launch
- Small — Gravel/herbe beach that can become stony; some sources describe a very narrow rocky launch near the bridge with limited space.
Through the year
Peak crowds in July and August; significantly quieter in May, June, and September.
Occasional afternoon alpine thunderstorms common in July and August.
By sport
What to expect for each.
High-altitude alpine lake kitesurfing spot with reliable afternoon thermal winds. Flat water with some chop; twin-tips commonly used for freeride/freestyle. Launch area is small/narrow and rocky near the bridge in places, so technical starts or boat-assisted sessions are common.
Wind/kite area can be used for windsurfing; additional space on the lake once away from the narrow shoreline is reported.
- Sail Sizes
- 5.5–7.5 m²
Popular for wingfoiling due to afternoon breeze and flat water; fresh water and mountain scenery. One source reports deep water and notes foil-friendly conditions.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes — Foil-friendly reported; also noted minimum depth shortly off shore.
- Min Depth
- 2-3 meters immediately off the shore (reported)
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Serre Ponçon (Savines-le-Lac) in the full forecast view.
Serre Ponçon (Savines-le-Lac) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 1–9 ktsGusts 20 kts
- Direction
- WSW237°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 249 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Temperature
- 6–19 °C
Over the next 7 days, Serre Ponçon (Savines-le-Lac) is forecast for daytime winds of 1–9 kts, peaking around 9 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 20 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
- Small and rocky launch/landing points (launch area can be narrow)
- Bridge nearby (including pilings) and navigation around it
- Barrage/capture zones marked with buoys
- Other water users/boat traffic (summer)
- Driftwood after storms
- Rocks near launch/landing; avoid rocky edges
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal — Seasonal presence indicated by one provider; otherwise none reported.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue availability is limited overall; some seasonal support by local services and schools during peak summer months.
- Emergency Info
- Emergency services: 112. Medical: 15; Police: 17; Fire: 18. Nearest major hospital in Gap. Office de Tourisme d'Embrun contact provided in one source.
Rules of the spot
Life jacket (or approved flotation) mandatory. Respect marked swimming zones (no navigation in buoy-marked swimming areas). Keep distance from buoy-marked capture/barrage zones and from the barrage/critical infrastructure; observe priority to passenger boats and follow on-water checks enforced by local authorities.
- No navigation in buoy-marked swimming zones
- Keep distance from buoy-marked barrage/capture zones
- Priority to passenger boats
- Launch/landing points are small and rocky—many riders prefer boat-based starts offered by schools to avoid the bridge and tighter sections.
- Check lake water level before heading out; the beach/launch area can change or become less usable at peak reservoir height.
- Be extra cautious navigating near the bridge: gusts can change direction suddenly.
- Use full safety gear: helmet, impact vest, and an isothermal suit (mandatory per local guidance).
- Avoid buoy-marked swimming and capture/barrage zones; give priority to passenger boats.
- Avoid barefoot; use proper suit footwear/gear (tongs in-suit noted).
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Savines-le-Lac / Embrun (also Gap cited)
- Nearest Town
- Embrun
- Parking
- Free public parking right by the beach; dedicated parking at bottom of dirt road near camping noted in one source; another source notes public parking near the bridge and Port-Saint-Pierre area.
- Public Transport
- Regional buses connect Savines-le-Lac to Gap and Briançon; a car recommended for carrying gear.
- Access
- Park at dedicated parking at the bottom of a dirt road near camping area noted by one source; another source indicates access via the N94 road that runs through the village and across the bridge.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- French
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Numerous campsites and small hotels within walking distance in Savines-le-Lac, plus broader nearby Hautes-Alpes towns.
- Food & Drink
- Beach snack bar with lunch service and lake view; multiple snack bars/restaurants along the waterfront near the bridge reported by another source.
- Equipment Rental:
- Equipment rental available through local schools and centers (reported).
- Gear Storage
- Some local schools offer storage during the summer season.
- Gear Repair
- Basic repairs may be handled by local schools; major repairs likely require travel to Gap.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
The region blends summer wind sports with mountain recreation around the lake and nearby towns.
Medieval town of Embrun nearby.
Museum dedicated to the history and construction of the Serre-Ponçon dam and the submerged villages.
12th-century Romanesque abbey in the nearby forest.
Whitewater rafting and kayaking on the river feeding the lake.
Mountain activities available in the morning.
Lakeside dining offering regional Hautes-Alpes cuisine.
Refreshment stand on the beach serving lunch.
Inflatable water park on the lake surface.
Family-friendly beach at Crots'Beach.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Serre Ponçon (Savines-le-Lac)?
The best overall months at Serre Ponçon (Savines-le-Lac) are June, July, August. The best wind months are May, June, July, August, September, October.
Which wind directions work at Serre Ponçon (Savines-le-Lac)?
Serre Ponçon (Savines-le-Lac) works with W, SW winds.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Serre Ponçon (Savines-le-Lac)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Serre Ponçon (Savines-le-Lac): Windsurfing: 5.5–7.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 10–25 kts.
What skill level is Serre Ponçon (Savines-le-Lac) suitable for?
Serre Ponçon (Savines-le-Lac) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Beginner to Intermediate · Windsurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Beginner to Intermediate.