Um Su (Obersaxen-Mundaun)
- Freeride, Freestyle
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Flat
- Spot Type
- Quiet
- Crowd Level
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Um Su (Pass Um Su) is a remote, high-altitude snowkiting spot in the Obersaxen-Mundaun area, situated around 2,300 meters. Access is typically done either via a long hike from Vignogn (about four hours) or from the Obersaxen ski side: take ski lifts to Sezner, ski down to Alp Nova, then hike roughly 30 minutes to the pass/plateau. The launch is described as a wide open alpine plateau / mountain pass area with moderate launch difficulty. The wind is consistently described as strongest from the North to Northeast sector—N, NNE, and NE. Reported wind strength ranges around 12–25 knots, with moderate gustiness and moderate wind reliability. Regional context also highlights diurnal mountain-valley breezes on clear days, with a daytime thermal window reported as 11:00–16:00, supporting afternoon snowkiting conditions in winter. Snow conditions are described as packed and/or powder depending on source, with terrain clearly backcountry in character (mountain, remote, and open). Safety is a key focus: sources note avalanche risk, changing alpine weather, and that the south side of the pass can become turbulent in North winds. Practical guidance includes avoiding ski slopes, staying in open obstacle-free terrain, checking the avalanche bulletin before you go, and using protective gear (notably a helmet) for jump sessions. Rescue coverage at the spot is described as no direct rescue; however, REGA (Swiss Air-Rescue) is available via 1414, and emergency services can be reached via 144 (regional). Crowds are described as quiet even in peak periods because reaching the pass requires a hike, keeping the spot low-profile and niche among snowkiters who know the approach.
- North-sector winds (N, NNE, NE)
- Wide open high-alpine plateau/pass at ~2,300 m
- Daytime activity fits a thermal window reported as 11:00–16:00 (regional)
- Quiet/low-profile because access requires hiking
- Wide open high-alpine plateau/pass area suitable for snowkiting.
- Works best in North to Northeast winds (N, NNE, NE).
- Low-profile, quiet destination—often without large crowds due to the required approach.
- Remote backcountry terrain with avalanche risk and changing alpine weather.
- No direct rescue coverage at the spot; access requires hiking/transport over alpine approaches.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- N, NNE, NE
- Wind Range
- 12–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Frontal — Frontal / north-sector wind pattern noted; spot is also described as favoring North-quarter winds.
- Reliability
- moderate
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts — Reported as moderate-gusts.
- Shadow Zones
- South side of the pass can be turbulent in North winds.
- Thermal Window
- Other · Afternoon · Regional thermal window reported as 11:00–16:00; spot activity fits daytime mountain conditions.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Flat
- Launch
- Medium — Open snow field / wide alpine plateau and pass area; accessed via hike from Alp Nova.
- Launch Difficulty
- Moderate — Launch difficulty described as moderate.
- Bottom Type
- Sand — Bottom type given as sand (site noted as open snow field/plateau; sand is the only provided bottom descriptor).
- Obstacles
- Alpine terrain features; potential rocks in low-snow conditions.
Through the year
Quiet even in peak season due to the required hike.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Remote high-altitude snowkiting on a wide alpine plateau/pass area (around 2,300 m). Best known for performance in North-sector winds (N to NE). Terrain described as suitable for cruising/exploring; open snow field/plateau access and backcountry-style approach.
- Snow Conditions
- Packed
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Um Su (Obersaxen-Mundaun) in the full forecast view.
Um Su (Obersaxen-Mundaun) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 1–12 ktsGusts 30 kts
- Direction
- W268°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 2512 kts
- Windy days
- 1/712 kts or more
- Temperature
- -5–10 °C
Over the next 7 days, Um Su (Obersaxen-Mundaun) is forecast for daytime winds of 1–12 kts, peaking around 12 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 30 kts. The prevailing direction is W. 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
- Avalanche risk
- Changing alpine weather
- Remote location
- Potential rocks in low-snow conditions
- Turbulence on the south side of the pass in North winds
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Regional rescue is limited; REGA is available (1414).
- Emergency Info
- REGA (Swiss Air-Rescue) via 1414 number/app. Emergency number 144 (regional).
Rules of the spot
Avoid ski slopes and use only open, obstacle-free terrain. Always check the avalanche bulletin before heading out.
- Do not use on ski slopes
- Avoid areas with power lines or other obstacles if present
- Avoid ski slopes.
- Ensure the area is open and obstacle-free.
- Always check the avalanche bulletin before heading out.
- Use helmet and protective gear for jumps.
- Accessing from the Obersaxen side via the Piz Sezner lift is the most common approach.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Chur
- Nearest Town
- Obersaxen
- Parking
- Parking available at the valley stations of the Obersaxen ski resort or in Vignogn.
- Access
- From Vignogn: about a 4-hour hike. From Obersaxen side: take ski lifts to Sezner, ski down to Alp Nova, then hike about 30 minutes to Um Su/Pass Um Su. Parking available at valley stations of the Obersaxen ski resort or in Vignogn.
- Local Language
- German
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Hotels and holiday apartments available in Obersaxen and Val Lumnezia villages.
- Food & Drink
- Mountain restaurants are located within the Obersaxen-Mundaun ski area (nearest mentioned at Piz Sezner or Alp Nova).
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 Um Su (Obersaxen-Mundaun)?
The best overall months at Um Su (Obersaxen-Mundaun) are January, February, December, March.
Which wind directions work at Um Su (Obersaxen-Mundaun)?
Um Su (Obersaxen-Mundaun) works with N, NNE, NE winds.
What skill level is Um Su (Obersaxen-Mundaun) suitable for?
Um Su (Obersaxen-Mundaun) suits these riding levels: Snowkiting: Intermediate.