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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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 this spot

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
Great for
Snowkiting freerideSnowkiting freestyleSnowkiting mountainAdvanced ridersBeginners
What's great
  • 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.
Heads up
  • Remote backcountry terrain with avalanche risk and changing alpine weather.
  • No direct rescue coverage at the spot; access requires hiking/transport over alpine approaches.
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Practical spot guide

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

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
Wetsuit Guide
Dec–Mar: Full thermal snowkiting gear
Crowds by Season

Quiet even in peak season due to the required hike.

By sport

What to expect for each.

SnowkitingBest for this spotSkill Level

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.

Mountain
Snow Conditions
Packed
Forecast

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.

Nearby

Other spots in the area

Safety

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
Ability Level: Intermediate
Recommended Safety Gear
HelmetImpact vestLeashBootsGlovesHoodWetsuitDrysuitHarnessKnife

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.

Restrictions
  • Do not use on ski slopes
  • Avoid areas with power lines or other obstacles if present
Local Tips
  • 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
Amenities

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).
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

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.