Urnerboden (Uri)

Freeride, Freestyle
Best for
Intermediate
Skill Level
Flat
Spot Type
Moderate
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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

Urnerboden (near Spiringen, Uri) is a high-alpine snowkiting destination built around a very large, open plateau at roughly 1,400m altitude. In winter, this expansive flat terrain creates broad riding space for practicing and freeriding, with conditions most consistent during the December to March window. Wind is best from the west to southwest—specifically SW, WSW, and W—often described as strong and dependable in winter. The spot can also be influenced by Föhn conditions, while wind can become turbulent near the edges of the valley where steep mountain walls disturb airflow. Safety focus is essential: stones are reported in the riding area, and power lines cross the valley (particularly near the road). Riders are also warned about road traffic, strong gusts during Föhn, and sudden alpine weather changes. Local guidance emphasizes avoiding power lines and keeping distance from the main road. Access is winter-dependent: the Klausen Pass road is closed from the Uri side, and access is managed from the Glarus side via Linthal to Urnerboden. Parking is available in the village area, and on-the-spot services are oriented around winter visitors and snowkite operations.

  • Very large high-alpine plateau for snowkiting
  • West and southwest wind orientations
  • Powder snow potential during the main winter season
  • Mountain-pass scenery (Klausen Pass area)
Great for
Snowkiting freerideSnowkiting freestyleSnowkiting mountainAdvanced ridersBeginners
What's great
  • Large, relatively flat plateau that supports snowkiting
  • Reliable west-to-southwest winter winds, often Föhn-influenced
  • Multiple safe riding options across the open valley floor
Heads up
  • Stones in the riding area (and potentially hidden rocks early in the season)
  • Power lines cross the valley—extra caution near the road
  • Road traffic and sudden alpine weather changes
Was this description helpful?
Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
SW, WSW, W
Wind Range
10–25 kts
Wind Type
Mixed — West to southwest wind patterns, with Föhn-influenced conditions reported in the region.
Reliability
High during winter months, especially with West winds or Föhn conditions.
Gust Factor
Moderate gusts
Best Months
December, January, February, March
Shadow Zones
Turbulence can occur near the edges of the valley due to steep mountain walls.

Water & beach

Water Type
Flat
Beach
Sand
Beach Size
Big
Launch
Big — Vast open alpine meadows and flat fields spanning the valley floor.
Launch Difficulty
Easy
Bottom Type
Rock — Rocky/stone hazard zones where snow cover may be thin.

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
Crowds by Season

Popular on weekends but rarely overcrowded due to the immense size of the valley floor.

Storm/Rain Season

Late autumn and early spring transition periods.

By sport

What to expect for each.

SnowkitingBest for this spotSkill Level

A windy, flat alpine plateau well suited for snowkiting, with a massive open area at about 1,400m altitude.

Flat field
Snow Conditions
Powder
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Urnerboden (Uri) in the full forecast view.

Urnerboden (Uri) wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
1–11 ktsGusts 28 kts
Direction
WSW238°
Strongest day
Sun, Oct 2511 kts
Windy days
0/712 kts or more
Temperature
0–17 °C

Over the next 7 days, Urnerboden (Uri) is forecast for daytime winds of 1–11 kts, peaking around 11 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 28 kts. The prevailing direction is WSW. 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

  • Stones in the riding area
  • Power lines crossing the valley (especially near the road)
  • Road traffic
  • Strong Föhn gusts
  • Sudden alpine weather changes
  • Stones and rocks (including under thin snow early in the season)
Ability Level: Intermediate
Recommended Safety Gear
HelmetHarness

Rescue & support

Rescue & Self-Rescue
Limited — Regional rescue services via REGA helicopter are reported in the cluster context; no dedicated on-site patrol is indicated.
Emergency Info
Call 144 for medical emergencies in Switzerland. Call 112 for emergencies.

Rules of the spot

Avoid riding too close to the main road and respect the designated agricultural zones if marked.

Restrictions
  • Keep distance from power lines
  • Respect wildlife quiet zones in the surrounding mountains
  • Respect designated agricultural zones if marked
  • Avoid riding too close to the main road
Local Tips
  • Always watch the power lines near the road.
  • Check the Klausen Pass road status; it is closed from the Uri side in winter.
  • Early season riding requires caution due to hidden rocks under thin snow.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Glarus
Nearest Town
Linthal
Parking
Parking is available in the village of Urnerboden near the local restaurants and the cable car station.
Access
From E41 get onto highway 17 and drive to Urnerboden. Pass it and you will see the riding area.
Cost Level
Moderate
Local Language
German
Amenities

What's on the beach

Parking
Toilets
Restaurant
Accommodation
Near — Local guesthouses and hotels in the Urnerboden village area.
Food & Drink
Several traditional Swiss restaurants are located in the Urnerboden village area.
Equipment Rental:
Available through mobile schools that frequent the spot.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

Off the water

Best time to visit: January and February for peak snow conditions and reliable winds.
Klausen Pass5km

A famous high mountain pass connecting Uri and Glarus, offering scenic vistas.

Urnerboden Village1km

The largest high-alpine pasture in Switzerland with traditional farming architecture.

Cross-country skiing0km

Extensive groomed trails across the flat Alpine plateau.

Gasthaus Urnerboden1km

Traditional Swiss cuisine serving local Alpine specialties.

Sledding and Winter Walking0km

Family-friendly trails and slopes for winter recreation.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Urnerboden (Uri)?

The best overall months at Urnerboden (Uri) are December, January, February, March.

Which wind directions work at Urnerboden (Uri)?

Urnerboden (Uri) works with SW, WSW, W winds.

What skill level is Urnerboden (Uri) suitable for?

Urnerboden (Uri) suits these riding levels: Snowkiting: Beginner to Advanced.