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Col du Sabot snowkite spot
France · Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Overview
Backcountry snowkite spot above Vaujany, in the Grandes Rousses massif (Isère, France). Col du Sabot (2,100 m) is a narrow V-shaped pass between the Eau d'Olle valley (Vaujany side, Lac du Verney) and the Grand-Maison dam / Col de la Croix de Fer side. Stunning mountain atmosphere with exceptional panoramic views: Dôme des Petites Rousses and Aiguillettes de Vaujany on one side, Grand-Maison lake and Mont Blanc on the other.
The spot works in north and south wind. In south wind (most common), the wind picks up well from the first plateau above the forest. In north wind, it channels from Grand-Maison lake up the valley, generously feeding the Rissiou area and Aiguillettes like a funnel.
Access requires 1 to 1.5 hours of hiking with touring skins from La Villette parking (1,400 m), making it a selective but peaceful spot with far fewer people than roadside spots. Great mountain atmosphere and guaranteed solitude. Thermal wind possible late season (May).
About 1 hour drive from Grenoble via Bourg-d'Oisans and the Eau d'Olle valley.
Spot forecast for Col du Sabot
Sunrise 07:58 · Sunset 18:42
Forecasts provided by Open-Meteo
Col du Sabot: when to go?
Rideable days and hours computed for a minimum wind of 7 knots · log in to set your own (foil, twin-tip…)
37h
in March · 6 rideable days
Wind is uneven from month to month: the best months are January, March and April, at 7 rideable days and 3 °C. The low point is May, at 0 days.
Rideable days per month
Wind strength when it is rideable
When the spot works, wind sits mostly between 7 and 12 knots — 72% of rideable hours. Big-kite territory. The coldest month is January, at 0 °C. The wettest month is January, with 282 mm. Snow depth peaks in February, at 104 cm.
Monthly averages: Col du Sabot
| Month | Rideable days | Usable wind | Temperature | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 10.0 | 68 h | 0 °C | 282 mm |
| February | 1.0 | 12 h | 2 °C | 100 mm |
| March | 6.0 | 37 h | 3 °C | 108 mm |
| April | 5.5 | 30 h | 6 °C | 109 mm |
| May | 0.0 | 0 h | 9 °C | 137 mm |
| June | 0.0 | 0 h | 16 °C | 174 mm |
| July | 0.0 | 0 h | 17 °C | 109 mm |
| August | 0.0 | 0 h | 18 °C | 169 mm |
| September | 0.0 | 0 h | 11 °C | 210 mm |
| October | 1.5 | 9 h | 9 °C | 187 mm |
| November | 1.5 | 10 h | 4 °C | 190 mm |
| December | 5.0 | 26 h | 1 °C | 156 mm |
Photo gallery of Col du Sabot
Ridden here? One photo or video, and the spot comes alive for everyone discovering it.
Technical details of Col du Sabot spot
The spot works with winds from N, NNE, SSE, S, SSW, NW, NNW.
Local association recommendations
Onekite – Isère-based kitesurfing, snowkite and powerkite association
FFVL – French Free Flight Federation
Spot functioning
Backcountry kite-touring only, no lifts. Ascent on touring skins from La Villette or the Collet parking depending on snow cover and winter road closure.
Launch kites as soon as you exit the forest above the parking when wind is sufficient. The riding area extends across the plateaus and alpine pastures up towards the col.
Possible to explore the Aiguillettes de Vaujany slopes in north wind, or push towards the Croix de Fer area on the south side of the col.
Spot opening date
- Spot opening date
- Open all year round
- Spot type
- Freeride (Ski touring access)
- Altitude
- 1,976 m
Parking
From Grenoble, head to Bourg-d'Oisans then up the Eau d'Olle valley via the D526 towards Allemont and Col de la Croix de Fer. Turn right onto the D43a towards Vaujany. Drive past the village to the Collet parking (1,405 m), end of the road.
In winter, the road is closed from the tennis parking at La Villette. Start on foot from there. Allow 1 to 1.5 hours for the ascent on touring skins (700 m elevation gain).
Wind specificities
North and south are the two main wind directions.
South wind (most common for this spot): doesn't pick up well until the first plateau above the forest. The higher you go, the more consistent the wind. Technical but very rewarding sessions.
North wind: channels from Grand-Maison lake and funnels up the northern valley of the Sabot. Generously feeds the Rissiou area and Aiguillettes de Vaujany. Uphill tacking possible.
Thermals: possible late season (late February to May), valley breeze effect enabling riding even in calm high-altitude conditions.
The narrow V-shaped col significantly accelerates wind — size your kites accordingly.
Hazards
Avalanches: do not follow the snow-covered road to Col du Sabot in winter — it runs close to the steep Rissiou slopes and is exposed to slides. Follow the ski touring route instead. Avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe recommended.
Strong wind: the narrow V-shaped col accelerates wind significantly. Bring appropriately sized kites.
Fog: surrounding peaks often get clouded in north wind. Visibility can drop suddenly.
Altitude and cold: 2,100 m, frequent icy wind, dress warmly.
Wind drop: bring touring skins for the return — the spot is remote.
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source Pioupiou
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Directory: France
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