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Lac de Joux snowkite spot
Switzerland · Vaud
Overview
It's not the case during all winters, but sometimes the Lac de Joux freezes entirely. When this happens, it becomes (among other things) a magnificent snowkite and ice kite (ice skating) spot.
The wind is relatively consistent and consequently the surface is immense. If the ice is bare (without snow on top), you'll need very long race skis with freshly sharpened edges. Otherwise, ice skating is also possible, but protect yourself well and use a smaller kite size.
Spot forecast for Lac de Joux
Sunrise 07:55 · Sunset 18:45
Forecasts provided by Open-Meteo
Lac de Joux: when to go?
Rideable days and hours computed for a minimum wind of 7 knots · log in to set your own (foil, twin-tip…)
58h
in January · 7.5 rideable days
The season runs from November to February, peaking in January: 5 rideable days a month and 58 hours of usable wind, at 5 °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 — 64% of rideable hours. Big-kite territory. The coldest month is January, at 3 °C. The wettest month is October, with 220 mm. Snow depth peaks in November, at 10 cm.
Monthly averages: Lac de Joux
| Month | Rideable days | Usable wind | Temperature | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 7.5 | 58 h | 3 °C | 199 mm |
| February | 2.0 | 13 h | 6 °C | 102 mm |
| March | 1.0 | 8 h | 8 °C | 72 mm |
| April | 0.5 | 1 h | 11 °C | 109 mm |
| May | 0.0 | 0 h | 14 °C | 170 mm |
| June | 0.0 | 0 h | 21 °C | 201 mm |
| July | 0.0 | 0 h | 21 °C | 133 mm |
| August | 0.0 | 0 h | 23 °C | 139 mm |
| September | 0.0 | 0 h | 15 °C | 202 mm |
| October | 0.0 | 0 h | 12 °C | 220 mm |
| November | 5.0 | 31 h | 8 °C | 170 mm |
| December | 3.5 | 19 h | 4 °C | 125 mm |
Photo gallery of Lac de Joux
Technical details of Lac de Joux spot
The spot works with winds from NE, SW.
Depending on conditions: NNE, ENE, SSW, WSW.
Spot opening date
- Spot opening date
- Open all year round
- Spot type
- Normal (Car access at spot edge)
- Altitude
- 1,004 m
Parking
There are a series of public parking areas all around the lake. As usual, don't park on private property without asking for permission.
Wind specificities
The Lac de Joux, as well as the entire Joux valley, is oriented Northeast. Therefore, winds along the axis of the valley pass through well and it can be stronger at this altitude.
Hazards
The lake is a frozen surface that contains numerous hazards.
The first recommendation is to comply with signage, a red flag means the lake is closed.
You should avoid river outlets because the ice is thinner there.
And no kiting in reed areas (protected natural zone)
On weekends, the crowds can be record-breaking, so go kiting in less frequented areas.
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Live
Le Rocheray - Vallée de Joux3.1 kmsource barani
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source meteofrance
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