One of the finest snowkite spots in France, located on the Aubrac plateau in Lozère. At the foot of the Signal de Mailhebiau (1469 m, highest point of the Aubrac), Col de Bonnecombe offers a vast bowl of roughly 1 km x 1 km with an east-facing slope from the technical zone and a west-facing slope opposite, connected by a flat central area. The usual starting point is across from the Relais des Lacs inn, 1.4 km north of the cross-country ski station.
From this beginner-friendly zone, experienced riders can head west up to the Mailhebiau summit (orientation table), then access a wild expanse of over 50 km² across the plateau. With NE wind, it's possible to kite-tour all the way to the Col d'Aubrac. The Aubrac plateau, between 1300 and 1400 m altitude, offers stunning landscapes and frequent wind conditions. FFVL-labelled spot.
Along the D52 road, opposite the Relais des Lacs inn, 1.4 km north of the cross-country ski station. Do not park in the inn's parking lot (reserved for customers). North access (Clermont-Ferrand): A75 exit Le Monastier, D52 to Col de Bonnecombe. South access (Montpellier): A75 exit La Canourgue, Saint-Germain-du-Teil, Col du Trébatut, D52. Note: the Bonnecombe-Nasbinals road is regularly closed in winter.
Hazards
Pastures separated by barbed wire fences, sometimes hidden under snow — the main hazard of this spot. Phone line along the road. Stream at the bottom flowing into a small lake to the south, possibly concealed by snow. Some protruding rocks. Cross-country skiers and snowshoers may be present.
Beyond the main zone, the plateau is true adventure terrain: fragmented pastures with fences everywhere, no mobile signal in some areas. Do not venture out alone without experience and GPS.
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