Backcountry snowkite spot on the alpine pastures of Sénépy (1,769 m), an iconic summit in the Matheysine area overlooking Monteynard lake, in the Taillefer massif (Isère, France). Exceptional 360° panorama: eastern Vercors cliffs, Dévoluy with the Obiou, Taillefer massif, Belledonne, Chartreuse and Monteynard lake.
Starting point is Pierre Plantée (1,559 m), at the top of the small Signaraux Nordic ski area. Follow the ridgeline across vast gently sloping alpine pastures (Serre de la Combette, Serre de l'Horizon) to Col du Sénépy (1,526 m), then climb the steep eastern slopes to the broad summit plateau.
The spot works in north or south wind. Difficulty is quite high on the final section as the Sénépy slopes are steep and wind is rarely aligned with the ascent. An experienced slope rider will find it manageable.
Access via Vizille, La Motte d'Aveillans then Les Signaraux. About 45 min from Grenoble.
Onekite – Isère-based kitesurfing, snowkite and powerkite association
FFVL – French Free Flight Federation
Backcountry kite-touring spot. Start from Pierre Plantée (top of the Signaraux station, reachable by ski lift when open or on foot otherwise).
Follow the ridgeline southward: Serre de la Combette, Serre de l'Horizon, Col du Sénépy (1,526 m). From the col, climb the steep eastern slopes to the Sénépy summit plateau (1,769 m).
Extensive riding area across the alpine pastures between Pierre Plantée and the summit. Bring touring skins and poles in case the wind drops.
Open all year round
Resort (Ski lift access)
Altitude: 1521m
From Grenoble, head towards Vizille then La Motte d'Aveillans. Follow the small road to Les Signaraux (Nordic ski area). Park at the Signaraux station car park (1,279 m).
From there, hike up or take the ski lift (when operating) to Pierre Plantée (1,559 m). In strong north wind, it may be possible to start directly from the Signaraux parking.
Sénépy works in north wind or south wind.
North wind (most common): at the ski lift base, wind is very turbulent due to trees — constant kite loops needed. Once past the tree line, wind stabilises quickly and 10 kite loops take you to the top. In strong north wind, launch possible from Signaraux parking.
South wind: also rideable but less common for this spot.
Wind on the exposed ridges is generally consistent. On the Sénépy slopes, wind is rarely aligned with the ascent, making the climb technical.
Steep slopes: the eastern face of Sénépy is steep and wind is rarely aligned with the climb. Good piloting skills in slopes required.
Fence posts: a farmer places posts along the path from the col southwestward. Be careful until they are covered by snow.
Weather station: located on the ridge near the La Ruine kite area — watch out for kite lines.
Turbulent launch: at the ski lift base, wind is very disturbed by trees. Constant active piloting needed. Wind stabilises once past the tree line.
Remoteness: backcountry spot — bring touring skins in case the wind drops.
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