Vast backcountry kite-touring area above Saint-Véran (2,042 m), the highest permanently inhabited village in Europe, in the Queyras (Hautes-Alpes). The terrain extends from the alpine pastures above the village to Refuge de la Blanche (2,500 m), Col de Chamoussière (2,741 m), Col de Saint-Véran (2,844 m) and Tête des Toillies (3,175 m).
Stunning scenery with views of Mont Viso (3,841 m), Pic de Caramantran (3,025 m) and Queyras peaks. Varied terrain: open pastures for beginners above the village, then steeper slopes and high-altitude cols for experienced riders.
Winter access aided by Saint-Véran ski lifts (touring ticket). Overnight stays at Refuge de la Blanche for multi-day sessions.
FFVL – French Free Flight Federation
Backcountry kite-touring. Options include:
Pastures above Saint-Véran: access via ski lifts then touring skins.
Refuge de la Blanche (2,500 m, staffed): base for exploring Col de Chamoussière, Col de Saint-Véran and Tête des Toillies. Multi-day loops possible via Refuge Agnel.
Freeride (Ski touring access)
2813m
Open all year round
From Guillestre, head towards Château-Queyras then Molines-en-Queyras then Saint-Véran. Parking at the village (2,042 m).
Use Saint-Véran ski station touring ticket to reach the top of the ski area and reduce approach time.
For Refuge de la Blanche: from Saint-Véran, hike via Chapelle de Clausis and Aigue Blanche valley (~2h).
High altitude (2,500-3,175 m): fast-changing weather, freezing wind. Full mountain equipment essential.
Nebbia: Italian fog common in Queyras, can reduce visibility to zero.
Avalanches: high-mountain terrain with steep slopes. Beacon/shovel/probe mandatory.
Protected areas: Queyras Regional Nature Park includes protected zones. Respect regulations.
Remoteness: wild and isolated. Bring skins, poles, GPS and charged phone.
Works mainly in west to north-west wind. Wind enters through the cols (Chamoussière, Saint-Véran) and sweeps the pastures.
South wind can also work but is often associated with Nebbia reducing visibility.
High altitude (2,500 m+) ensures consistent wind. Cols channel and accelerate airflow.
07:16 | 18:14
Currently, there is no weather station at this spot. If you want to change this, help us fund one: Weather Station Project
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