The Emparis plateau is one of the most beautiful and largest snowkite spots in France, perched above La Grave in the Hautes-Alpes. Breathtaking views of the north face of La Meije (3,983 m) and Le Râteau. Altitude between 2,000 m and 2,535 m (Petit Têt).
The terrain is vast and varied: domes, ridges, hollows, small cols, sustained slopes and powder bowls. Wind is generally strong on the domes and ridges, more erratic in the valleys, making riding technical but extraordinarily fun.
Easy access via the Chazelet ski lift (station above La Grave). Ideal backup spot when wind is too strong at Col du Lautaret. Several sub-spots: ridges above the lift, Serre Bernard (2,363 m), Petit Têt (2,535 m), Col du Souchet (2,360 m), and the true Emparis plateau beyond.
Onekite – Isère-based kitesurfing, snowkite and powerkite association. Many session reports from Emparis on the forum.
FFVL – French Free Flight Federation
Standard access via the Plateau d'Emparis ski lift from Chazelet station (above La Grave). At the lift summit (~2,100 m), wind is immediately felt.
Several levels of exploration:
Chazelet ridges: accessible straight from the lift, ideal for first discovery.
Serre Bernard (2,363 m) and Petit Têt (2,535 m): kite-powered ascent in east wind, playful slopes and powder bowls.
Col du Souchet (2,360 m): gateway to the true Emparis plateau. Trickier in north wind.
Grand Emparis tour: serious commitment, plan a full day, reconnoitre terrain beforehand.
Freeride (Ski touring access)
2444m
Open all year round
From Grenoble, head towards Col du Lautaret then La Grave. Drive up to Le Chazelet village (above La Grave). Park at the Chazelet station.
Take the Plateau d'Emparis ski lift to the top (~2,100 m). Touring ticket: approx. €5 per ride. You can check wind conditions from Villard d'Arène with binoculars — a large windsock is visible at the lift summit.
Alternative access from Besse-en-Oisans (600-800 m elevation gain on touring skins).
Serious alpine mountain spot requiring experience and humility. Mountain snowkiting is a true mountaineering discipline.
Avalanches: despite the name "plateau", there are many steep slopes below ridges and in bowls. Significant wind slab risk in easterly flow. Beacon/shovel/probe mandatory. Check avalanche bulletin before every outing.
Wind holes: the rolling terrain creates wind-dead zones in hollows. You can get stuck far from the lift and have to walk a very long time to find wind again.
Remoteness: beyond Col du Souchet, this is one of the most remote areas in France. Bring compass, GPS, generous time margin, and touring skins.
Complex wind patterns: wind direction changes across different zones of the plateau. Reconnoitre the terrain over several sessions before committing to the grand tour.
Emparis works best in east and north-east wind — the prime orientation. Expect at least 25 knots forecast E/SE to be sure. Emparis is the best backup when Lautaret is too windy for the 3 Évêchés.
East / North-East wind: riding in all directions, full exploitation of the spot. 20-30 knots on ridges and venturi effects at small cols, calmer in hollows.
North-West: works in the ascent section (ridges above the lift).
West and South: theoretically rideable but La Meije directly opposite may block some south orientations.
Wind is strong on domes and erratic in valleys. Complex patterns: wind can shift direction depending on your location on the plateau.
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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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