Things to know before going snowkiting:
The Petit St Bernard pass is an ideal place for snowkiting (around 50 ha), it is an off piste area, at high altitude, where things can get tricky, even dangerous. For your own safety, and in order to keep snowkiting allowed on this mountain for many more years to come, please read and follow the warning below.
NOTE: this information is mainly for people going snowkiting on their own, without any snowkiting instructor. Do not hesitate to contact us if you need more details regarding this area.
WARNING : snowkiting at the Petit St Bernard pass is considered like off piste skiing. You are then responsible for your own safety in a high mountain area. Please, act safely for yourself and others, respect the environment, and enjoy the ride !
- the road from/to la Rosière (N90) : the 8km distance between the pass and the resort goes through very dangerous avalanches areas. Access is then forbidden by local laws during the winter season. You MUST take a ski pass and use the San Bernardo resort ski lifts to reach the snowkiting spot.
WARNING : closing time of the ski lift to come back to France is at 4.15pm.
Land your kite south of the Italian restaurants and walk to the Piccolo San Bernardo ski lift (3mn)
- High voltage electrical cables (400kV) : located several hundred meters above the area, is only a danger to snowkiters who would ride up hill on the East slopes (quite steep) DO NOT get close to this electrical cables as it can produce a deadly electrical arc even if your kite is not touching the lines.
- helicopter landing zone: helicopters are quite common on the pass, as they are both used for safety, and also for taking people helisking. The landing zone is located West from the Piccolo SB ski lift. However, this area is never used by snowkiters as it is right above a big drop towards lake Verney. If a ski patrol comes and asks you to do so, land your kite and lie on top of it so it does not get blown away by the helicopter.
- cliffs : lthe only cliff in the area is located at the north/north-west end, dropping down towards lake Verney. While kiting with a wind coming from France, it is possible to go riding on the hills next to this cliff. So please, always keep a safe distance from the cliff whilst in this part of the zone.
- avalanches : the Petit St Bernard area is mostly flat, with almost no avalanche risk. Nevertheless, the West slopes towards the Lancebranlette peak can be exposed after big snowfalls, or during spring time when the snow is melting : DO NOT ride up these slopes. In case of a very big avalanche which would start from Lancebranlette (very rare, but possible), it remains a risk that the avalanche would reach the south end of the pass, between the Chanousia gardens and the Petit St Bernard hospice.
- various obstacles : even though the area is totally free of trees or crevasses, some obstacles remain potentially dangerous. A few old houses, military bunkers from the 2nd World War, road signs, …. Until the snow has covered them up.
- skiing area : snowkiting if forbidden on the ski area. Try not to get to close to the piste where you could drop your kite on a skier passing by… The snowkiting zone is wide enough !!
- weather : in case of strong winds on the French or Italian side, the Petit SB pass often keeps moderate winds, allowing snowkiting. Nevertheless, make sure that the ski lifts stay open so you can go back to the French side. If you ever get stuck, DO NOT try to come back on the road ! Rather make your way safely down to Italy along piste N°7, where you will find a hotel room for the night.
WARNING! Weather can change dramatically on the pass. Within 15 minutes, winds can get tempestuous, with snow and fog. Making your way out can be very difficult and dangerous. Please, anticipate any weather changes, and reach the Italian restaurants in time for a nice hot chocolate like only Oscar know how to make ! :o)
