Mont Ventoux (1,910 m), nicknamed the Giant of Provence, is a rare and exceptional snowkite spot in southern France. Located in the Vaucluse department, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, this legendary summit offers a unique playground for experienced snowkiters.
The main riding area is above Chalet Reynard (1,440 m), on the south face, riding along the ridge towards the summit. The terrain consists of open slopes with very little vegetation above 1,500 m, offering the moon-like landscape characteristic of the summit.
Ventoux holds the French wind speed record with gusts measured at 320 km/h. On the ridge, wind is extremely powerful with a huge differential between the base and the top. It's common to launch a 6.5 m² kite at Chalet Reynard level while even that size becomes overpowered just 50 meters higher on the ridge.
Warning: this spot is for experienced riders who have full control in strong wind conditions and on slopes. The section below the summit along the ridge is very exposed with only 2-3 m of margin downwind before the slope and the road below.
Start from the Chalet Reynard car park. Climb towards the MTB track then progress along the ridge towards the summit (1,910 m). The ridge offers a long tack of about 4 km in a straight line to the summit. The most experienced riders can continue to the radome which forms a crater-like spot. No snowkite school on site. Restaurant at Chalet Reynard.
Spot type
Freeride (Ski touring access)
Altitude
1092m
Spot opening date
Open:
from
01/12
to 31/03
Spot currently open :-)
Parking
Parking at Chalet Reynard (1,440 m), accessible via D974 from Bédoin or D164 from Sault. Both roads remain open in winter.
Note: the road between Chalet Reynard and Mont Serein (Col des Tempêtes / summit) is closed from November 15 to March 15. Access is on foot/skis only from the car park.
Winter equipment mandatory (French mountain law): snow chains or winter tyres from November 1 to March 31.
Hazards
Spot reserved for experts. Extremely powerful wind on the ridge with violent gusts. Very exposed section between the summit and the radome (2-3 m margin). Rocky terrain under thin snow. Short-lived snow cover, melts very fast on the south-facing slope. Avalanche risk in gullies. Rapidly changing weather at altitude. Safety equipment recommended (avalanche transceiver, shovel, probe). Helmet mandatory. Bring snowshoes or skins in case of wind drop.
Wind specificities
Prevailing wind: SE to SW (reversed Mistral, south wind rising up the slope). Mont Ventoux holds the French wind speed record (gusts up to 320 km/h at the summit). Strong wind differential between the base (Chalet Reynard, 1440 m) and the ridge: it is common to start with a 6.5 m² kite at Chalet Reynard while this size becomes overpowered just 50 m higher on the ridge. Wind greatly accelerated on the summit ridge. Conditions rarely align: you need both snow and moderate wind, which is rare on the Ventoux.
Comments 0
Login to commentNo comments yet.