L'épine – lac d'aiguebelette

L'Épine near the Lac d'Aiguebelette is a west-facing thermal-and-soaring site above one of Savoie's prettiest lakes — a gentle enough spot to bring your kids for the day (warm lake water, no wind at the bottom). Launch at 1,150 m; after 13:00 the breeze fills in and afternoon thermals turn on, with beautiful evening flights over the lake. The site is well protected from most winds by its geography, but it does sit in the lee for anything with north, north-east, east or south-east in it — read the windsock in the tree above launch, not the wind on the ground.

Launch & conditions

Launch at 1,150 m. Afternoon breeze from 13:00, thermic through the afternoon, great evening flights over the Aiguebelette lake.

Getting there & local rules

From Chambéry take the motorway towards Lyon. After the L'Épine tunnel exit at 12 (Novalaise/Lac d'Aiguebelette). First crossroads left, then immediately left again — landing is just behind the trees. For takeoff, go to the Col de l'Épine pass on the D916; just before the pass, turn left and follow the road for 3 km, following the 'décollage' signs. Landing: near the motorway entrance on your right — fragile area, pack your wing under the trees near the parking. It's called 'the Swamp' locally — in January to March expect 10–20 cm of mud.

Local rules & hazards

Takeoff sits in the lee for winds from N, NE, E or SE. Still workable in moderate N winds (below 15 km/h) but be careful with stronger. In any easterly component you may find a gentle west breeze at takeoff that fools you — check the windsock in the tree above launch, not the wind on the ground; the flight can be rough or dangerous. Landing is rarely windy thanks to its sheltered position, unless a strong east wind ('Le Farou') is blowing, in which case the LZ turns into an uncomfortable lee.

Check conditions before you fly

A forecast for the valley is not a forecast for the launch. Before heading to L'épine – lac d'aiguebelette, read the wind and thermals for the site itself, confirm the day's rules with the local club, and remember the standing rule — when in doubt, don't launch. In the free OutDare app you can open L'épine – lac d'aiguebelette with a 7-day forecast built from high-resolution weather models, see who else has been flying, and get there with offline maps.