Montgirod – Arcachat

Montgirod-Arcachat is a high alpine XC launch in the Tarentaise valley of Savoie, at about 1,930 m. The site starts working early in the year and early in the day, thanks to a SE aspect above steep cow pastures and forest that catch the morning sun. In N through W winds, flights are possible before 1 pm thanks to the local orientation and the Centron/Villette microclimate — but once the Tarentaise valley system kicks in, it comes over the top and joins the valley wind from Moutiers, so timing matters. Cross-country is the primary use here. Two launch options exist along the mountain road above the cheese farm, one at about 2,000 m and a normally-preferred SW launch around 1,900 m.

Launch & conditions

The 2,000 m launch is under the power lines along the road above the cheese farm — take the 4×4 track to the right and pick a spot off the steeper slope. The 1,900 m launch is further southwest, past the refuge, on a steeper gradient marked by a small wind streamer near shrubs; park at the corner. It is the usual option — away from the power lines and easier to access.

Getting there & local rules

From Moutiers take the N90 toward Bourg-Saint-Maurice. After the tunnel, drive into Centron, then up toward Montgirod. Continue past Montgirod on a small tarmac farm road; park at the cheese farm where the tarmac ends, or continue higher if your car can handle it. It is roughly 15 km from Centron to launch — similar to the drive up to Col de la Forclaz from Doussard near Annecy.

Check conditions before you fly

A forecast for the valley is not a forecast for the launch. Before heading to Montgirod – Arcachat, 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 Montgirod – Arcachat with a 7-day forecast built from high-resolution weather models, see who else has been flying, and get there with offline maps.