Montlambert

Montlambert overlooks the Combe de Savoie between Chambéry and Albertville and is one of the only sites you can fly around Grenoble in a northerly wind. Launch sits around 890 m; after midday the thermals and valley breeze can build fast. Multiple orientations work here, but each one has its trap — the ridge sits close to the lee of higher terrain, and the wind picks up its bite quickly above ~1,400 m as you climb out of the protection. The site is fragile: land access to the takeoff runs past homes, so drive slowly, don't unload at the top turning point, and treat the neighbours and the landowners like you want to keep flying here. The main landing is currently under pressure too — stay strictly inside the marked field.

Launch & conditions

Launch at 890 m. From midday onward, thermals and breeze can be strong. Very popular — park further down the road and don't unload at the top turning point (don't burn the site).

Getting there & local rules

Landing area: from Montmélian take the N6, turn left towards Saint-Jean-de-la-Porte; before Saint-Jean, turn left just after the bridge and follow the canal 1 km. Cross the small bridge again. From landing to takeoff: at the end of the dirt road turn left; in Saint-Jean-de-la-Porte turn left; after 1–2 km turn right towards Montlambert; in the village turn back, park below the village (not in it), then a 10-minute walk south-west to launch.

Local rules & hazards

Site is closed from mid-September to early November under an agreement with local hunters — check the exact no-fly days before you go; some days flying is still allowed. Strong north wind above ~20 km/h is dangerous — the shelter is thin and the wind can come on suddenly. Above ~1,400 m the upper-mountain protection ends and lee-side turbulence appears. SW and W winds put the west crest of takeoff in the lee — okay only under 10 km/h; W is flyable but often uncomfortable with high-valley turbulence. If in doubt, ask local pilots at the site. Landing zone is south/south-west of the windsocks — power line, trees and railway around; never land outside the marked field or in farmers' crops.

Check conditions before you fly

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