Silvaplana — Eastern Switzerland
The windiest lake in the Alps (1791 m) and Switzerland's windsport capital. The thermal Maloja wind delivers 4–6 Bft from the southwest almost daily from May to September, starting shortly before noon and easing in the later afternoon. Kite and wing launch at the Mulets sports centre (member club), windsurfers launch at the Surfcenter. Home of the Engadinwind festival — the oldest windsurfing regatta in the world.
Wind: 14–27 kn · SW, S — Sports: windsurf, kite, wing, SUP — Level: all levels — On site: school, rental, food, rescue
Rules: Official zoning plan with marked launch corridors (buoys/posts). Kite: member club at Mulets is mandatory (day CHF 15 / season CHF 100), VDWS level 4 / IKO 3J. Liability insurance with Swiss coverage required.
Caution: Cold mountain water (rarely above 16 °C — 4/3 wetsuit+), gusts around 6 Bft on classic days, up to 6–7 Bft with SW upper-level flow; south foehn days are strong but very gusty. Northerly winds are rarely rideable.
Frequently asked questions
Which wind direction works best at Silvaplana?
Silvaplana works best with wind from SW and S. The typical sailable range is 14–27 kn.
Is Silvaplana suitable for beginners?
Yes — Silvaplana suits all levels, from beginners to advanced riders. Check the hazards section on this page before your first session.
Which sports can you do at Silvaplana?
Silvaplana is used for windsurfing, kitesurfing, wing foiling and SUP. Swiss lakes have binding zoning and shore rules, and some sports are restricted here — see the rules section on this page.
Is there a live webcam at Silvaplana?
Yes — this page shows 4 live webcams for Silvaplana, together with the measured wind from the nearest MeteoSwiss station and a 3-day forecast.
What facilities are there at Silvaplana?
On site you'll find a watersports school, equipment rental, food & drinks and a rescue service. Main season: Mai–Sep. Opening times vary with the season — check ahead.
What kind of wind blows at Silvaplana?
Silvaplana runs on the Maloja wind, the thermal valley wind of the Engadin. This page forecasts that wind system specifically and shows the live reading from the nearest MeteoSwiss station.
Where exactly is Silvaplana?
Silvaplana is in Eastern Switzerland, Switzerland, 1791 m above sea level (46.4550, 9.7950). Use the route button on this page for directions.