The mountains surrounding the lake and the temperature variations between day and night, which occur from the fine weather, favor the appearance of almost daily thermal breezes from midday until late afternoon.
Stable and regular conditions, more pronounced from Savines-le-Lac (Venturi effect) going up towards Embrun, make this area THE ideal spot for sailing in Serre Ponçon.

A thermal breeze is a meteorological phenomenon that results from the temperature difference between the surface of the land and the lake. It does not exist when the water temperature and that of the land are the same.
The terrain plays an amplifying role in this phenomenon (accelerating the air currents flowing down the slope).
Under the action of solar radiation, the land heats up faster than the lake water.
By conduction, the air in contact with the land surface heats up and rises. This creates a thermal depression above the land. The warm air that has risen into the atmosphere is immediately replaced by colder, more humid air from the lake. This cold, humid air in turn heats up and rises. As it rises, it cools and condenses in the form of a cumulus cloud.
Throughout the day, the breeze strengthens.
Factors influencing thermal breezes:
- The nature of the ground, the relief, and the structure of the air mass play an important role in the establishment and intensity of breezes.
- Significant relief will influence the strength of breezes. Slope breezes will combine with thermal breezes.
The establishment of a thermal breeze depends on the characteristics of the surrounding air mass (pressure and temperature). A thermal breeze can only develop in a situation of vertical instability.
The air bubble rising from the ground is then warmer than the ambient air; it rises and then condenses in the form of Cumulus or Cumulonimbus clouds, which are characteristic of an unstable air mass. Its rise causes a "suction." The thermal breeze mechanism can then be triggered.
When the air mass is stable or in the case of a thermal inversion (the air in the lower layers is colder than the air in the upper layer), lift is impossible and the breeze cannot establish itself. The phenomenon of thermal inversion is commonly observed in valleys in winter and generates seas of cloud.

Les CQP sans prérequis sont proposés à quiconque désire se former pour devenir moniteur de voile. Néanmoins, une connaissance minimum du métier et du fonctionnement de l’activité est recommandée.
La spécificité de cette formation concerne
L’entrée en formation n’est pas subordonnée à un niveau technique minimum.
Le CQP Initiateur Voile prépare au métier d’éducateur sportif, c'est le premier diplôme permettant l’encadrement de la voile ; l’exercice du métier sera supervisé par une personne qualifiée.
L'Initiateur Voile vise à certifier l'encadrement de la voile dans l'ensemble du secteur d'activité, associations et structures commerciales. Il exerce son activité au sein tous les établissements d'Activités Physiques et Sportives (APS), affiliés ou non à la FFVoile ou du secteur marchand qui proposent une découverte ou un perfectionnement à la voile. Le CQP Initiateur Voile n'autorise aucune activité professionnelle indépendante ou non supervisée par un titulaire d'un diplôme professionnel d'encadrement de la voile de niveau IV ou supérieur.
Durée totale de la formation : 735 heures.
Pour accéder à la formation, il faut justifier :

Official boat of the Tour de France à la Voile since 2015, it was awarded Boat Of The Year 2017 by Sailing World.
Experience speed like never before thanks to our Skipper! Whether you are an experienced sailor or a beginner, you will gain insights into the world of sailboat racing and manoeuvres in an hour.
Available for up to 3 people (excluding Skipper)
From 10 years old (10 to 15 years old will need to be accompanied by an adult)
‘1 Hour Tour’ daily throughout the summer €35 per person (minimum of two people)
‘2 Hour Private Lesson’ for advanced Catamaran sailors: €120 per person / €180 for two
What to bring on the day:
Lifejackets will be provided by the Club
Group rates available, please contact us This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by phone +0033 (0)492.43.00.02
This 30 ft ketch rig is a twin keel boat offering great stability. It is fully accessible to disabled visitors, thanks to bucket seats or fixation rings for wheelchairs, permitting them to sail with their able-bodied counterparts, accommodating up to 10 people.
Discover the lake of Serre Ponçon with one of our 3 mini-tours or perfect your sailing skills with our 3 day course. Choose to relax on the deck and admire the view or to take part in the manoeuvres.
‘2 Hour Tour’ daily throughout the summer from 14:00 to 16:00 or 16:00 to 18:00: €25 per person (€20 under 16 years old).
‘Sail and Snack Tour’ from 11:00 to 13:30 every Thursday and Friday throughout the summer and enjoy a board of local delicacies : €35 per person (€25 under 16 years old).
‘Sunset Tour’ from 18:30 to 20:30 every Tuesday throughout the summer: €30 per person (€20 under 16 years old).
‘3 Day Course’ from 13:30 to 15:30 Monday to Wednesday : €100 per person (from the age of 14 years old and above).
What to bring on the day:
Lifejackets will be provided by the Club.
Group rates available, please contact us This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by phone +0033 (0)492.43.00.02