The small tour of Hochstuckli (1565 m ü. M.) above Sattel SZ is recommended for hike & fly beginners and fascinates with its lack of fog and the poetry of a ski area without snow and people.
DIRECTIONS
The Drehgondelbahn at Sattel you can reach it privately or by public transport. From Lucerne and Zurich, the journey by public transport takes about 1 1/2 hours, either with a change in Goldau or Zug. There is a large car park at the valley station. From there, the revolving gondola takes you up to the Mostelberg, the starting point of our walk.
HIKE
The route follows the official, well-signposted hiking trail. From the mountain station, you first have to pass the hustle and bustle of the slopes and amusement parks before you leave the route after about 10 minutes at Herrenboden (1181 AMSL) and turn onto hiking trails and into the forest. From there, the trail climbs along an idyllic forest path. Always continue in the direction of Bannegg (the Hochstuckli is often not listed by name on the signposts). You pass the Bärenfang (1377 AMSL) and the Bannegg (1439 AMSL) and soon find yourself on the Hochstuckli, alone with a bit of luck. The trail is easy and can be easily walked by inexperienced hikers with normal-weight flying equipment. Walking time approx. 5/4 hours.
TAKEOFF
To start, it is best to descend about 100 m from the highest point; next to the ski lift mountain station, you can take off comfortably (thermally supported) to the SW. In strong winds, caution is advised, as some fir trees surround the take-off area and could generate turbulence. Apart from that, the take-off area is comparatively easy and flat. IMPORTANT: during the growing season from May to October, be sure to ask the alpine herdsman for permission to start!
FLIGHT / LANDING
Many variants are conceivable and can be flown. Gliding takes you to Steinen and Schwyz, with a little thermals to Goldau or you can find connections at Mythen or Wildspitz. Due to the fog, these options were not available to me and I chose to fly west of Engelstock back to Sattel. Even with simple paragliders you can safely reach Sattel by gliding. I landed in the car park right next to the valley station. There are many spacious meadows in the surrounding area that invite you to land. Due to its altitude, the town of Sattel (800 AMSL) has the advantage of often being in the sun unaffected by fog, while Goldau etc. are drowned in grey.
WEATHER / AIRSPACE
As always, good weather and map studies are essential, and a plan B in case of adverse starting conditions. The DABS is of course also part of it. The Hochstuckli is located in the LS-R39E, which is temporarily used for test flights of the PC27, clarification is also provided by the DABS. The tour is recommended in clear conditions when the ski lifts are closed and the skiing crowds stay away.
CONCLUSSION
Something to warm up and get into. When there is snow and winter sports going on, the hike is not recommended, but the flight into the valley is of course even more so.
