Hibernation or thermals?

As a reminder: you need to fly at a sufficient altitude into steep, south-facing spruce forests close to the tree line. Take-off points at 2000 m above sea level and higher are therefore ideal. At this altitude there is usually snow in winter, so which take-off points can I reach comfortably and safely (avalanches) as a pedestrian? Take-off points that are right next to the mountain station of a cable car or along the groomed paths and slopes of a ski area are advantageous. On steep, south-facing slopes in ski areas I can also expect spruce forests: protected forests provide natural and well-maintained protection against avalanches, rockfalls and mudslides for the towns and infrastructure at the foot of the slope.

North side of the Alps

BRUNNI/ENGELBERG: Who hasn't seen it? A classic, not an insider tip, but always beautiful and usually above the fog. From the Tümpfeli starting point (1800 m above sea level) it is difficult to get into the famous Brunni-Schlauch. Those who undertake the climb (along the ski slope or with skis and lift) to Schonegg (2050 m above sea level) have clearly better chances. 

GUMEN/BRUNWALD: The sun terrace in Glarus! The take-off point (1880 m above sea level) not far from the mountain station is prepared in winter. A great flying area that promises thermals all year round.

ROTENFLUE: At 1550 m above sea level, it is actually well below the ideal starting altitude. The forest area is also interspersed with deciduous trees. But the Rotenflue gets sun from the morning onwards and the forest areas are very steep. In any case, it works.

EGGBERGE: Very beautiful Uri autumn and winter flying area. 

RUOGIG: Sunny spot above the Schächental, more of an insider tip. The take-off point (1870 m above sea level) is not easy to reach when there is snow (20 minutes ascent), but it does offer the opportunity to fly into the southern flank of the Eggberge at a good altitude. A pleasure, even if the heat doesn't work out. Please note and accept local agreements – The website of the Paradeltaclub Uri provides information on this.

View from the Ruogig take-off point over the dark, south-facing fir trees of the Eggberge into the Schächen and Reuss valleys. A classic winter high-pressure situation with pronounced ground inversion. Only those who fly and search will find out whether there is thermal air anyway.

South side of the Alps / Inner Alps

The tree line is around 200 m higher here (up to 400 m in the inner Alps), i.e. at around 2000 m above sea level, which alone is proof of more sun and milder temperatures. This has a favourable thermal effect; the necessarily south-facing nature of the northern side of the Alps is put into perspective here; SW slopes also work well.  

JAKOBSHORN/DAVOS: Lots of forest and sun and a clear tree line: it works! Start at the Jatzhütte (2496 m above sea level), which allows a very high entry into the thermals.  

FIESCH: What is a race track in summer is at least a walking path in winter. The first routes can be flown here early in the year. It is certainly no coincidence that our season opening flights will take place here!

GRAP SOGN GION/FLIMS: The Surselva, one of the southern valleys par excellence. From the Grap Sogn Gion take-off point at 2200 m above sea level, you can easily get into the thermals. In winter, in addition to fantastic days of skiing, the first relaxed cross-country and thermal flights are also possible here.  

LONG DISTANCE FLYING? -It's also possible in winter, at least in late winter. At this point we would like to refer you to an older and still relevant article of ours, which presents a few routes over 50 km on the south side of the Alps. Dress warmly and try it out. Have a nice flight!

Short cross-country flight in Cari above the Leventina towards the main ridge of the Alps.