Paragliding Donnersbachwald Riesneralm

At an altitude of 1809 meters, this paragliding site is occasionally used and offers opportunities for soaring and cross-country flights. There are multiple launch options available. The chairlift operates in winter and from July for a limited period. This site is popular among tandem pilots and is suitable for both summer and winter flying. The launch and landing areas are straightforward. The region is Styria, Austria. The site record is 53.4 km. For more information, visit [Paragliding365](http://www.paragliding365.com/index-p-flightarea_details_6163.html). This site is known for thermal activity, which can be quite strong in summer, but it is also suitable for relaxed gliding under the right conditions. The launch site faces southeast, so the wind should ideally come from that direction. Otherwise, you may have to deal with tailwind or lee-side conditions, which require running to take off, especially if hikers are on the trail that runs along the launch site. After launching, fly straight briefly and then turn left before reaching the ridge to avoid being in the lee, regardless of wind direction. The ridge lift is excellent for finding thermal sources. The main difficulty is the launch site, which intersects with a hiking trail and prefers southeast wind. When conditions are right, launching is easy. The valley wind can be quite strong due to the narrow valley, but the landing area next to the cable car station parking lot is large and wide, allowing for safe landings even in challenging conditions. The cable car operates from December to April and from July to September on Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays. Except on Sundays, it only goes up to the Berghof at 1600 meters. From there, you need to hike about an hour to reach the launch site at Hochsitz (1800 meters). On Sundays, both lifts are in operation, allowing for a more convenient walk from the second gondola to the launch site.