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Description
Sölden, located in Austria, is primarily a winter and early spring paragliding site. The area is frequently used, especially from January to March, with good cross-country flying opportunities. The Giggijochbahn lift often operates until the end of April.
Sölden is mainly a winter flying site. Local pilots typically fly in the mornings. During the flying season (summer), a strong valley wind from the north is common, and in the evenings, a strong downdraft from the Rettenbach Glacier can occur. These winds are associated with significant turbulence. When the wind is from the south, a Föhn wall can form near the main Alpine ridge.
The long, north-south oriented Ötztal valley is popular among cross-country pilots heading south.
Difficulty: Always ensure you stay above ridge height when crossing side ridges. The valley wind can cause turbulence and the venturi effect can make it difficult to exit the side valleys. Be cautious of the material cable car from Farst, which is located in front of a beautiful south-facing wall ideal for soaring.
For more information, you can visit the restaurant at the Sportarena (indoor swimming pool in Sölden).
To reach the launch site, take the Giggijochbahn lift up, exit, and head right towards the restaurant. You will see two small wooden huts; the one with the windsock is at the launch site. If you're lucky, the area will be groomed; otherwise, launching without skis can be challenging.
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