Conditions Optimales
Description
At an altitude of 2400 meters with a height difference of 1550 meters, this paragliding site is considered medium-difficult and is highly popular among enthusiasts. It is frequently used and offers excellent cross-country (XC) opportunities, including the possibility of large FAI triangles. The main takeoff points are conveniently located within 350 meters, providing multiple options for launching.
Located in Sand in Taufers, Italy, this site boasts a record flight distance of 135.7 km. The takeoff area is accessible via the valley station of the cable car, approximately 3 km from Sand in Taufers. From the mountain station, it’s a 5-minute walk to the launch site. During the summer, a shuttle service from the local club is available, followed by a 1-hour hike. Alternatively, the gondola operates at least up to three-quarters of the way up, reducing the hiking time.
The flight offers panoramic views over Sand in Taufers with significant XC potential along the main Alpine ridge and the Ahrntal valley towards Bruneck. A landing fee of 3 euros is required, payable at the leisure center or the bar at the village entrance. Emergency landing spots include fields and meadows at the base of the slope.
In spring, strong and high-reaching thermals are common. Despite the valley's width, a pronounced valley wind system exists. Northward flights are possible, which is advantageous in case of excessive north wind. However, the site is susceptible to Föhn and north winds, making flying challenging with a pressure gradient of 1-2 hPa from the southern to the northern Alps.
From mid-June to early October, the site is easily accessible by cable car, followed by a 5-minute walk and a chairlift ride to Sonnklar, with another 5-minute walk at the end. The largest distances are typically flown from late June to early September.
The southeast and southwest launch sites have excellent thermal potential but can be demanding under poor wind conditions. Caution is advised during north wind conditions due to the proximity to the main Alpine ridge. The valley wind can be strong on all thermal days.
Even in autumn, the site remains rewarding, offering scenic flights through the Tauferer Valley and its side valleys, Ahrn and Raintal. Sometimes, the cloud base can exceed 4000 meters even in autumn. The Ahrntal can still be worthwhile during stable weather conditions when other areas are not flyable. The best XC flights occur during high-pressure conditions with a flat pressure distribution and minimal wind.
The optimal conditions are weak west winds. February and March are good for initial flights, while from April to September, larger tasks are possible. The best period is from early May to late July. It’s advisable to visit when at least two days of good conditions are forecasted. Check the gliding forecast from Austrocontrol for the northern and southern Alps and Alptherm for the area.
The standard FAI triangle route by Kurt Eder involves flying first to Sterzing, then to the Dolomites, and returning to the Ahrntal in the evening. Starting in the Ahrntal (southeast orientation) is easier initially, but the Dolomites tend to overdevelop in the afternoon, causing large shadows and wind issues over Rodeneck/Lüsen.
Launching around 10 AM is recommended. The site is centrally located within the FAI triangle, so even on large tasks, you are not far from your vehicle if you land early. The scenery in South Tyrol is breathtaking.
Key points include:
1. Crossing into the Pustertal to follow the mountains towards Sterzing. If the cloud base is not high, head towards Bruneck first, then cross to the south slopes of the Pustertal.
2. Flying towards Sterzing can be fast, with valley winds providing lift if you descend.
3. On the return flight, fly defensively to avoid the south wind.
4. The wide crossing towards the Dolomites over windy Rodeneck is best done early when the valley wind is weaker. Thermals can be blown out, requiring low flying and soaring towards Lüsen.
5. At the valley end, thermals should be strong again. Check IGC files for the Dolomites.
6. The return flight over Kronplatz into the Ahrntal is easier, usually with a high cloud base and favorable west slopes.
The site offers reliable thermals, vast landing fields, and excellent XC flying conditions. The cloud base can reach up to 4000 meters.
For accommodation, consider the 'Bacher-Hof' on the way to the old middle station of the Speikboden cable car. It offers comfortable apartments for 4-5 people at reasonable rates (from 26€ per night for 2 people plus a cleaning fee). The apartments are new, well-furnished, and provide a view of the Ahornach launch site, located directly at Speikboden. Contact: Tel. +39 0474 678693, Address: Michelreiserweg 17, 39032 Sand in Taufers.
Directions: Before exiting Sand in Taufers, turn left towards the middle station and follow the road. 'Bacher-Hof' is signposted.
For more information, visit [Speikboden Cable Car](http://www.speikboden.it/www.speikboden.it/).
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