Best Conditions
Description
At an altitude of 3250 meters, this site is rarely used for paragliding, and no flight logs have been found. During the ski season, you might be able to glide down both the south and north sides. A ski start is recommended.
There are two possible directions for takeoff:
1. North/Northeast (towards Sulden) over the glacier breaks. This route is challenging but does not require a cliff start. The takeoff is located next to the weather station at the top station of the Schöntauf II lift (enclosed chairlift). This is mostly feasible in winter. Be cautious in summer, as after 30 meters, you will be on steep, bare glacier ice.
2. South, 200 meters west of the top station, is an easier takeoff next to the red sign 8. This area is where the slope becomes steep and is ideal for a ski start, located in the 'Skiers' El Dorado Glacier Basin'. This direction is simpler than the north.
Flight conditions are alpine, and you should be aware of the weather. With a north wind, you can fly over the entire glacier basin to the south (towards Cevedale). The Königsspitze is tempting, but it is in the lee with west and north winds. For those who enjoy a sporty challenge, this is an option. In summer, reaching altitudes over 4000 meters is not uncommon.
Soaring conditions vary:
- Kanzel: With west to north winds, you can soar endlessly along the slope. The summer launch site is at the top station of the drag lift, right next to the house thermal (launch and climb).
- Schöntaufspitze: Depending on the wind direction:
- With south wind, soar over the ski area basin (also possible in winter).
- With north wind, soar in front of Schöntaufspitze and then jump over to Kanzel.
From both launch sites, you can soar high towards Vertainspitze.
In winter, the cold eliminates the glacier's downward wind, allowing you to fly over the glaciers with the reliable dynamic valley wind, reaching 4000 meters without any thermals.
For local contacts:
- Christian Knoll from Cafe Ilse: +39-0473-613 171 (fax)
- Tandem pilot Ivo: +39-0335-6232680 (mobile)
For cable car information: [Seilbahnen Sulden](http://www.seilbahnensulden.it)
In winter, there is a large cabin lift to the ski area, followed by two enclosed chairlifts.
This is a beautiful and quiet flying area suitable for both summer and winter. However, it is classified as high alpine and, despite the easy launch sites, is only conditionally suitable for beginners. The Kanzel launch is from southwest to north, either directly at the guesthouse next to the top station at 2350 meters or at the top station of the drag lift at 2450 meters.
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