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Description
Located in the stunning Kitzbüheler Alpen of Austria, this paragliding site offers an exceptional experience for both novice and experienced pilots. The launch site is situated at an altitude of 1800 meters with a height difference of 1015 meters, making it an easy yet exhilarating spot for paragliding.
The area is highly frequented and offers excellent cross-country (XC) flying opportunities. Experienced pilots can enjoy routes that take them over Hopfgarten and back. The site record stands at an impressive 85.5 km.
The region boasts high mountains and unique natural landscapes, providing beautiful launch sites and a large landing area. During the summer, a short 15-minute walk will get you to the launch sites. The west launch site is spacious and slightly undulating, accommodating multiple gliders simultaneously. The north launch site is steeper and narrower, allowing only two gliders to be laid out at a time.
Thermal activity is typically found from late morning, especially to the right of the west launch site. Good thermals can lead to cross-country flights towards Pinzgau. Additionally, dynamic west winds make the ridge extending left and right of the west launch site ideal for soaring.
The 'Choralpe' in Westendorf is well-known in flying circles and is surrounded by numerous alternative flying options. Westendorf has hosted countless international paragliding competitions due to its large afternoon thermals and stunning flight panoramas.
For less experienced pilots, the Westendorf flight center offers excellent and straightforward opportunities for unforgettable thermal flights. The large, obstacle-free landing meadow ensures easy landings, and the short ascent time with the Alpenrosenbahn, along with the nearby start meadow and large, obstacle-free launch site, make it an ideal location for training and flying.
In winter, the site is accessible directly by gondola, while in summer, it's a leisurely 10-minute walk from the mountain station (approximately 700 meters). The launch and landing areas are grassy, and pilots should be mindful of lift cables.
Westendorf is beginner-friendly due to its large landing meadow and the rare occurrence of strong valley winds, making it an ideal starting point for cross-country flights. The flying season aligns with the operating times of the mountain railways, and taxi rides are also available for ascents.
All launch and landing sites in the Westendorf region - Skiwelt Wilder Kaiser Brixental - are within glide range, making cross-country flying straightforward. Launch and landing fees are included in a special paragliding lift pass.
For more information, visit the Westendorf website: [Westendorf](http://www.westendorf.at)
Contact the local flight school for further details: [Flugschule Westendorf](http://www.para.at)
The site offers takeoffs in two directions and is a 15-minute walk from the cable car. It is a very easy area with possibilities for distance flying and soft soaring in the afternoon valley wind. There is also a playpark for families near the takeoff.
The Westendorf flying area is suitable for both beginners and advanced pilots. There are three different launch sites facing W-NW, E, and N, and launching is also possible with winds from SW or SE. The area is situated in a large valley basin, allowing beginners to fly all day and gain their first thermal experiences.
The 'Jojo' (H'Chor-Salve-Chor) is notable for its valley restitution and is particularly popular with beginners for cross-country flying, especially in spring. The region offers several long-flight opportunities, with major routes typically flown in spring. Pilots can head south towards Pinzgau or north towards the Wilder Kaiser. A trip west is also easy to manage.
There are no particularly dangerous conditions to be aware of. The Föhn wind is not very pronounced, and winds from the southeast are bothersome but not dangerous. On days with stronger valley winds, pleasant soaring is possible at the Choralpe.
For more details, visit the Alpenrosenbahn Westendorf website: [Alpenrosenbahn Westendorf](http://www.westendorf.at/de/default.asp)
Directions: Travel via Inntal, then Wörgl, and take the B170 towards Hopfgarten/Kitzbühel. In Westendorf, turn right and follow the signs for 'Alpenrosenbahn/Flugschule'.
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