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Description
The Gemsstock paragliding site in Andermatt, Switzerland, is accessible via a cable car. From the Gurschneralp mid-station, you can reach one of the launch sites within 10 minutes. The launch sites at Gemsstock are over 600 meters higher, offering a particularly scenic flight down to Andermatt. The area is especially suitable for soaring with north winds. Due to its northern exposure, thermals are typically found on the sunlit slopes.
The site is operational from July 13 to September 15 in the summer. In winter, you can take the gondola all the way to the top, but in summer, you need to soar up from Gurschen.
Launch Sites:
1. Directly below the mountain station on the glacier towards the northeast (Russi Run).
2. West of this on the sunny slope (heavily trafficked).
3. From the summit towards the south (steep) and then through the Alpthal back to Andermatt.
The Andermatt Gemsstock offers alpine flights in the heart of the Gotthard massif. In summer, the Schöllenen Gorge channels thermals against the north side of the mountain, while in winter, reliable dynamic lift is often found. Even simple glide flights are a delight here.
In winter, the site attracts flight schools due to the significant altitude difference, making even simple, calm glide flights a great experience.
Glide flights to Andermatt are a unique experience. In thermal conditions, Andermatt is often overflown during challenging cross-country tasks from west to east or vice versa, serving as a starting point or waypoint for long distances.
There are no particular difficulties, but due to the altitude, you are exposed to weather changes. The Gemsstock is a Bise area. With weak southwest winds, you can start with a tailwind towards the east.
Skiers and snowboarders always have the right of way. Pay attention to the specifics of landing in Andermatt, as there can be dangerous convergences. Strictly observe the wildlife protection areas (information available from the cable car staff).
Starting point: Flight to Vermigelhütte, possibly a hike up to Maighelstal, and further flight to Graubünden, with Oberalpstock being another ambitious goal.
Simple cross-country flights with southwest winds towards Oberalp over Nätschen (intermediate landing at Nätschen or Oberalp-Pass; further flight to Sedrun, Disentis, Ilanz, Flims).
Soaring conditions: Thermally active in summer; primarily dynamic soaring in winter.
Launch Window:
Orientation: NE, E, SE, S, SW, W, NW
Difficulty: Easy
Altitude: 2900 m
Cable Car: Yes
Coordinates: 8.61159367, 46.60413219
Hiking Time: 15 min
From Andermatt, take the cable car to the Gemsstock mountain station. The launch sites are flat to moderately steep on the glacier. With eastern winds, start east of the cable car; with western winds, start west of the cable car. From the mountain station, descend the path (ski slope) until it widens and branches. The eastern launch site is immediately east of the junction (below the fence, usually marked), and for the western launch site, descend further along the western slope. With a lot of fresh snow, you can also start at the edge of the ski slope above the eastern launch site (difficult due to lee and flat terrain). This site is fog-free and highly recommended in winter with Bise, but wind strength at 3000m must be considered, as the summit is exposed. Soaring for hours and topping the summit is no problem, and top landing is also possible. To assess wind direction, it is advisable to climb to the observation deck at the mountain station, which also offers an overwhelming view.
For more information, visit [Gemsstock Paragliding](http://www.pdc-uri.ch/index.php/fluggebiete/gemsstock).
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