The paragliding site in Alpbachtal, Austria, is suitable for experienced pilots. The launch sites are primarily used for leisure flights and are occasionally utilized. The main launch site faces east, with additional options for northwest and northeast winds, though these are less frequently used. For northwest winds, it's better to descend the slope or move south along the ridge. For northeast to north winds, head north along the ridge. There is no official landing site, so pilots must contact the landowner to obtain permission to land. The area offers good flying conditions even in winter. The Wiedersbergerhornbahn cable car provides access to the launch sites. For more information, visit [Alpbacher Bergbahnen](http://www.alpbacher-bergbahnen.at/). Pilots can gather at Gasthof Hornboden and Konditorei-Cafe at the village entrance, where a windsock is available. Maps: The "Kitzbühler Alpen Sommer Card" is available for free at the cable car station. The Austrian map 120 "Wörgl" at a 1:50,000 scale is also recommended. Airspace regulations: The airspace ceiling over Alpbachtal and Zillertal near Fügen is typically 2134m (7,000ft). When the "Kitzbühler Alpen" gliding area is activated by Innsbruck Airport (Austrocontrol), the ceiling is raised to 2591m (8,500ft). This occurs on gliding days upon request from gliding airfields. The status can be checked with the gliding airfields in St. Johann, Zell am See, or Kufstein. Meteorological peculiarities: The valley wind at the Alpbach landing site sometimes blows outward due to the wind from Kundler Klamm and Wildschönau. On thermal days, there can be significant turbulence at Gratlspitz. In the afternoon, a strong lee develops on the sunlit Zillertal side near Reitherkogel due to the Inntal wind. Avoid flying to the Zillertal sunny side. Launch sites: - East: Hornboden at 1870m, a grassy slope about 200m south and uphill from the Wiedersbergerhornbahn station. Medium difficulty due to the lack of a windsock. - Northwest: Hornboden at 1880m, a very steep, rhododendron-covered slope about 300m south and uphill from the Wiedersbergerhornbahn station. Medium difficulty due to steepness and vegetation. - North: Hornboden at 1830m, a flat grassy slope about 300m north and downhill from the Wiedersbergerhornbahn station. Medium difficulty due to the lack of a windsock. Soaring: In the afternoon, a beautiful soaring flight can be achieved by flying from the cable car station towards Reiterkogel, staying above the ridge. The dynamic updraft from the Inntal wind allows for soaring above the peak and returning to the Alpbachtal landing site. Another option is to fly over the large sewage treatment plant to the next valley wind slope at Larchkopf above Strass and soar there. Cross-country: In the afternoon, the U-shaped valley wind route over Reitherkogel and Larchkopf into Zillertal up to Uderns is relatively easy (flight path about 15-20km). With an early start and easterly winds, Alpbach is a good starting point for flights over the ridge to Zillertal, along Kreuzjoch, and further into Pinzgau. The airspace restriction is lifted after a few kilometers. Hazards: Pay attention to incoming commercial flights heading to Innsbruck Airport, especially if the landing approach is from the west. Adhere to airspace restrictions for safety. For transportation, contact Taxi Gabriel Moser at +43/(0) (5336) 5616. For more information, visit [Flugsport Service Alpbach](http://www.flugsport-service.at/fluggebiete/alpbach/) and [Paragliding Wildschönau](http://www.paragliding.at/).