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Description
Located in the picturesque region of Ellmau, Austria, this paragliding site offers a stunning view of the opposite Hohe Kaiser, making it one of the most beautiful spots in the Kitzbüheler Alps. The site is accessible via a funicular from Ellmau, leading to a plateau near a mountain restaurant. The launch sites are conveniently close to the mountain station.
The area is known for its calm atmosphere, allowing pilots to enjoy the scenic views of the Wilder Kaiser. It is particularly suitable for flights in northeast to southeast wind conditions. In late winter, the thermals can be quite favorable, allowing for early flights as the forest edges are already sunlit for hours.
Flights over Ellmau are almost always possible, with weather rarely making flying impossible. The north side of Hartkaiser is not very thermally productive, but the wooded northeast slope provides early thermals in the year. With some cross-country flying experience, excursions to Hohe Salve, Westendorf, or the Wilder Kaiser are possible.
For high-performance gliders, it is possible to cross the valley to the Wilder Kaiser immediately after launch and then climb over a ridge on the wooded south side of the Kaisergebirge, especially in spring when the valley and forests are clear of snow.
The official landing site can be small for hang gliders in valley winds. It is essential to inspect the landing site and assess whether your landing technique is sufficient or if you should land further in the valley center, north of the main road.
There are four launch sites:
1. **West Launch Site**:
- Direction: W
- Difficulty: Easy
- Elevation: 1500m
- This is the second main launch site next to the panorama launch. Launching is done on a progressively steeper slope with western winds. Shortly after launch, you need to turn north, flying over one of the few thermal sources.
2. **North or Manhole Cover Launch Site**:
- Direction: N NW
- Difficulty: Hard
- Elevation: 1500m
- A challenging launch site for hang gliders, initially very steep for 20 meters, then flattening out. From the main exit of the mountain station, keep right until you reach the funicular tracks.
3. **Panorama Launch Site**:
- Direction: NE E W
- Difficulty: Medium
- Elevation: 1500m
- The main launch site directly at the mountain station, often with many spectators. You can set up your glider or lay out your paraglider here. When launching north, you must fly over a forest edge. Hang gliders have no problem, but paragliders might fly close to trees or land on the ski slope. Continuing from the Jägerhütte is always possible. In northeast winds, hang gliders should move down to the snow cannon in winter or the green manhole cover in summer. The launch is flat initially but gets steeper, avoiding a hollow.
4. **East Launch Site**:
- Direction: E SE S
- Difficulty: Very Easy
- Elevation: 1505m
- Located about 100m east of the mountain station, left of the Almbahn. An excellent launch site in southern winds or thermals. Launching from a southeast-facing edge, even in light winds, is easy for both hang gliders and paragliders.
**Landing Sites**:
1. **Widauer - Winter Landing Site**:
- Difficulty: Medium
- Elevation: 820m
- Used only in winter. The actual landing site is a beginner ski slope that slopes moderately to the south. The final approach is usually made from the north or west of the Pension 'Widauer'. Watch out for skiers on the ground! In strong winds, land north of the road to land directly into the wind. This is a large field, and in winter, there can be more snow.
2. **Club Landing Site**:
- Difficulty: Medium
- Elevation: 800m
- On the way to the funicular, turn right at the Gasthof Au, heading north. After about 200m, you will see a 10m high windsock visible from the road. The landing circle (10m) is marked in the meadow. Despite the large landing area, inspect it first to account for power lines, street lamps, and the football field's light poles in your landing approach.
For more information, visit: [Flycenter](http://www.flycenter.at/)
Watch a flight video: [Vimeo](https://vimeo.com/68810278)
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