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Description
Located in the picturesque region of Ellmau, Austria, this paragliding site offers a stunning view of the opposite Hohen 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 top station.
The area is regularly used and offers good cross-country (XC) potential, though it is mostly suitable for soaring or short flights. The launch site is optimally steep to flat, making it versatile for different wind conditions.
The main launch site is at an elevation of 1500 meters above sea level, with four distinct launch directions:
1. **West Launch**: This is an easy launch site, starting from a gradually steepening slope. After takeoff, pilots need to turn north, flying over one of the few thermal sources.
2. **North or "Kanaldeckel" Launch**: This is a challenging site, especially for hang gliders. It starts very steep for the first 20 meters and then flattens out. From the main exit of the top station, head right until you reach the funicular tracks.
3. **Panorama Launch**: This medium-difficulty site is directly at the top station, attracting many spectators. It offers multiple directions (NE, E, W). Paragliders need to clear a forest edge when launching north. Hang gliders can easily manage this, but paragliders might need to navigate around trees or land on the ski slope. In winter, hang gliders should head towards the snow cannon, while in summer, they should aim for a green manhole cover.
4. **East Launch**: This very easy site is about 100 meters east of the top station, to the left of the Almbahn. It is excellent for southern winds or thermals, making launches a breeze for both hang gliders and paragliders.
The landing zones include:
1. **Widauer - Winter Landing Zone**: This medium-difficulty site is used only in winter. It is a beginner ski slope that slopes gently south. Pilots usually approach from the north or west of the Pension 'Widauer'. In strong winds, it is advisable to land north of the road to face the wind directly.
2. **Club Landing Zone**: Also of medium difficulty, this site is located on the way to the funicular, near Gasthof Au. A 10-meter-high windsock marks the spot, visible from the road. Despite the large landing field, pilots should inspect it first to account for power lines, streetlights, and football field light poles.
For more information, visit: [Flycenter Ellmau](http://www.flycenter.at/)
Winter operations run until March 31, and summer operations are from May 22 to October 26, with new summer hours from 09:00 to 17:30. The site is very tranquil, perfect for enjoying the Wilden Kaiser. It is suitable for northeast to southeast wind conditions. In late winter, good thermal weather allows for early flights as some 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 northeast wooded slope provides early thermals in the year. With some cross-country flying experience, excursions to Hohe Salve, Westendorf, or Wilden Kaiser are possible.
For high-performance hang gliders, it is possible to cross the valley to Wilden Kaiser immediately after takeoff and then climb over a ridge on the wooded south side of the Kaisergebirge, especially in spring when the valley and forests are snow-free.
For hang gliders, the official landing site can be too small in valley winds. It is crucial 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.
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