Paragliding Kronberg West

The Kronberg launch site in the Alpstein region of Switzerland is situated at an elevation of 1640 meters. This site is occasionally used and offers opportunities for soaring and mini cross-country flights. The launch area is a narrow grassy slope, with a drop-off to the right (north) and a forest of fir trees to the left. Paragliding schools have priority here. Be cautious of southern winds and thermal activity near the forest edge. The flight path to the landing zone is quite long. The official launch site faces west and is considered easy. The grassy slope becomes increasingly steep, making it optimal for takeoff. However, the terrain drops off to the right (north) and is bordered by fir trees to the left. Schools have priority at this site. When southern winds are present, lay out your wing below the ski lift cable. After takeoff, turn 90 degrees to the right to navigate between the trees. If you don't gain enough altitude, you can land on a small saddle straight ahead. The western launch area (facing W-WNW) slopes gently downward and is bordered by fir trees on the left. Launching towards NW-NE should only be attempted by experienced pilots and only with sufficient wind. The space allows for three wings to be laid out side by side; no additional wings can be laid out behind them. If many pilots are present, prepare your wing behind the launch area, carry it to the launch site, and then take off to avoid unnecessary delays. For a straightforward glide without significant altitude reserves, head towards the landing zone at the Jakobsbad valley station. You can either cross the cable car line in its middle section, where the cable sags, or descend and hope to have enough altitude to turn right towards the landing zone at the valley station. Thermal updrafts can be found to a limited extent on the lower left side of the cable car or on the alp to the right of the cable car, roughly in the middle. These thermals can be weak and unreliable. Kronberg is known as an evening flying site, so it's generally not worth arriving too early. However, thermal flights can occasionally be possible in the morning. Be cautious not to lose unnecessary altitude before reaching the landing zone, as it is quite a distance from the launch site. Cable car lines must be crossed before reaching the landing zone when launching from the south or west. Underflying the cables is prohibited. Ski lift cables are generally not an issue during normal flight operations, which mostly occur on the north and southwest flanks of Kronberg. However, they must be considered when launching south or when returning from an overflight of the ridge from north to south. At the valley station, there is a small snack bar and benches where you can relax. On Kronberg, you can enjoy a cup of coffee at the guesthouse if it is open. For more information, visit the Kronberg cable car website: [Kronberg-Seilbahn](http://www.kronberg.ch/). The cable car runs regularly at :00 and :30. Coordinates: 9.32710836, 47.29157727 Walking time to the launch site: 1 minute