Best Conditions
Description
The Osterfelderkopf, accessible via the Alpspitzbahn, offers a high-alpine flying experience. At 2050 meters, the north-facing launch site is regularly used and provides excellent cross-country flying opportunities. Hang gliders launch from a dedicated ramp, while paragliders take off from the grassy depression to the right of the ramp or near the mountain rescue hut towards the east.
The landing zone is located along the road to the Alpspitzbahn parking lot, marked by a large windsock on a hay barn. Be cautious of strong valley winds and turbulence behind the creek west of the landing area, especially in the afternoon.
For hang gliders, the dynamic valley winds offer hours of soaring. Cross-country pilots can embark on routes towards Austria's Karwendel, Brauneck, or Wallberg to the northeast, or Tegelberg to the northwest. Notably, the first flights to Switzerland from this site occurred in 1997.
Paragliders can enjoy scenic morning flights and challenging cross-country routes. However, avoid flying in west winds or Föhn conditions exceeding 35 km/h on the Zugspitze. Early thermals start in the morning, with soaring conditions improving in the afternoon.
Safety tips:
- Only use the north launch site when the wind is clearly and sufficiently strong from the front.
- Never fly too low towards the south (Wetterstein/Reintal) due to limited landing options and strong turbulence.
- Watch out for explosive cables when thermalling near the Alpspitze.
- Strong valley winds from the north typically occur at the landing zone from midday onwards. Avoid flying behind the earth wall (creek) with a paraglider due to severe turbulence.
- East wind conditions often bring strong valley winds until late afternoon.
Winter flying is possible. Launches can occur in front of or behind the mountain rescue hut. Hang gliders use a ramp, while paragliders take off from the grassy depression to the right of the ramp or near the mountain rescue hut towards the east.
Be aware of avalanche explosive cables above the east launch site. In strong east winds, consider launching lower down. The flight route initially parallels the drag lift before turning left towards the front ridge heading to Kreuzeck.
For those who enjoy dynamic valley winds and long cross-country flights with an alpine panorama, Osterfelderkopf is an excellent choice for both paragliders and hang gliders.
A start and landing fee is required at the cable car ticket office. During ski operations, launching from ski slopes is prohibited.
For current weather updates, call +49 (0)8821/797979.
Cable car schedules:
- Alpspitzbahn: Oct-Feb 8:30-16:30, Mar-Jun 8:30-17:00, Jul-Sep 8:00-17:30
- Kreuzeckbahn: Nov-Feb 8:30-16:15, Mar-Jun 8:30-16:30, Jul-Sep 8:30-17:30, Oct 8:30-17:00
- Hausbergbahn: Ski season start-Feb 8:30-16:15, Mar-end of ski season 8:30-16:30
- Wankbahn: Christmas/New Year 9:00-16:30, Summer season 8:45-17:00
For more details, visit [Info Club Werdenfels](https://dgfw.club/fluggebiet_osterfelder.php).
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