Best Conditions
Description
Hauptstartplatz Stockhorn, Switzerland. Regularly used, good for cross-country paragliding. Various take-off options between 2050-2120 meters. Accessible by cable car, followed by a 5-minute walk.
Flights in this region can reach up to 84.8 km, with the top of Stockhorn being a notable point.
[Watch a flight video](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0LD6VPuek8)
[More information on Stockhorn](http://www.thpe.ch/fluggebiete/stockhorn/index.html)
[Paragliding site details](http://www.pdcs.ch/?ct=startplatz)
[Flight area information](http://www.pdcs.ch/fluggebiet/)
To reach the launch site, take the lower and upper cable cars. Parking is available at the Erlenbach valley station. If local pilots are not present, contact the cable car staff. Up to six hang gliders can be set up on the ramp simultaneously. The main launch direction is South-Southwest.
Follow the hiking trail downwards. After the turnstile, a path branches off to the right. Follow this path for 30 meters to reach the launch site.
Cross-country flight possibilities towards Château d'Oex, Lenk, and Niesen. Beautiful autumn flights, usually fog-free in Simmental. Good thermal conditions in autumn. Morning winds are generally better, with side winds often in the afternoon.
Caution: Not suitable for North-Northeast winds (lee rotors). In winter, starting is not possible due to steep terrain and avalanche risk.
The Stockhorn is a beautiful paragliding area. Since launches are only possible towards the south, it is less known among paragliders. With light south winds, it is an ideal alternative to Niesen. Long-distance flights towards the Bernese Oberland or Gantrisch are possible from Stockhorn. An information board about the flight area is available at the landing site in Seevelen (farmhouse before the wooden bridge).
In summer, the Stockhorn is easily accessible by gondola. Purchase a ticket to the Stockhorn summit station or from the middle station towards the launch site Uf em Hus. The hike takes about 80 minutes.
If the wind or weather conditions prevent a launch, the Stockhornbahn is very accommodating regarding return trips (free of charge). It is better not to risk flying in unsuitable wind conditions, as you can quickly find yourself in the lee. Caution is advised, and flying in North-Northeast winds should be avoided. The steep launch site is also not enjoyable in strong winds. In summer, expect strong mountain and valley winds just before noon. There are plenty of landing sites around Stockhorn, well connected by public transport. Landing fees are payable at the landing sites (information board).
Attention: Observe the CTR of the many small airfields.
Landing site: Seewelen (Erlenbach) at 700 meters above sea level. Elevation difference: 1300 meters. Coordinates: 607 600 / 171 300 (46°41'34.27"N, 7°32'12.32"E).
Cross-country flight possibilities towards Château d'Oex, Lenk, and Niesen. Beautiful autumn flights, usually fog-free in Simmental. Good thermal conditions in autumn. Morning winds are generally better, with side winds often in the afternoon.
Caution: Not suitable for North-Northeast winds (lee rotors). In winter, starting is not possible due to steep terrain and avalanche risk.
Located in the lower Simmental, the Stockhorn offers everything a pilot's heart desires: reliable thermals, a significant altitude difference, and appealing infrastructure.
The Stockhorn, at 2190 meters above sea level, is the highest point of the entire Stockhorn range, extending from Wimmis to the Gurnigel area. The launch site is accessible by the lower and upper cable cars. Parking is available at the Erlenbach valley station. If local pilots are not present, contact the cable car staff. Up to six hang gliders can be set up on the new ramp simultaneously. The main launch direction is South-Southwest. For west winds over 15 km/h, launches can be made from the small west ramp, but only in laminar wind conditions.
Launch site details:
- Orientation: South
- Difficulty: Medium
- Elevation: 2050 meters
- Cable car: Yes
- Coordinates: 7.53799313, 46.69242096
- Walking time: 5 minutes
From Erlenbach, take the cable car to Stockhorn. The launch site is a steep meadow.
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