Hohensass

Hohensass is an unofficial launch above Radenthein in Austria's Carinthia region, at 1,309 m — there's no established launch here, so pilots need to ask the farmer whose land it sits on for permission before flying. It's a handy backup on days when the Nockalmbahn gondola isn't running yet in early spring. Getting there means driving from St. Peter ob Radenthein up through Hohensass to the last farm; there's no parking at the top, and the final approach is a short, steep walk — about five minutes — up a path on the right-hand side of the farmhouse. Pilots either fly cross-country from here or land near the football pitch by Untertweng or Feld am See. Watch for northern winds specifically: the site's usable directions run from southeast through south and southwest to west, so a north wind is one to be cautious of.

Launch & conditions

There's no official launch — ask the farmer whose land it sits on for permission before flying. A useful backup site when the Nockalmbahn gondola isn't yet running in early spring.

Getting there & local rules

Drive from St. Peter ob Radenthein through Hohensass to the last farm — there's no parking, and it's a short, steep (~5 minute) walk up a path on the right side of the farmhouse. Fly XC or land near the football pitch by Untertweng or Feld am See.

Local rules & hazards

Be alert for northern winds — the site's usable directions run southeast through south, southwest and west, so a north wind is one to watch for.

Check conditions before you fly

A forecast for the valley is not a forecast for the launch. Before heading to Hohensass, read the wind and thermals for the site itself, confirm the day's rules with the local club, and remember the standing rule — when in doubt, don't launch. In the free OutDare app you can open Hohensass with a 7-day forecast built from high-resolution weather models, see who else has been flying, and get there with offline maps.