Loser Startplatz 2

Loser Startplatz 2 is one of several launch points on the Loser, widely rated as one of the best flying mountains in the Altaussee region. At about 1,700 m, it faces southeast through southwest and is reached by car via the toll road, the Loserstrasse — no long hike-in needed to get to a genuinely good takeoff. From here, cross-country lines open up along the Ennstal for pilots looking to go beyond a local soaring flight. The real caution on this mountain is about landing rather than launch: only the upper section of the landing field, between the windsock hut and the Kurhaus extension, should be used, and it's worth walking and inspecting before flying in for the first time. The lower area, between the Kurhaus and the sports field, looks spacious enough but has a reputation for turbulent, unpleasant landings, so it's not the safer-looking option it appears to be. Between the toll-road access, the XC potential along the Ennstal and the need to land precisely, it's a mountain that rewards knowing exactly where to put down before committing to the approach.

Local rules & hazards

Land only in the upper section of the field, between the windsock hut and the Kurhaus extension — inspect it on foot before flying in for the first time. The larger area between the Kurhaus and the sports field can be turbulent and unpleasant to land in.

Check conditions before you fly

A forecast for the valley is not a forecast for the launch. Before heading to Loser Startplatz 2, 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 Loser Startplatz 2 with a 7-day forecast built from high-resolution weather models, see who else has been flying, and get there with offline maps.