Markbachjoch Startplatz 4

Markbachjoch Startplatz 4, at about 1,229 m facing north to northwest, is one of the launches that make the Wildschönau valley a genuinely good area for beginners and pleasure pilots — the terrain here isn't exposed to the Inntal valley wind, which keeps conditions calmer than nearby sites. This particular launch is a training site, so flying from it requires prior arrangement with the local flight school rather than a casual walk-up. It sits as a large meadow directly below a staffed mountain hut, and landing is at a large field right at the edge of Niederau village, also run as part of the school's training operation. Excellent infrastructure backs up the whole area — the hut, the launch and landing meadows are all set up to make a relaxed flight genuinely relaxed, provided you've arranged your session with the school first.

Check conditions before you fly

A forecast for the valley is not a forecast for the launch. Before heading to Markbachjoch Startplatz 4, 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 Markbachjoch Startplatz 4 with a 7-day forecast built from high-resolution weather models, see who else has been flying, and get there with offline maps.