Schmittenhöhe (Zell am See)

Schmittenhöhe, above Zell am See in Austria, is a well-regarded starting point for relatively easy cross-country flights heading west along the Pinzgau valley, a route local pilots know well. The mountain offers takeoffs facing every direction, so there's flexibility to match the day's wind, though some of those launches are noticeably trickier than others — good general flying skills are recommended before choosing among them. It's reached by gondola from Zell am See, with bus and train connections available from the landing zone for the return trip. The site sits close enough to Zell am See's airport that airspace discipline is essential to keeping it open to pilots at all: if a flight path crosses over the airport, it has to stay above 1,500 metres the entire time, no exceptions. Foehn wind is the main weather hazard to watch for. Landing at Fürth requires approaching from the west side and staying below 150 metres above the ground on the way in; pilots who land east of Fürth instead have many more open landing options among the cut meadows, though they'll need to take the train or bus back.

Launch & conditions

Takeoffs face every direction around the mountain; skill level needed varies by launch, with some noticeably trickier than others — good general flying ability is recommended.

Getting there & local rules

Reached by gondola from Zell am See; bus and train connections are available from the landing zone.

Local rules & hazards

The site sits close to Zell am See airport, so strict airspace discipline matters: any flight path over the airport must stay above 1,500 m ASL the whole time. Landing at Fürth must be approached from the west and kept below 150 m above ground; landing east of Fürth instead opens up many more meadow options but requires a bus or train back. Foehn wind is the main weather hazard.

Check conditions before you fly

A forecast for the valley is not a forecast for the launch. Before heading to Schmittenhöhe (Zell am See), 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 Schmittenhöhe (Zell am See) with a 7-day forecast built from high-resolution weather models, see who else has been flying, and get there with offline maps.