Schönjoch (Fiss, Ladis)

Schönjoch is a cross-country launch above Fiss and Ladis in Tyrol, Austria, reached just beside the gondola's top station, so getting to the 2,415 m launch is straightforward even without a long hike. From here, cross-country routes run southwest toward Switzerland and Italy, or northeast toward Landeck and Innsbruck — but that northeastern route needs real care, since it runs close to Innsbruck's (LOWI) controlled airspace and pilots need to know exactly where that boundary sits before pushing that direction. Foehn conditions show up here and change the picture fast, so it's worth checking the forecast carefully before committing. Two landing options exist: 'Fiss', near the middle station of the Sonnenbahn lift, and 'Ried' beside the Inn river, where valley wind needs real attention. In summer, land only where the grass has been cut.

Launch & conditions

Launch sits just beside the gondola's top station at 2,415 m — an easy walk-up rather than a long hike. Works on north, southeast, south and southwest.

Getting there & local rules

Reached by gondola from Fiss, with the launch a short walk from the top station.

Local rules & hazards

A cross-country route northeast toward Landeck and Innsbruck runs close to Innsbruck's (LOWI) controlled airspace — know exactly where that boundary sits before flying that direction. Foehn conditions occur here and can change quickly. At the 'Ried' landing beside the Inn river, watch for valley wind; in summer, land only where the grass has been cut.

Check conditions before you fly

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