Sillian – Thurntaler

Sillian – Thurntaler is a thermal flying area above Sillian in East Tyrol, Austria, in the Hochpustertal region, with two distinct takeoff options. The Stalpe launch is reached by car or on foot, while the Thurntaler launch is reached by gondola, giving pilots a choice between a hiking approach and a lift-served one depending on energy and time. For pilots heading to the Stalpe launch specifically, it's often possible to arrange a ride with a local flying school rather than driving or hiking the whole way. Landing is in a large meadow equipped with a windsock, conveniently close to the gondola station and parking, which makes the pack-down and return straightforward regardless of which launch was used.

Launch & conditions

Two takeoffs: Stalpe (reached by car or on foot) and Thurntaler (reached by gondola). A ride to the Stalpe launch can often be arranged with a local flying school.

Getting there & local rules

The Thurntaler launch is served by gondola; the Stalpe launch is reached by car or hiking.

Check conditions before you fly

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