Thurntaler Startplatz 1

Thurntaler Startplatz 1 is the highest of several launch points on the Thurntal mountain above Sillian, in Austria's East Tyrol, sitting at about 2,333 m with the main Alpine ridge at your back and the Dolomites in view ahead. It's the widest-ranging launch of the group, working on east, southeast, south, southwest and west winds, which is exactly why the mountain is known locally for offering so many height differences, difficulty levels and launch directions in one place. A resident flying school is based in Sillian's town center and welcomes visiting pilots keen to try the region, offering guided local knowledge to anyone who wants it; the mountain flies year-round, through spring, summer, autumn and winter. Landing is at the large field on the valley floor, marked by a windsock on the flying school's hut — watch for strong valley wind and turbulence on the approach.

Launch & conditions

The highest of the Thurntal launches at about 2,333 m, and the widest-ranging for wind: east, southeast, south, southwest and west all work here.

Getting there & local rules

A resident flying school in Sillian's town center welcomes visiting pilots and offers guided local knowledge to anyone who wants it.

Local rules & hazards

The mountain flies year-round — spring, summer, autumn and winter. On landing at the valley-floor field, watch for strong valley wind and turbulence on the approach.

Check conditions before you fly

A forecast for the valley is not a forecast for the launch. Before heading to Thurntaler Startplatz 1, 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 Thurntaler Startplatz 1 with a 7-day forecast built from high-resolution weather models, see who else has been flying, and get there with offline maps.