Arosa – Weisshorn

The Weisshorn above Arosa in the Swiss Graubünden is a distinctive pyramid-shaped peak — beautiful, but treacherous in the wrong wind. Launches sit on the summit, served by the Arosa gondola (summer 2024 opening 8 June–20 October). In summer only the SW direction is usable; in winter the NE face also works. Because the mountain stands almost alone with its pyramid form, wind conditions can be extremely tricky here, and there have been several accidents from misread wind. If in doubt, take the cable car back down — for paraglider pilots not flying because of weather, that ride is free.

Launch & conditions

Takeoffs on top of the Weisshorn. Summer: SW only. Winter: also NE, taken from the groomed ski slopes — technically not allowed in Switzerland but tolerated here as long as you leave enough room for skiers and snowboarders to pass. The NNW takeoff is VERY short with NO space for an aborted takeoff.

Getting there & local rules

Gondola from Arosa. Reach Arosa from Chur by train (Rhaetian Railway) or by car. Landings: summer — Prätschli or Isla. Winter only — Obersee (frozen lake) or the field beside it (very turbulent in thermic conditions). For landings in Chur, expect very windy conditions in summer.

Local rules & hazards

Föhn! Because the Weisshorn stands almost alone as a pyramid, wind can be extremely tricky — several accidents on record here. If in doubt, take the cable car down (free for PG pilots not flying due to weather). Swiss airspace is complex — check active danger areas before flying. For flights to Chur (and north to Landquart), Untervaz heliport becomes a factor.

Check conditions before you fly

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