Bellwald – Ried

Bellwald – Ried is a paragliding launch above the village of Bellwald in the Goms region of Valais, Switzerland, sitting at around 1,680 m. The site works on southwest wind, so a flyable day typically means the afternoon cycle is bringing air up the valley from that direction. It's flagged for thermal and cross-country flying rather than short local hops, which points to a launch used by pilots looking to climb out and range across the surrounding Alpine terrain rather than a training hang for first flights. At nearly 1,700 m, expect a genuine alpine launch: real elevation change, terrain to read, and conditions that shift through the day as the sun works the slopes below. Because the listing here is thin on local detail — no documented access route, landing field or specific hazards — pilots heading to Bellwald – Ried for the first time should confirm current launch and landing information with a local club or school before flying, rather than relying on this page alone.

Check conditions before you fly

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