Ebenalp (Appenzell – Wasserauen)

Ebenalp is a high alpine site above Wasserauen in the Appenzell region of eastern Switzerland, reached by gondola to just under 1,600 m. There are several launch options depending on wind: a south-facing takeoff, a north-facing one about three minutes' walk from the gondola station, and a separate spot used by hang gliders right beneath the lift. Whichever you choose, watch for cables around the area — they're a known hazard here and easy to miss when scanning for lift instead of wires. This is also foehn country, and foehn conditions at Ebenalp are a serious hazard rather than just strong wind, so check the forecast carefully before committing. Swiss airspace rules are genuinely complex in this region, and restrictions here change, so it's worth checking the current map at the gondola station before flying rather than relying on memory from a previous visit. Landing zones are split by wing type: paragliders land on the marked field south of the railway station in Wasserauen, while hang gliders use a separate field north of the gondola station.

Launch & conditions

Multiple launches by wind direction: a south-facing spot, a north-facing one about three minutes' walk from the gondola station, and a separate hang-glider launch right under the lift.

Getting there & local rules

Take the gondola up from Wasserauen to reach the launch area.

Local rules & hazards

Watch for cables around the site — a known hazard here. This is also serious foehn territory, so check the forecast carefully before flying, and Swiss airspace restrictions in this region are genuinely complex and change, so check the current map at the gondola station rather than relying on a past visit. Paragliders land south of the Wasserauen railway station; hang gliders use a separate field north of the gondola station.

Check conditions before you fly

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