Fiesch – Kuehboden (Heimat – Galfera)

Fiesch–Kühboden is widely considered THE cross-country site in Switzerland — a high Valais bowl above the Rhône with launches from about 2,100 m and a whole day's worth of face aspects to play with. The gondola takes you up from Fiesch; from there 'Heimat' is a 10-minute walk (mostly used in the morning), and 'Galfera' is 20 minutes further (mostly used in the afternoon). Hang gliders launch from a ramp directly in front of the cable-car station and, as of 2020, are transported in a dedicated freight gondola — expect waiting times at the bottom station on busy days, so arrive well ahead. Please pay the landowner-arrangement fee (a small yearly or day rate) — it keeps the landing zones open.

Launch & conditions

Heimat — mostly used in the morning. Galfera — mostly used in the afternoon. HG ramp is in front of the cable-car station.

Getting there & local rules

From Fiescheralp (top gondola station): 10 min walk to Heimat, 20 min to Galfera. HGs launch from the ramp directly in front of the cable-car station. Hang gliders travel in a special transport gondola — space is limited, so arrive well in advance to be sure of a slot for your equipment. Landings: Fiesch LZ is still large enough for PGs (reduced in 2008, harder for HGs now), fairly easy, 10 min to the cable car; parking is very limited at the LZ but plentiful at the cable-car station. Other marked LZs exist in the Goms valley.

Local rules & hazards

Max altitude: 3,950 m during military 'on', 4,500 m during military 'off'. Flying east: watch the Münster airfield sailplane regulations. XC west: TMA 3 of Sion airfield can be a factor. Avoid Bise (NE wind) and Föhn (S wind). Valley wind in the afternoon can become quite strong. Flying east, watch for the 'Grimselschlange' — a north wind flowing over Grimsel Pass that can cause problems. Swiss airspace is complex — check active danger areas before every flight. Please pay the LZ upkeep fee (~20 CHF/year or 5 CHF/day) at check-in.

Check conditions before you fly

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