La Breya (Orsieres, Champex)

La Breya launches from the top of the Champex chairlift above Orsières in Switzerland's Valais canton, at just under 2,200 m, with both a west-facing and an east-facing option depending on the day. In summer, the east-facing launch is the one to use, working the thermals that build through the day; in winter, pilots switch to the west-facing side, where the site turns into reliable soaring rather than thermal flying. Access is straightforward — drive up from Verbier or Martigny via Sembrancher and Orsières to Champex, then ride the chairlift to launch, or take the local bus from Orsières station if you're without a car. A south wind is the one condition to avoid entirely, since it can trigger a dangerous foehn effect. Landing in summer must be down in Orsières, on a wide, mostly obstacle-free field — never back in Champex itself, even though the meadow there can look tempting.

Launch & conditions

Launch sits at the top of the Champex chairlift, roughly 2,190 m, with a west-facing option and an east-facing option side by side. Summer flying favors the east side for thermals; winter flying favors the west side for soaring.

Getting there & local rules

Drive from Verbier or Martigny via Sembrancher and Orsières to Champex, then take the chairlift up to launch. Without a car, a local bus runs from Orsières station in the morning.

Local rules & hazards

South wind is dangerous here and can trigger a foehn effect, so avoid flying whenever it's present. In summer, never land back in Champex itself — the official landing field is down in Orsières, and afternoon valley winds there can build, so aim for a recently cut field.

Check conditions before you fly

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