Levanchy

Levanchy is a thermic and soaring launch above Grandvillard in the Fribourg Alps of western Switzerland, sitting around 1,368 m with a favorable wind from the northwest. It's a foothill site rather than a high alpine one, which makes it approachable for pilots comfortable flying independently in thermic conditions, with a shuttle service available to get back up to launch after a flight. The landing is in the valley near Grandvillard. Swiss airspace around the region carries its own restrictions and active danger areas that shift over time, so checking current airspace status before flying matters here as it does anywhere in Switzerland — this isn't a site to fly on assumption. A southwest wind that builds in strength brings a real hazard: rotor can form on launch as that flow strengthens, which is the kind of turbulence that catches pilots off guard on what looks like a normal breeze. Local wind readings are available for pilots who want a current check before committing to launch, since mountain wind can shift quickly through the day. This is a site for pilots who already read thermic and mountain conditions confidently rather than a first-mountain-flight location.

Launch & conditions

Favorable wind is from the west to northwest, and the site can also work in a bise (northeast) flow. Watch for rotor forming as southwest wind strengthens.

Getting there & local rules

A shuttle service runs back up to launch.

Local rules & hazards

Swiss airspace in this region includes active danger areas and restrictions that change, so check current airspace status before flying rather than assuming. Rotor can form at launch when southwest wind builds in strength — treat a strengthening southwesterly with caution.

Check conditions before you fly

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