Rigi Kulm

Rigi Kulm is a versatile launch at 1,748 m on Switzerland's Rigi massif, with takeoffs that catch almost every wind direction from northeast right around through east, southeast, south, southwest to west. It's a popular thermal, soaring and cross-country site, and also draws hikers up to the top. The takeoff is a short walk from the train stop: continue past a long stable building, and the launch is right at its far end on the right-hand side. Locals are firm on one point — avoid flying in Föhn, and be careful not to confuse it with an ordinary southerly wind, since the two feel similar but behave very differently; when in doubt, ask someone local what the actual conditions are rather than guess from the forecast alone. There are several landing options around the mountain's base: beside the main road between Arth and Goldau, next to the station in Weggis, and an official landing field in Küssnacht.

Launch & conditions

A short walk from the train stop, past a long stable building — the launch is at its far end, on the right-hand side.

Getting there & local rules

Reachable by train to the local stop, then a short walk to takeoff. Landing options include beside the main Arth–Goldau road, next to the station in Weggis, and the official landing field in Küssnacht.

Local rules & hazards

Avoid flying in Föhn — it's easy to mistake for an ordinary southerly wind, but behaves very differently and is dangerous. When unsure, ask locals about the actual conditions rather than relying on the forecast alone.

Check conditions before you fly

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