Rotenfluh Startplatz 4

Rotenfluh Startplatz 4 is a north/northwest-facing launch at about 1,550 m above Ibergeregg in Canton Schwyz, Switzerland, reached either by cable car from Rickenbach or a roughly 50-minute hike from Ibergeregg. This is a difficult, rarely-used launch, with lateral rotor turbulence off the terrain edge just below take-off — it's not a site for pilots without solid rotor experience. All the launches here sit on grazing pasture, so pilots are asked to be considerate of livestock and to avoid top-landing in summer especially. Rotenfluh also sits squarely in a foehn zone: never fly here in foehn conditions. The Grosser and Kleiner Mythen peaks nearby form a federal wildlife sanctuary protecting roe deer, and from mid-April to mid-June flying over the marked core zone, and any low, ground-hugging flying anywhere in the protected area, is prohibited to protect fawns. Driving or parking on the access road is not allowed, and the surrounding fields must not be entered — take any rubbish back out with you.

Launch & conditions

A difficult, rarely-used launch with lateral rotor turbulence off the terrain edge just below take-off — this needs real experience, not a site to try casually. Reached by cable car from Rickenbach or a 50-minute hike from Ibergeregg.

Getting there & local rules

Driving and parking on the access road is prohibited; access is on foot only. Keep off the surrounding fields and pack out any rubbish.

Local rules & hazards

Rotenfluh sits in a foehn zone — never fly here when foehn is blowing. From mid-April to mid-June, flying over the marked core zone of the adjacent Mythen wildlife sanctuary, and any low or ground-hugging flying anywhere within the protected area, is prohibited to protect roe deer fawns. All launches are on grazing pasture, so avoid top-landing in summer especially.

Check conditions before you fly

A forecast for the valley is not a forecast for the launch. Before heading to Rotenfluh Startplatz 4, 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 Rotenfluh Startplatz 4 with a 7-day forecast built from high-resolution weather models, see who else has been flying, and get there with offline maps.