Sassauna

Sassauna launches from 2,300 m in the Swiss Alps above Fanas, a hike-up site good for thermals, soaring and cross-country flying, with launch possible from several points along the slope and a top-landing option for pilots who don't want to fly all the way down. Autumn often produces some of the best flying here, since launch sits above the valley inversion layer on many days. To reach the top, ride the gondola up from Fanas and then hike roughly 1.5 hours to the summit. The main landing field is at Schiers, down in the valley. This area is prone to strong Föhn wind, which can turn calm conditions dangerous fast, so treat any Föhn forecast with real caution before heading up. As with any high Alpine launch, check current conditions and access before committing to the hike.

Launch & conditions

Hike-up launch usable from multiple points along the slope; top-landing is possible for pilots who don't want to fly all the way to the valley.

Getting there & local rules

Take the gondola up from Fanas, then hike roughly 1.5 hours to the summit.

Local rules & hazards

This area is prone to strong Föhn wind, which can turn calm conditions dangerous fast — treat any Föhn forecast with real caution before flying here.

Check conditions before you fly

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