Tete de Ran

Tête de Ran is a Swiss soaring and thermal site above Fontainemelon, launching from around 1,420 m into a valley best worked in a light easterly bise. The take-off is a hang-glider-style ramp, and pilots should watch for power lines when flying out to the left of launch. Conditions favour hike-and-fly and soaring days rather than big cross-country pushes, and the site is popular enough that a local minibus sometimes shuttles pilots between the landing zone and take-off for a small fee on weekday afternoons and weekends — though it isn't guaranteed, so ask around before counting on it. Late in the afternoon, the wind typically backs, so keep that shift in mind rather than being caught out by a sudden change in direction. A live weather station near the site lets pilots check current conditions before committing to the drive up.

Launch & conditions

Take-off is a hang-glider-style ramp; watch for power lines when flying out to the left of launch.

Getting there & local rules

Park at the large lot by the old hotel and walk up to launch; a local minibus sometimes runs between the landing zone and take-off for a small fee on weekday afternoons and weekends, though it's not guaranteed.

Local rules & hazards

Don't fly over the ranch to the north-east of the landing area. Late in the afternoon the wind typically backs, so expect a shift rather than a steady bise. A live weather station near the site lets pilots check current conditions before heading up.

Check conditions before you fly

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