Zermatt – Rothorn – Blauherd – Sunegga

Zermatt gives you three launches on the same lift system on the east side of the Matterhorn valley — Rothorn at 3,100 m (facing both N and S), Blauherd at 2,600 m (west-facing), and Sunnegga at 2,200 m for the off-season when the higher lifts stop running. Rothorn is the year-round classic, with reliable snow cover and light winds most days, though afternoons can strengthen in spring and rocky ground appears in summer with strong afternoon wind. Blauherd is a summer grass launch. Sunnegga steps in when the upper lifts are closed. Zermatt landing is DEMANDING with special rules — the LZ sits only 500 m from the town heliport.

Launch & conditions

Rothorn (3,100 m): faces N and S, year-round; good snow cover with light morning winds, stronger by afternoon. Rocky in summer. Blauherd (2,600 m): west-facing, mainly summer; ~5 min walk downhill from Blauherd station; grassy slope, light morning wind, increases with thermals and valley wind in the afternoon. Sunnegga (2,200 m): shoulder-season launch when Blauherd/Rothorn lifts aren't running; wind starts moderate and increases through the day.

Getting there & local rules

From Zermatt by train/gondola to the launches. Landing: 'Zermatt' LZ is DEMANDING with special rules — approximately 2 min walk north of Zermatt train station, relatively small, with good approaches from north and south. Contact the local paragliding operation if unfamiliar with the site.

Check conditions before you fly

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