Alpspitze Startplatz Steiler Hund

Alpspitze Steiler Hund is the more demanding of two adjacent north-side launches above the Alpspitzbahn valley station in the Allgäu, at about 1,520 m and facing northeast to east. The club that runs it is explicit: this launch is exposed and steep, and is reserved for experienced pilots flying in suitable weather. As at the neighbouring launch, pilots need to know the exact line of a nearby zipline before launching and keep at least 50 m clearance overflying it, and the main landing field sits beside a high-voltage line and access road, so approaches must stay clear of the power line with altitude loss kept on the mountain side of it. Thermal triggers form to the east above a local sports lodge and along a nearby ravine, with strong lift often pulling in from the southwest, plus further options over a hilltop chapel and an eastern peak in northeasterly conditions — flights onward toward neighbouring peaks and the flatland are possible for pilots who connect with them. Guests are welcome, though this particular launch is not the place to start.

Local rules & hazards

This launch is exposed and steep, and the club restricts it to experienced pilots flying in suitable conditions. A zipline crosses the flying area — check its exact cable line before launching and keep at least 50 m clearance overflying it. The main landing field lies beside a high-voltage line and access road, so landing approaches must not cross the power line and altitude loss stays on the mountain side of it.

Check conditions before you fly

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