Am Hoppern

Am Hoppern is a launch above Willingen, in the Sauerland region, at about 685 m facing east. There are actually two launch options here: a lower one, and — when conditions allow — a higher launch above the ski-run path, roughly 110 m higher up. Using the higher launch depends on a stack of conditions being met: proper permission for the meadow, the local municipality's approval for securing the path with a course marshal, wind under 15 km/h with no turbulence, and no cross or tail wind. Training flights happen here too, but only with a flight instructor present at both the launch and the landing, and only when the weather genuinely supports it. Protected features around the site — hedges, tree rows, orchard trees — must not be disturbed by flying, and pilots are expected to leave the area clean after every practice day, packing out any rubbish.

Launch & conditions

East-facing launch at about 685 m above Willingen; a higher launch, about 110 m further up along the ski-run path, is only used when the path is secured by a course marshal and conditions allow.

Getting there & local rules

Using the upper launch above the ski-run path requires the local municipality's approval for a course marshal to secure it — check locally before assuming it's open.

Local rules & hazards

Training flights run here with a flight instructor present at both launch and landing, only in wind under 15 km/h with no turbulence, and never in cross or tail wind. Protected hedges, tree rows and fruit trees around the site must not be disturbed, and the area must be left clean — pack out all rubbish after flying.

Check conditions before you fly

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