Ettenberg

Ettenberg is a slope launch at around 860 m, oriented for southeast to south wind, and flying here only happens by prior arrangement with the local flight school — this isn't an open, drop-in site. Training flights run under close supervision: the rules require two flight instructors present whenever students are flying, and every pilot gets a full safety briefing at the landing field before launching, covering hazards like the nearby road and stream. The takeoff itself demands correct wind alignment before launching at all, and pilots need to watch for lee danger as they approach the tree line — a wind shift here can turn dangerous quickly. If altitude after launch turns out too low, the plan is to land back on the slope rather than push toward the valley. Foehn-wind days are off the table entirely, no exceptions.

Launch & conditions

Slope launch for southeast to south wind; only launch with correctly aligned wind, and watch for lee danger near the forest edge on approach to takeoff.

Getting there & local rules

Flying here requires prior arrangement with the local flight school — it isn't an open site for drop-in pilots.

Local rules & hazards

Training flights require two flight instructors present at all times. Every pilot gets a safety briefing at the landing field beforehand, covering hazards like the nearby road and stream. Flights are not permitted during foehn conditions, and if altitude after launch is too low, land back on the slope rather than continuing toward the valley.

Check conditions before you fly

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