Hochfelln Oststart

Hochfelln Oststart is a high-altitude cross-country launch at 1,665 m in the Chiemgau Alps, and it isn't a beginner's site: the flat grass launch is often time-restricted, and every landing option from here is a genuinely long way off. Good thermals build very early off the east launch, early enough that routes out to Austria's Pinzgau and back are realistically possible, but the glide from the north launch down to the valley-station landing field is so far that pilots have to commit to leaving in good time. Emergency landing spots along the way are scarce. Flying north, the Strohnschneid ridge stays off the flight path entirely; flying south on a cross-country run, both the Gröhrkopf and the Haaralmschneid need at least 200 m of clearance, and that whole stretch only operates between 10:00 and 14:00. Heading east toward Ruhpolding calls for at least 300 m of overflight height, again avoiding the Strohnschneid. Close contour flying right around the launches themselves isn't done here.

Launch & conditions

A flat grass launch, often time-restricted, and not suitable for beginners — every landing option is a genuinely long way off, so this is a cross-country launch first and foremost.

Local rules & hazards

Emergency landing spots along the glide routes are scarce. Flying north, the Strohnschneid ridge stays off the flight path; flying south, both the Gröhrkopf and Haaralmschneid need at least 200 m clearance, and that stretch only operates 10:00–14:00. Heading east toward Ruhpolding needs at least 300 m overflight height. Close contour flying near the launches isn't done.

Check conditions before you fly

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