Hochplatte

Hochplatte is a launch at about 1,020 m in the Chiemgau Alps, best in easterly wind — when it's blowing from that direction, the ridge edge holds a paraglider reliably for extended soaring. A launch ramp sits just below the mountain station, and paraglider pilots also have a meadow launch just in front of the ramp, though that option is only for practiced starters; the glide to the landing field is a long one. This is one of the few German sites set up for electric-assisted paragliding launches too, under a specific regional permit: the motor may only run during the actual climb, never during landing, pilots need a specific endorsement on their license for it, and they must give way to unpowered wings during the ascent and avoid flying over villages while climbing. On the ground, groundhandling at the large landing meadow near Wessner Hof is restricted to the meadow's edge — never in the approach lane — and skipped altogether whenever the grass is tall. Guests should log their flight at the valley station and, ideally, get a briefing from local club pilots before their first flight here; an alternate landing field also exists lower down, right at the access road to the chairlift.

Local rules & hazards

Launches only happen in weather that safely clears the trees below, and crosswind launches into lee conditions are not permitted; the paraglider meadow launch in front of the ramp is only for practiced starters. This site also runs electric-assisted paragliding launches under a specific regional permit — the motor may only run during the climb (never on landing), pilots need a specific license endorsement, must give way to unpowered wings during ascent, and must not fly over villages while climbing. Groundhandling at the landing meadow is restricted to its edge, never the approach lane, and skipped when the grass is tall.

Check conditions before you fly

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