Hohensolms Skilifthang

Hohensolms Skilifthang is a north to northwest launch in Hesse, built on the local ski lift's slope, and it comes with a genuinely dense set of protection rules worth knowing before you fly. Flying has to wrap up at least an hour before sunset, and several areas are strictly off-limits to overflight: the Helfholzwiesen nature reserve, the Aartalsee reservoir and its pre-dam waters, and a zone specifically protecting black storks. Pilots also need to keep at least 2 km clear of a nearby model-aircraft flying field under a standing agreement between local clubs. One hazard worth remembering on launch day: the forest just east of the slope throws a pronounced lee zone in easterly wind, so both launching and training flights should be avoided whenever the wind has an easterly component — the turbulence there is the real issue.

Launch & conditions

North to northwest launch on the local ski lift's slope; avoid launching or training in easterly wind — the forest to the east throws a pronounced lee zone.

Getting there & local rules

Flying must end at least an hour before sunset.

Local rules & hazards

Several areas are strictly off-limits to overflight: the Helfholzwiesen nature reserve, the Aartalsee reservoir and pre-dam waters, and a zone protecting black storks. Keep at least 2 km clear of a nearby model-aircraft flying field under a standing local agreement.

Check conditions before you fly

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