Nebelhorn Probsthaus (SP 3, Bergstation)

Nebelhorn Probsthaus (Launch 3, at the mountain station) is a high-alpine launch in the Allgäu Alps near Oberstdorf, Germany, at 1,909 m, flying only in a narrow window of southwest-to-west wind — literally 225° to 270°, checked before every launch. Every pilot needs a briefing from the local flying association before flying here, in person or online, and training flights are only allowed for student pilots who've already logged at least 30 successful height flights at other sites and match the terrain's difficulty. Conditions have to be clean and stable, with a steep-terrain launch technique required — turbulent air rules out launching altogether. There are two separate launch areas at Probsthaus, and pilots must never launch from both at the same time. Safe distance from the cable-car lines is mandatory throughout, and pilots give way to the ski piste, never launching if it would put skiers or piste operation at risk. Landing at the Seealpe means keeping enough distance from the reservoir lake.

Launch & conditions

Launches are only permitted with wind between 225° and 270°, and only when the airspace and piste are clear — the two launch areas at Probsthaus must never be used simultaneously.

Local rules & hazards

Launches only happen in a narrow southwest-to-west window, 225° to 270°, and never in turbulent conditions — a steep-terrain launch technique is required. Training flights are only allowed for student pilots with at least 30 successful height flights logged elsewhere, and pilots must always keep a safe distance from the cable-car lines and never launch if it would put the ski piste or its skiers at risk. There are two separate launch areas at Probsthaus, and simultaneous launches from both aren't allowed.

Check conditions before you fly

A forecast for the valley is not a forecast for the launch. Before heading to Nebelhorn Probsthaus (SP 3, Bergstation), 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 Nebelhorn Probsthaus (SP 3, Bergstation) with a 7-day forecast built from high-resolution weather models, see who else has been flying, and get there with offline maps.