Nordhelle Skihang Ebbefeld Gleitschirm

Nordhelle is a north/northwest-facing former ski-slope site in the Sauerland hills of North Rhine-Westphalia, at around 610 m, run by the local club with its own launch fee and check-in procedure: flying is only permitted when a club member is present, and every pilot reports to the launch marshal for a briefing before their first flight, plus a 5 € launch fee payable in cash. The wooded launch area gets cramped quickly in light conditions, and the terrain flattens out higher up the hill, so a badly judged approach in weak lift risks landing in the trees. In a north-easterly wind, pilots should watch for lee-side rotor forming right in the launch area. No launches are allowed after 19:00. A hang-glider launch sits directly above the paraglider take-off, so simultaneous launches from both are not permitted, and student training only goes ahead when conditions genuinely suit a beginner. Flying over the nearby houses is not allowed, and outside landings should be avoided wherever possible; the site accepts up to 14 guest pilots under its guest-flying arrangement.

Launch & conditions

The launch area is wooded and cramped in light conditions, with a risk of tree landings if the approach is misjudged; in a north-easterly wind, expect lee-side rotor right at launch. No launches after 19:00, and a hang-glider launch sits directly above — simultaneous launches from both sites are not allowed.

Getting there & local rules

Use the public car park at the bend on the L707, then follow the Nordhangweg on foot — don't drive into the forest tracks.

Local rules & hazards

Flying over the nearby houses is not allowed, and outside landings should be avoided. Training flights only go ahead in weather that genuinely suits a student pilot, and every pilot checks in with the launch marshal for a briefing before flying (5 € launch fee, cash only). A hang-glider launch sits directly above the paraglider take-off — simultaneous launches from both are not permitted.

Check conditions before you fly

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