Wank Süd (Hauptstartplatz für GS)

Wank Süd is the main paraglider launch on the south side of the mountain above Garmisch-Partenkirchen, reached by the Wankbahn cable car, and it shares the range's excellent spring thermals and its striking view of the Zugspitze. Because this launch faces such a wide range of wind directions — from east through south to west — trans-regional wind needs particular attention before committing to a launch here, and pilots must make sure nobody on the ground is put at risk during takeoff. The site sits within a designated bird-protection area, so overflying the ridge to the southeast, or the lift installations nearby, is only allowed at a strict minimum safety height.

Launch & conditions

Watch trans-regional wind closely before launching — the wide range of usable wind directions here (east through south to west) means conditions can shift, and pilots must ensure nobody below is put at risk during takeoff.

Getting there & local rules

Reached by the Wankbahn cable car.

Local rules & hazards

The launch sits within a bird-protection area (the Estergebirge SPA); overflying the ridge to the southeast, or the nearby lift installations, is only permitted at a strict minimum safety height.

Check conditions before you fly

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