Gitschberg Startplatz 4

Gitschberg Startplatz 4 is one of several launch points on this South Tyrol mountain, sitting at around 1,790 metres and flyable with wind from the east. The Gitschberg system as a whole is rated as a strong starting point for cross-country flights along the Puster Valley, with striking views into the Dolomites from up on the mountain. In winter, a cable car and chairlift network serves the mountain's launch points, which is what makes ski-and-fly such a natural combination here; outside of winter, access typically means a walk from one of the mid-mountain stations, or hiking up from Kieneralm on the road between Meransen and Weitental if the lifts aren't running. Landing logistics are worth planning ahead: the designated landing at Meransen sits at roughly half the mountain's height, and getting there from higher up the mountain generally requires picking up lift along the way rather than gliding straight down. Only mown meadows in Meransen are open for landing, so know the boundary before committing to that approach.

Launch & conditions

One of several Gitschberg launch points, at ~1,790 m, flyable with east wind.

Getting there & local rules

Winter: served by the mountain's cable car/chairlift network. Summer/off-season: walk from a mid-mountain station, or hike from Kieneralm (road between Meransen and Weitental) if lifts aren't running.

Local rules & hazards

The designated landing at Meransen sits at roughly half the mountain's height and generally needs lift picked up along the way to reach from higher up. Land only on mown meadows there.

Check conditions before you fly

A forecast for the valley is not a forecast for the launch. Before heading to Gitschberg Startplatz 4, 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 Gitschberg Startplatz 4 with a 7-day forecast built from high-resolution weather models, see who else has been flying, and get there with offline maps.