Gitschberg Startplatz 5

Gitschberg Startplatz 5 is one of several launch points on this South Tyrol mountain, sitting at around 2,005 metres and flyable from the northeast, east or southeast — a wider window than most of the other launches on the same peak. The Gitschberg system is rated as a strong starting point for cross-country flights along the Puster Valley, with striking views into the Dolomites from up here. In winter, a cable car and chairlift network serves the mountain, which pairs naturally with ski touring; outside winter, reaching the higher launches usually means walking from a mid-mountain station, or hiking from Kieneralm on the road between Meransen and Weitental if the lifts aren't running. Landing logistics matter here too: the designated landing at Meransen sits at roughly half the mountain's height, and reaching it from a launch this high generally means picking up lift along the way rather than a direct glide down. Only mown meadows in Meransen are open for landing.

Launch & conditions

One of several Gitschberg launch points, at ~2,005 m, flyable from NE, E or SE.

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 launches. 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 5, 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 5 with a 7-day forecast built from high-resolution weather models, see who else has been flying, and get there with offline maps.