Big M Mound

Big M Mound is a public hilltop site reached by a short flight of stairs, with clean XC routes running northeast along the prevailing wind. This is not a first-flight hill: pilots need at least a P2 (novice) rating and real experience with low hill and ridge flying — sled-run practice for brand-new pilots isn't recommended here. Wind on this site is genuinely hard to predict and can shift direction or speed suddenly, sometimes swinging 90 degrees with little warning, so a windsock at the landing zone isn't optional — without one, you're flying blind. The nearby Platteville airport's automated weather gives a rough baseline, though wind on top usually runs a few mph stronger than what's reported down there. Because it's a small public hilltop shared with hikers and dog walkers who often stop to watch, pilots need to stay clear of the benches, a tall antenna and a barbed-wire fence right at takeoff, and be considerate of everyone using the space. The landing zone sits beyond a row of houses at the base — avoid flying low over them, park in the lot below (corner spots preferred), and treat the informal understanding with the property owners there as a privilege worth protecting.

Launch & conditions

Takeoff is at the top of the hill, reached by stairs. Stay clear of the benches, the tall antenna and a barbed-wire fence right at launch, and be mindful of hikers and dogs sharing the space.

Getting there & local rules

Easy access — walk up the stairs to launch. Park at the lot at the base, corner spots preferred.

Local rules & hazards

Wind here is genuinely hard to predict and can shift direction or speed suddenly, sometimes by 90 degrees — a windsock at the landing zone is essential. The landing zone sits beyond houses at the base; avoid flying low over them. This is at least a P2-and-up site with real strong-wind ground handling demands — not recommended for brand-new pilots.

Check conditions before you fly

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