The region of Gstaad offers you a variety of flight and take-off possibilities, which satisfy the demands of beginners and experts. The most flight activity is on the Wispile. For thermal beginners the Wispile is the best place. We have good soaring opportunities at Rodomont in westerly winds and at Horneggli, also in stronger westerly winds or valley winds. In good conditions, Glacier 3000 is a good place for a high alpine flight.
If you are not afraid of a walk, you will find many possibilities for a flight away from the usual take-off sites, but you should stick to the official landing sites. If possible, land on mowed meadows, or at least do not pack the glider in the high grass.
From the appropriate launch sites, takeoffs are possible in all directions. Cables & electric lines must be flown over with sufficient distance, they do not pose any problems when departing from the take-off sites and correctly approaching the official landing sites. The Saanenland is known for its microclimate, and it often happens that we encounter surprisingly good flying weather despite bad forecasts. The mountain wind hardly blows noticeably and the valley wind rarely exceeds 20 to 25 km/h. Only the landing site in Rougemont often has higher wind speeds in the afternoon when thermals are blowing.
From Gstaad, with binoculars, we can easily see the windsocks on the Wispile (uppermost railroad mast), the Wasserngrat (first elevation south of the mountain restaurant) and the Horneggli (west of the antenna on Tanne). The official landing sites are also equipped with windsocks.
By car
From the freeway Bern-Thun-Interlaken
Exit Wimmis, then direction Zweisimmen into the Saanenland to Gstaad.
From the freeway Freiburg-Lausanne
Exit Bulle, from there direction Château-d’Oex to Saanen, Gstaad.
From the freeway Martigny-Montreux
Exit Aigle, from there via Col des Mosses, Château-d’Oex, Saanen; or via Col du Pillon, Gsteig to Gstaad.
Zurich – Gstaad approx. 2 1/4 hrs.
Bern – Gstaad approx. 1 1/4 h
Genève – Gstaad approx. 1 3/4 h
By train
From Montreux with the MOB to Gstaad.
From Spiez with the BLS to Zweisimmen, further with the MOB to Gstaad.
By plane
Gstaad Airport 1000m above sea level Runway 1700m