Elfer in Stubai

Take off below: 47°05’55.0″N 11°19’27.3″E

This take-off site is located right next to the cable car (1.790 m). In summer, the entire runway can be used; in winter, the take-off site is limited to the back half diagonally in front of the large sundial, near the wind turbine/windsock. This take-off site is generally reserved for tandem pilots and student pilots. When there is little activity and the take-off is quick, the take-off site is also tolerated for free flyers.

Take off in the middle: 47°05’43.5″N 11°19’16.7″E

This spot is also known as the 'living room.' It's a 20-minute walk from the gondola station, providing access to stronger thermals. There's a wind vane on site. During the winter skiing season, it's best to avoid this takeoff since it's right on the slopes. Experienced pilots often use the 'living room' for top landings.

Take off above: 47°05’38.7″N 11°19’12.5″E

The highest starting point on the Elfer (approx. 2.080 m). Once you arrive here, you already have a great view of the Elferhütte. In winter, when skiing is in operation, you can easily take the drag lift from the Elfer mountain station (1.790 m) to the upper starting point. Either normal skis or Figl (short cut-off skis) are suitable for this. Also recommended in summer. Wonderful place to enjoy the sunset!

Landing site: 47°06’45.4″N 11°18’56.8″E

This large meadow offers free takeoff on two sides. In the morning, there's often a glacier wind or no wind at all, while valley winds tend to come in later in the day. During summer, be cautious of the valley wind. Instead of a left-handed landing, opt for a left/right approach without turning away from the downwind leg. Avoid flying over Neustift village, as strong valley winds may make it difficult to reach the landing site.

The picture below shows the landing site in the black rectangle. A left-handed landing turn is marked in yellow, which is flown in valley winds, and a right-handed landing turn is marked in red, which is flown in glacier winds. The mining site is in the white area.

© Elfer mountain railways

Valley winds from the northeast, coming from the Inn Valley, allow for soaring at Elfer, especially during the midday hours in summer. Keep in mind that a northeast wind can amplify the valley wind in Stubai. Beginners, in particular, should be cautious and consider flying in the morning when conditions are calmer.

Be cautious during foehn weather conditions, as both strong southern foehn and northern foehn can create turbulent conditions at Elfer. Refer to the Foehn diagram here.

VERY Roughly speaking, one can say that at up to 4 hPa in the foehn diagram on the Patscherkofel, wind speeds of approximately 30-50 km/h (south) are usually only observed. Above 6 hPa, it is usually very foehn-like, with gusts of up to 80 km/h and more. Visually, you can often see a foehn wall on the mountain range next to the Elfer towards the southeast.

Kindly be aware that this information does not serve as an endorsement or recommendation for flying in foehn weather conditions and strong winds. Even with a 4 hPa pressure difference, foehn conditions can lead to highly windy and gusty situations. Exercise extreme caution when considering this information, and please understand that we bear no responsibility for your choices.