Local Knowledge
Having been based in Mayrhofen since 1995 I have gained most of my paragliding experience here in the Ziilertal. Originally here for snow sports I have been guiding pilots around the area since 2002. While flying here I hope to give pilots the knowledge needed to fly confidently in the Alps.
When booking a paragliding holiday it's very important to trust that the guide understands the area and it's conditions inside-out.
Classic Alpine Conditions
Over the many years of competition flying (including British Team member) I've flown many paragliding Meccas. However I am always happy to return to the Zillertal with it's open terrain and safe landing options.
The wide, open terrain of the Zillertal features many examples of classic Alpine scenerios, so you can take what you learn here to other Alpine regions.
Large & well-formed thermals enable even low airtime pilots to achieve good XC flights around the valley. Experienced pilots would have no problem flying 100km on the right day.
Easy soaring on the valley winds in the late afternoon is the perfect thermal training plus the evening restitution here is some of the most relaxed flying you'll enjoy anywhere.
Excellent XC Potential
The XC potential from March to June is massive, just the simple valley tour is 50km. On good days experienced pilots can triple or even quadruple that distance.
Early on in the season it's surprisingly easy to fly modest distances, (20-50km). As the lower fields heat up the mountains are still cool and snowy, a good lapse rate is almost guarenteed.
The months of May and June are when the really long distance flights can be made.
Local Club member & ex-World Champion, Stefan Steigler made a 252km FAI triangle from one of our sites.
And Thomas Walder's 254km still stands as the Austrian free-distance record.
However, don't panic as we are not out to break records. The aim of any week is to just have fun and try to get an idea of what is happening out here in the Alps.
Although it's safe to say that many pilots have achieved their personal bests here with us.
Big Mountains, Wide Flat Valley
Surrounding peaks range from 1500-3500m. The valley sides are steep enough to allow easy escape to the wide, flat valley below.
As the region is still mainly dairy farming there are always large flat fields to land out in.
It's these same large fields that help produce the reliable thermals enabling us to fly long XC flights in all directions.
Infra-Structure
The Zillertal is one of Austria's most well known ski areas. You'll find the lift systems to be some of the best in Europe. Efficiently transporting us to most of our high take offs and asphalt roads to over 2000m.
Some of the leading flying schools in Tirol journey here to run their courses. Many coming for the cross-country potential in the Spring months.
Some good reasons why, I think, the Zillertal is an ideal place to hone your cross-country skills or just soar, relax and have a stress-free flying holiday in the Alps.
We'll also be running some informal theory sessions during the courses. Explaining the where, why and how to's of flying in the Alps. Topics from what makes the perfect day to recognising lee-sides, up to finding efficient lines thru the mountains.
I wish for pilots, of all levels, to come away with a better understanding of what's happening out there, rather than launching with no real plan/idea or just blindly following the guy in front.