Paragliding
Free like an eagle
The mountains suddenly seem so small, it is extremely quiet up there at 3,000 m altitude. Also explore the airy dimension of Ötztal. All year round you can take off on a tandem flight with the professionals in the Oetz holiday region, the valley’s undisputed paragliding hotspot. Or enjoy a bird’s eye view from several other launch points straight into the most scenic 360° panorama of your life.
Tandem flying with the outdoor experts
The pioneers of hang gliding and paragliding discovered the valley basin of upper Ötztal as a first-class thermal flying area. In good conditions you can easily reach altitudes beyond 3,000 meters, and in the uppermost part of Ötztal even over 4,000 meters. But be careful, the thermal lift can be extremely demanding on some days. If you are not a professional yourself, stick to Ötztal’s paragliding specialists. In the Oetz/Hochoetz area, but also in Sölden and Gurgl, you will find varied offers for memorable tandem flights. All year round – in suitable conditions.
Paragliding in Ötztal: where do you start, where do you land?
At the meeting point agreed with the outdoor adventure expert, usually the base station of the respective mountain gondola, you will receive all the necessary information and equipment (helmet, harness) from your pilot. Thanks to mountain lifts, the designated launch points for paragliders are easily accessible. For sure, you can manage the last few steps to the mountain flank, even if your stomach is already tingling.
There are several start and landing options in Ötztal:
- Hochoetz (middle & top station) – village edge of Oetz
- Niederthai (hamlet of Bichl) – Umhausen (near campsite)
- Gaislachkogl gondola-middle station-Gratlift – village of Sölden
- Winter: Giggijoch (top station) – Sölden village entrance
Frequently asked questions
Your adventure will start at one of the countless officially approved starting points and, depending on whether you have an A or B license, leads you down to the next landing area or even further overland to another suitable landing site. It is best to find out about the currently valid regulations at a flying school near your home town or to contact an experienced local provider during your vacation in Ötztal, where you can book lessons or tandem flights. The guides know exactly where you can safely enjoy paragliding in Ötztal and which routes you should avoid.
Basically, there is no season in which paragliding is not allowed at all. Tandem gliding flights are possible all year round in Ötztal if the weather conditions are favorable. Thermal flights, on the other hand, can be made from late morning between March and October if the conditions are suitable. Autumn or winter are perfect for smooth and slightly shorter flights.
In the months of April to June there are the strongest thermal currents as the large difference in temperature between the ground and the higher air layers allow the warm air to rise. Therefore, at this time of year flights often take place in the early morning or late afternoon.
On good flying days you can take off at any time (in daylight of course). On other days you have to analyze the position of the sun, the development of winds and the weather conditions in general in order to find the best starting time.
It depends a bit on the region and the time of year. You can calculate approximately 150 Euros for a tandem flight - while short gliding flights cost a little less, longer thermal flights a bit more. You are recommended to find out more about the huge choice of offers and current prices at the flying schools in Ötztal.
As a paragliding co-flyer you do not need any training or previous experience. If you dream of “pulling the strings” yourself while paragliding, it is best to look for a good flying school in the surroundings. Those who are still undecided or curious can take part in a taster course in order to find out whether they are enthusiastic enough about the new hobby. Followed by a beginners' course for basic training in theory and practice, which is a prerequisite for the A certificate. You have passed the exam? Then you have the international license to fly freely in the vicinity of the flying area (no cross-country flights). The B license corresponds to an unrestricted aviation license and entitles you to fly freely on cross-country flights.
Tandem pilots hear this question very often. But they can reassure future passengers (and their relatives): Paragliding is much safer than it is perceived by bystanders. Provided that the tandem pilot is careful and experienced enough to correctly assess both equipment and weather at all times. The weather in particular has a decisive effect on the safety and "success" of a memorable tandem flight. As with other outdoor sports, an element of risk always remains. When paragliding in Ötztal, you can rely on the complete safety package - from perfectly maintained equipment to tandem guides who have their own fitness to fly checked regularly.
It strongly depends on starting point, weather conditions and season. In the Alps and under perfect conditions, a paraglider can reach heights of up to approx. 3500 m and sometimes up to 4000 m altitude. Splendid Ötztal (Tirol) is a popular paragliding area with good thermal currents at altitudes beyond 3000 meters. Even flights over the striking peak of Acherkogel (3007 m) in lower Ötztal are possible. But always be careful: Anyone who flies higher than 3300 m should definitely be familiar with the current aviation rules.