Coordinates: 46°25’39″ N 8°06’53″ E 2273m ASL Orientation: SSW-ESE

Salzgäb is an unofficial and rarely used takeoff option, though often set as a waypoint in hike-and-fly competitions.  It is the release point of one of the most reliable morning thermals in the Fiescheralp area, and in typical conditions the majority of pilots will start their transition across the Fieschertal towards the Goms after topping out here.  It is located around 2km to the north-east of the Fiescheralp gondola station (Kühboden) and easily accessed by a wide gravelled track.

Location of Sälzgab takeoff option

There are very few circumstances in which it has any advantage over the Heimat takeoffs.  I chose it once when there were cows grazing on the upper takeoff there and the conditions were very stable, so I didn’t want to use the lower takeoff.  I have also seen it being used on very busy days, or simply for a bit of variety.

As you can see from the header image, it has a gentle slope, but this steepens quite steadily, so launching is technically simple, and you can usually take off directly into the thermal there.  Its main drawback is the occasional presence of cows.