Zermatt – Rothorn – Blauherd – Sunegga

Zermatt gives you three launches on the same lift system on the east side of the Matterhorn valley — Rothorn at 3,100 m (facing both N and S), Blauherd at 2,600 m (west-facing), and Sunnegga at 2,200 m for the off-season when the higher lifts stop running. Rothorn is the year-round classic, with reliable snow cover and light winds most days, though afternoons can strengthen in spring and rocky ground appears in summer with strong afternoon wind. Blauherd is a summer grass launch. Sunnegga steps in when the upper lifts are closed. Zermatt landing is DEMANDING with special rules — the LZ sits only 500 m from the town heliport.

Launch & conditions

Rothorn (3,100 m): faces N and S, year-round; good snow cover with light morning winds, stronger by afternoon. Rocky in summer. Blauherd (2,600 m): west-facing, mainly summer; ~5 min walk downhill from Blauherd station; grassy slope, light morning wind, increases with thermals and valley wind in the afternoon. Sunnegga (2,200 m): shoulder-season launch when Blauherd/Rothorn lifts aren't running; wind starts moderate and increases through the day.

Getting there & local rules

From Zermatt by train/gondola to the launches. Landing: 'Zermatt' LZ is DEMANDING with special rules — approximately 2 min walk north of Zermatt train station, relatively small, with good approaches from north and south. Contact the local paragliding operation if unfamiliar with the site.

Local rules & hazards

The Zermatt LZ is only 500 m from the town heliport — special conditions apply, and the LZ is not for people who have never flown Zermatt. Contact the local paragliding operation before your first flight here. Sunnegga strengthens noticeably after launch — plan accordingly.

Check conditions before you fly

A forecast for the valley is not a forecast for the launch. Before heading to Zermatt – Rothorn – Blauherd – Sunegga, read the wind and thermals for the site itself, confirm the day's rules with the local club, and remember the standing rule — when in doubt, don't launch. In the free OutDare app you can open Zermatt – Rothorn – Blauherd – Sunegga with a 7-day forecast built from high-resolution weather models, see who else has been flying, and get there with offline maps.