Hu To San, Tigerhead Mtn

Hu To San (Tigerhead Mountain) is a west-facing thermal site outside Taichung in Taiwan — three takeoff areas next to each other, operated by two different clubs. Two are free for solo pilots (and tandems, with prior coordination with the site manager, who speaks fluent English); the third is a more developed facility with restrooms, tables and even overnight accommodation with running water and showers — that one is paid. Flying starts around noon, and thanks to the low-altitude launch there is a lot of bumpy thermal air — this is not a beginner site. Late afternoons are typically the smoother option.

Launch & conditions

Three adjacent west-facing takeoffs — two run free by the local clubs, one paid with better facilities. Flying starts around noon; low-altitude launch produces bumpy thermals, not for beginners.

Getting there & local rules

Buses run about every 15 minutes from Taichung city — the right one drops you at the road to the takeoff area, then a ~30 min hike up (or grab a taxi). Landings: one LZ per club — both can be bumpy with shifty winds and sinky sections. Watch out for power lines right in front of the LZ — don't come in low.

Local rules & hazards

No motors, by local ordinance. Summer often overdevelops with strong cloud suck and thunder showers — watch the sky. Both LZs have power lines directly in front — approach with height.

Check conditions before you fly

A forecast for the valley is not a forecast for the launch. Before heading to Hu To San, Tigerhead Mtn, 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 Hu To San, Tigerhead Mtn with a 7-day forecast built from high-resolution weather models, see who else has been flying, and get there with offline maps.