¶ Hanguren and Hangurstoppen
Hanguren and Hangurstoppen are central flying sites on Voss. Voss Gondola runs from the town centre to the mountain, providing year-round access for paraglider and speedglider pilots. The club uses two main launches: Hangurstoppen East and Hangurstoppen South.
The eastern launch is the main launch for paragliding and speedgliding in summer and winter.
- Access: Map. Take the gondola from Voss town centre to the upper station. In winter, the four-seat express lift from Bavallen is another option. Walk 200–300 m east from the gondola station.
- Vertical drop: About 770 m to Lake Vangsvatnet (50 m ASL).
- Direction: East to north-east.
- Terrain: Grassy slope improved in 2019/2020. Suitable with or without skis.
- Experience: Suitable for a range of levels in calm conditions. Light, cross, strong or strongly thermic winds require more experience. Experienced PP4+ pilots may be able to top-land in winter.
- Typical conditions: Light to moderate easterly wind is preferred. Gentle morning lift may develop near the launch; thermals often begin around 11:00–12:00. Wind often turns southerly later in the day, leaving the eastern launch sheltered or crosswind; the south launch may be an option.
- Airspace: The stated ceiling is 2,286 m ASL (FL75). Check luftrom.info and keep clear of Bømoen airfield.
The south launch can be useful for thermal and cross-country flying in southerly winds in spring and summer.
- Access: Map. Take the gondola, then walk about 200 vertical metres down the south side towards Vangen.
- Direction: South to south-west.
- Terrain: Grassy slope leading to a defined edge with small trees below.
- Experience: The club page lists this launch for paraglider pilots from PP2. Thermic conditions require good wing control during launch and departure.
- Not suitable for speedgliders (SPG).
- Typical conditions: Thermic activity from around March/April to September, often from 13:00–14:00; typical cloud base is stated as 1,500–2,000 m. Southerly wind up Bordalen may be strong and turbulent. A westerly sea breeze often develops over the lake in the afternoon from May/June and may make the launch unusable. Rokne or Liaset may be alternatives in westerlies.
- Cable hazard: Gondola cables pass just east of the launch. Keep well clear, especially when a westerly component could drift you towards the cables after take-off.
¶ Landing areas
Landing options depend on wind and season. Assess conditions on site.
¶ Prestegardslandet / Kulturhuset (50 m ASL)
Map, by the lower gondola station and Lake Vangsvatnet. Often suitable in calm conditions and westerlies. Strong easterlies, especially with a northerly component, can cause rotor and turbulence; Ringheim may be an option outside the growing season. Helicopters, including the air ambulance, regularly use the western side. See local flying safety rules.
May work in calm conditions and light southerly winds. Easterlies can cause turbulence.
Map. Large cultivated field below the eastern launch, with a windsock. Landings are usually towards the north. Closed during the summer growing season; may be used when the field is not growing crops.
¶ Grandane
Gravel bank at the mouth of the Vosso, usable as a landing area when water levels are low.
¶ Not approved for landing
Do not land at Mølstertunet, a protected museum and cultivated land, or at the bottom of the Bavallen ski jump.