Paragliding
Why airspace rules matter
The invisible challenge which could end an athlete’s race.
Flying high over the Alps can look like the ultimate freedom. But paragliders can't fly wherever they want. The air is divided into invisible regions – known as airspace – to ensure the safety of all aircraft. From holiday flights to rescue helicopters; and from military jets to Red Bull X-Alps athletes. For the athletes they can’t just chase the best thermals or fly fast in a straight line – they need to understand and follow a complex set of aviation rules. The rules of the road.
Some regions of airspace are off-limits or require special permission to enter to separate gliders from jets, for example. They have lower and upper altitude limits, which means that athletes sometimes need to stay above or below certain altitudes to be permitted to fly in a specific area. Entering restricted airspace – even by mistake – can lead to race penalties or even disqualification.
This is one of the most challenging airspaces in the world
One example of tricky airspace is around Locarno Airport between Turnpoint 11, Ascona-Locarno, and Turnpoint 12, Bellinzona. Another is around Innsbruck and Red Bull X-Alps 2025 race director Ferdinand Vogel described Innsbruck Airport as one of the most challenging airspaces in the world. Although it’s not a Turnpoint, it does stand between Turnpoint 14, Lermoos Tiroler Zugspitz Arena, and Turnpoint 15, Schmittenhöhe. Athletes will be extremely careful, especially so close to the finish line.
In past races athletes have had to make tough decisions, like landing early and walking many kilometres, just to avoid controlled airspace. Planning routes around them is yet another critical decision athletes and their supporters must make during the race.
Fair route for all athletes
Airspace is considered when planning the race. It’s the job of the race director to ensure a fair route for all athletes to follow. Even then, last minute changes can happen and plans need to be adapted. Temporary restrictions can appear in airspace – for flying displays, military training, etc – and both organizers and athletes need to be aware of this. They will check for published Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) daily for the latest updates to stay safe and avoid heavy penalties.
Where athletes can (and can't) launch
Athletes can often be seen launching from just about any suitable spot on the mountainside. But it must be where national and local aviation regulations allow. From the start in Kitzbühel - Kirchberg, between Turnpoint 1, Hahnenkamm, and Turnpoint 2, Sexten Dolomites, was the Hohe Tauern National Park; a region which doesn’t allow athletes to launch. A landing here would mean a long hike and a serious delay to their race.
Flying a wing through the Alps offers athletes an amazing adventure. And they are almost as free as a bird. But they must use their experience and extensive knowledge to not only find a suitable launch site, conditions, wind, and weather as well as being aware of the invisible obstacles in the air.
Patrick von Känel (SUI2) launching in Switzerland
© zooom / Maximilian Gierl
Invisible climbs
The athletes are kept airborne by rising air known as thermals. These are created by the sun heating the ground, which heats the air. If athletes can glide between these climbs and link one thermal to the next, they can cover the massive distances of this race. Red Bull X-Alps 2025 is the longest and most challenging route in race history with athletes hoping to cover 1,283km within 12 days.
However, these climbs are also invisible and athletes won’t know for sure if a climb is where they expect until they arrive. So, while navigating over the terrain, invisible airspace and finding uncertain climbs, they must also be prepared to land at a moment’s notice. Finding a landing area can be difficult and often requires exceptional skill and glider control.
Red Bull X-Alps 2025 demands more than just fitness and endurance. It requires skill, experience, nerve and a deep understanding of all the conditions – even the ones we can’t see.
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