Thermal and Föhn Map of the Alpine Region

Alpine Region Thermal and Föhn Map

The Alpine Thermal and Föhn Map by VIENTO Publishing is a large-format flight map designed for planning alpine thermal and cross-country flights. It shows well-known thermal sources, important flight routes, prominent mountains and Alpine passes, as well as possible routes for crossing the Alps.

With its extensive coverage of approximately 80% of the Alpine region, the map provides valuable information for glider pilots and experienced paragliders and XC pilots who are deeply involved in Alpine meteorology and cross-country flight strategies.

The double-sided map combines detailed thermal information with a map of the southern and northern foehn winds on the reverse side.

Understanding Alpine Thermals and Cross-Country Routes

The VIENTO Alpine Thermal Map shows well-known thermal hotspots that can produce updrafts of varying strength depending on the time of day and weather conditions.

Plotted flight lines, possible main ridge crossings, and prominent mountains and passes help pilots better understand the Alpine topography, identify sensitive areas, and analyze suitable cross-country routes. The thermal map illustrates typical thermals on a day with little wind and active thermals. The map also indicates landing options.

The map covers numerous well-known flying regions—from the Mont Blanc area to eastern Austria, and from the Black Forest and the Vosges to Trieste.

Important Swiss flying regions such as Ticino, Western Switzerland, and the Jura are also included.

South and North Föhn Map for Flight Preparation

A special feature of the thermal and foehn map is the printed reverse side, which provides information on the southern and northern foehn.

This illustration aids in understanding large-scale Föhn currents and helps better contextualize typical meteorological patterns in the Alpine region.

Knowledge of Föhn conditions, wind currents, and potential lee areas is particularly important for flight preparation in mountainous terrain.

Important: This map is intended for flight preparation and does not replace a current weather forecast, Föhn warning, or airspace information.

Highlights

• Approximately 80% of the Alpine region is covered by the map
• Known thermal sources and updraft hotspots
• Hotspots verified by actual flights
• Recommended flight routes and possible main ridge crossings
• South and North Föhn map on the back
• Prominent mountains and Alpine passes with elevation data
• Airfields with radio frequencies, including MIL/ZIV
• Classification of potential emergency landing sites
• 10-km circles around airfields
• QR codes linking to important information pages
• Additional information map for alpine gliding
• Large-format, double-sided flight map
• Optimized for gliding—but also suitable for paragliders
• Ideal for cross-country flight planning and preparing for alpine flights

Technical Specifications

Contents

1x Thermal and Föhn Map of the Alps
1x Additional Gliding Information Map
1x Plastic protective sleeve

What does the Alpine Thermal and Föhn Map show?

The map shows known thermal sources within the Alpine weather system, recommended flight routes, possible Alpine crossings, prominent mountains and passes, as well as important airfields. On the reverse side are a southern and a northern Föhn map. In summary, the map shows: northern and southern Föhn, hotspots, thermals, flight routes, and landing options.

Is the thermal map also suitable for paragliders?

The map was developed specifically for gliding. However, it is also of great importance for paragliders and hang gliders. Experienced paragliders and XC pilots can make good use of the information on thermal sources, terrain, and wind systems when planning their flights. However, flight routes and landing options must be assessed independently for paragliders.

Which regions does the map cover?

The map covers approximately 80% of the Alpine region. Coverage extends, among other areas, from the Mont Blanc region to eastern Austria, and from the Black Forest and the Vosges to Trieste.

What is the difference between the thermal map and the foehn map?

The thermal map shows known areas of rising air and opportunities for cross-country flying. The Föhn maps on the back help identify typical southern and northern Föhn currents in the Alpine region.

Can the map be used to assess current flight weather conditions?

The map is suitable as a supplementary planning aid. However, it does not show current weather data and does not replace a flight weather forecast or current airspace and safety information.

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