Aletsch Glacier

About

The Aletsch Glacier sits in the heart of the Bernese Alps on the border of cantons Bern and Valais, east of the Gemmi Pass, and is the centerpiece of the largest glaciated area in western Eurasia. At over 2,200m MSL, the launch area commands sweeping views of an immense 23-kilometre glacier tongue flanked by towering alpine ridges, making it one of the most visually dramatic and technically demanding sites in the MSFS Swiss Alps collection. The combination of glacial valley topography and high-altitude alpine terrain creates a rich and complex soaring environment suited to experienced pilots.

Launch Points (1)

Aletsch Glacier TAKEOFF

Foot LaunchRamp

Alt: 2,220 m / 7,282 ftHdg: 87° ESurface: SHORT GRASS

Next to lift. This is a ramp launch

Landing Zones (1)

Flying Conditions

Prevailing winds favour an east-northeasterly direction around 77 degrees at 10–20 knots, channelled and accelerated by the deep glacial valley corridor and surrounding ridgelines. Thermal activity develops during mid-morning as solar heating warms the rocky moraines and south-facing slopes above the glacier surface, though cold air pooling over the ice can suppress low-level lift and produce sharp thermal boundaries. Conditions are most stable and predictable in summer months; afternoon can bring rapid convective build-up and valley wind reversals, so early launches are strongly advised.

With a single designated launch point at 2,219m MSL, pilots step off into a commanding position above the glacier with immediate access to both ridge lift from the enclosing Aletschhorn and Eggishorn massifs and thermal triggers off the sun-warmed rocky outcrops and lateral moraines. Ridge soaring along the north and south valley walls can sustain altitude efficiently, while stronger thermal days allow climbs to altitudes well above the surrounding peaks, opening serious XC potential toward the Rhône Valley to the south or the Bernese Oberland to the north. Pilots should exercise caution over the glacier itself where sink can be strong and consistent due to cold air drainage off the ice, and landing options on or near the glacier surface are extremely limited. XC routes toward Fiesch or Brig to the south are realistic on active days, following the natural funnel of the upper Rhône corridor.