Coordinates: 46°20’05″ N   8°01’01″ E   700m ASL

The Bitsch LZ is around 12km south-west of Fiesch, and is the first official landing field in that direction.  The image below shows its location, viewed from above Bettmeralp.

Location of Bitsch LZ, viewed from above Bettmeralp

This landing field is a valuable option in three main circumstances.  Firstly, if you have launched from the Riederalp take-off, this is where you will end up if you fail to find enough lift to remain airborne.  Secondly, its availability as a bomb-out field allows you to commit to a low-level route from Fiescheralp to the south-west without concern about getting cut off from the Fiesch LZ.  Thirdly, if you need to land near Brig in the afternoon, the wind strength here is usually significantly weaker than at the landing field at Ried-Brig, which is more exposed to the main Rhône valley breeze.

Bitsch LZ viewed from west of the Riederhorn

I have only ever encountered a south-westerly breeze here, but it usually becomes quite lively in the afternoon.  Also, as the terrain upwind is not flat, there is often some mechanical turbulence around.  You will normally be able to see a windsock on the fence at the south-westerly border of the landing area, beyond which there is a golf driving range, and then some large industrial buildings with pale blue roofs.  I understand that hang gliders are allowed to land on the golf range; I set down there once because the grass in the usual landing area was very long, and no-one seemed to mind – at least none of the golfers took a shot at me……

Approaching Bitsch LZ from the north-west

150m to the south-west of the landing field, there is a bridge over the river, and the train station is then 400m to the north-east.