Wanderbird Hike-and-Fly Series Returns to Kitzbühel This July
The Wanderbird hike-and-fly race series is making its return to Kitzbühel, Austria on July 10, 2026. This popular community-focused event offers paragliding pilots of all skill levels an opportunity to experience the thrill of hike-and-fly competitions in a supportive environment.
Founded by former Red Bull X-Alps athlete Paul Guschlbauer, Wanderbird aims to create a positive learning experience that combines community building with personal growth. The series encourages pilots to make independent decisions while flying in harmony with nature.
Two Austrian Events in 2026
After the Kitzbühel event on July 10, the series heads east to Werfenweng on August 7. Located just south of Salzburg, Werfenweng offers reliable thermals and stunning views of the Tennengebirge limestone mountains.
The Werfenweng site of Bischling is known as one of the most reliable flying locations in the Salzburg region. Pilots will enjoy epic views and consistent thermal conditions, making it an ideal venue for both beginners and experienced competitors.
Three Categories for All Skill Levels
Wanderbird offers three entry categories designed to accommodate different pilot experience levels:
- Fun category – Perfect for pilots seeking a relaxed, enjoyable experience
- Tour category – For those looking to develop their skills further
- Hero category – Designed for competitive pilots ready to test their limits
This structure ensures that everyone from newcomers to seasoned cross-country pilots can participate and benefit from the experience.
Kitzbühel: More Than Just a Ski Resort
While Kitzbühel is famous as a world-class ski destination, it has become an important venue for paragliding events. The area hosted last year’s Wanderbird event and also served as the starting location for the Red Bull X-Alps race.
The terrain between the slopes of Streif and Kitzbüheler Horn, Aurach and Brixental provides an excellent playground for hike-and-fly adventures, offering diverse flying conditions and breathtaking alpine scenery.
Related Equipment for Hike-and-Fly
For pilots interested in hike-and-fly adventures like Wanderbird, having the right equipment is essential. Lightweight paragliders designed for hike-and-fly offer the perfect balance of performance and portability. Consider checking out our selection of lightweight harnesses and reserve parachutes to complete your setup.
How to Register
Registrations for both the Kitzbühel and Werfenweng events remain open. Visit wanderbird.io to secure your spot and join this growing community of hike-and-fly enthusiasts.
Source: Cross Country Magazine