Żar is one of the most popular sites in Poland, mainly because of its easy access and the possibility to accomodate almost 300 degress of wind directions. The three main take-offs face South, West and North and are located within 50 m from each other.

Location: 49°47'12.9"N 19°13'29.4"E, 761 m asl
To get to the top you need to go to Międzybrodzie Żywieckie and go up in a funicular - it takes about 5 minutes. There is also a tarmac road to the top, but entry on it is restricted to the local inhabitants - if you go up by car you run a high risk of getting a fine.

North Take-Off
Wide and grassy, not very steep, so you need to wait for a bit of breeze. Be aware of the fences on both sides. Launching is quite easy. There are trees on the end of the slope, but they aren't a problem. With the northerly it's easy to soar. Landing is right below - the biggest grassy meadow you can spot - but be attent, as it might be turbulent down there.

South Take-Off
You can either launch from the top, or go about a third way down along the funicular. Be aware of the fence on the left side, the posts and the trees on the right. It's better not to try to take-off if there is a considerable westerly or easterly component, as it creats nasty rotors. Landing is right below, next to the building of the gliding school, on the slope. It is slanted so be careful not to fly too far, because below begins the sailplane airfield. The airfield is clearly marked with white signs - it is absolutely forbidden to land there. Be aware of the sailplanes taking off and landing there.

West Take-Off
Again, it's a nice grassy field right at the top, but below it there are some taller trees, so you need to choose a good time to launch - with direct westerly (rather don't do it with no wind). If there is a northely component it tends to be turbulent right after taking off. With stronger winds it's possible to soar even late in the evening. Be careful not to go too low on the west side, as there is no landing there - you need to have enough altitude to get to the south landing.

The area is very good for XC flying. Practically you can go any direction, apart from the South, as there begins a controlled airspace a few kms from the take-off. On a good flying day you can expect strong thermals with tops easily going above 2000 m. Remember that in Poland maximum flying altitude is FL95, which is ca. 2900 m asl. With stronger westerly or northerly winds the best idea is to fly an open distance - the longest flight from the site is over 200 km. With lighter winds it's nice to plan a triangle.
Some flights from Żar

A Video by Mariusz Wiśniowski/paralotniarz.pl

Apart from the Zar mountain we might be using other launches located in the Beskid Slaski, Beskid Zywiecki and Beskid Wyspowy mountain ranges, especially Skrzyczne mountain, which is a half-an-hour drive from Międzybrodzie.