New: Wave Forecast for Glider Pilots
Our wave forecast shows at a glance where, when and at which altitude usable lee waves form. Developed for glider pilots who want to get the most out of every foehn situation: Our wave forecast combines high-resolution models with intuitive operation and mobile performance. Read here what experienced wave pilots say about the forecast.
Detailed and intuitive maps: For ideal flight planning
Waves in the Jura
Our model also resolves less classical wave situations. Example: west waves
The wave forecasts are available to all XC Therm subscribers at no extra charge. They are specifically tailored to the needs of glider pilots. To display the wave forecast, enable the "Show wave forecast" setting.
Overview
Reliable and precise
Wave flying requires the right combination of wind, terrain and stability – a major challenge for forecasting.
With modern, high-resolution models, waves can be predicted reliably.
After almost a year of testing, we know: our wave forecast has proven its worth in practice.
Fast and intuitive
Our wave forecast maps are, like all XC Therm products, intuitive and mobile-ready. They reliably show you where lift can be found.
- For 10 different altitudes
- Forecast period of 2 days
- Optimized for mobile and desktop
The wave forecast is included in all subscriptions.
Wave forecast availability
The wave forecast covers the entire Alpine region as well as mid-range mountains such as the Black Forest, Jura or Massif Central. Mountain ranges like the Pyrenees or the Apennines are partially covered.
More than just waves
In our wave forecast maps, besides waves, other phenomena are visible that also factor into flight planning on thermal days.
- Convergences
- Dynamic terrain-induced lift
- Downdraft and lee areas
- Fronts and thunderstorms
Note: Local downdraft and lee areas cannot be represented in the model.
Field-tested by experienced wave pilots
1100 km wave flight in the Western Alps on 27.10.25, weglide.org/flight/940969, wave forecast for 5000 m at 9 UTC
"It rained heavily in the Grenoble region at the end of October 2025. With the help of the XC Therm Wave forecast, I decided to go flying in Gap for two days. The result: two beautiful days under the sun and in the waves of the Southern Alps."
Thomas Puthod
Glider pilot and record holderWave flight with west wind on 26.10.25, weglide.org/flight/939521, wave forecast for 3000 m at 15 UTC
"We have been experimenting for many years with flying as far into the Alps as possible during west wind storms. From around Garmisch-Partenkirchen onward, pure ridge lift is often insufficient for further flight, so we frequently rely on waves to pass the Zugspitze and continue southwest. Modern forecasting tools have recently made this considerably easier for us - the new XC Therm wave forecast predicted the best line on Sunday, including its strongest spots adjacent to Daniel, Grubigstein and Heiterwand, perfectly. The end of the lift line just before Landeck was also correctly present in the wave forecast."
Benjamin Bachmaier
Glider pilot and XC Therm AmbassadorWave flight in the Jura on 26.10.25, weglide.org/flight/939236, wave forecast for 3000 m at 12 UTC
"Thanks to your wave forecast, I had a very cool day lately. No other wave forecast predicted such a nice wave so I was not sure if it will really work. But I decided to give it a try based on your prediction and the cloud forecast, as this was also showing the "foehn hole" and wave clouds along the jura. Your prediction of the wave position at different altitudes was super accurate."
Reynald Mumenthaler
Glider pilot and XC Therm Ambassador