About
XC Skies is a comprehensive soaring forecast platform designed for paragliding, hang gliding, and glider pilots who need accurate, timely weather intelligence before taking to the skies. Available entirely through a web browser, it transforms raw numerical weather model output from sources like NCEP, DWD, and others into intuitive visual layers displayed on fully interactive maps. Pilots can explore soaring conditions at virtually any location on Earth using multiple high-resolution forecast models including GFS (global, ~24 km), ICON (13 km global), ICON EU (6.5 km Europe), ICON D2 (2.2 km central Europe/Alps), RAP (13 km USA, hourly updates), and NAM (12 km USA). The platform supports point forecasts, route cross-section analysis, and multi-day trend visualization through time-height plots. Key capabilities include one-click Skew-T thermodynamic diagrams for any map location and time, real-time balloon sonde data, saved profiles for favorite flying sites, and route-building tools that reveal how soaring conditions evolve along a planned track throughout the day. These detailed parameters — thermal height, cloud base, lift potential, relative humidity, and convective risk — empower pilots to break personal records and fly more safely. XC Skies is ideal for competitive cross-country pilots, recreational soaring enthusiasts, and flight instructors who want deep meteorological insight without needing to interpret raw model data themselves. A 30-day free trial provides access to most features, after which a subscription is required.
Key Features
- Interactive Soaring Forecast Maps: Visualize key soaring parameters (thermal height, cloud base, wind, convective risk) as layered overlays on fully interactive global maps for any forecast time.
- Multi-Model Weather Coverage: Runs against GFS, ICON, ICON EU, ICON D2, RAP, and NAM forecast models — combining global reach with high-resolution regional detail updated as frequently as every hour.
- Route & Cross-Section Analysis: Build routes directly on the map and visualize vertical soaring conditions along the entire path, with time-slider controls showing how conditions evolve throughout the day.
- One-Click Skew-T Diagrams: Instantly generate interactive Skew-T/log-P thermodynamic diagrams for any map location and forecast time, including the latest real-world balloon sonde data.
- Saved Profiles & Point Forecasts: Save unlimited location profiles for favorite flying sites and access detailed multi-day time-height point forecasts showing thermal, cloud, and storm potential at a glance.
Use Cases
- Cross-country paragliding and hang gliding pilots planning long-distance flights need to assess thermal strength, cloud base height, and convective risk along their intended route.
- Competitive sailplane pilots analyzing multi-day weather windows to target record attempts or XC distance flights using time-height trend plots.
- Flight schools and instructors reviewing forecast soundings and soaring parameters to make go/no-go decisions for student training days.
- Pilots traveling to unfamiliar flying sites who need to quickly understand local soaring conditions by saving new location profiles and reviewing point forecasts.
- Soaring enthusiasts monitoring evolving weather threats such as overdevelopment or thunderstorms using RH and convective indicators on interactive route cross-sections.
Pros
- Global Coverage Since 2005: Covers virtually every flyable location on Earth and has been trusted by soaring pilots for over two decades, with a proven track record of reliable forecasts.
- Multiple High-Resolution Models: Combining global and regional models — some updating hourly — gives pilots the most current picture of rapidly changing soaring conditions.
- Deep Meteorological Detail Without Complexity: Translates complex model output into pilot-friendly visuals, making advanced weather analysis accessible without a meteorology degree.
Cons
- Niche Use Case: Designed exclusively for soaring and free-flight pilots; of little value to users outside paragliding, hang gliding, and glider communities.
- Subscription Required After Trial: Full-featured access requires a paid subscription after the 30-day free trial, which may be a barrier for casual or occasional flyers.
- Web-Only Platform: No dedicated mobile app is mentioned, which can limit convenience for pilots checking conditions on-the-go at remote launch sites.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of pilots is XC Skies designed for?
XC Skies is built for soaring pilots — including paraglider, hang glider, and sailplane pilots — who need detailed atmospheric forecasts to plan and execute cross-country flights safely.
What weather models does XC Skies use?
XC Skies uses GFS (global, ~24 km), ICON (13 km global), ICON EU (6.5 km Europe), ICON D2 (2.2 km central Europe/Alps), RAP (13 km USA, hourly), and NAM (12 km USA, 6-hourly), among others.
Is XC Skies free to use?
New users can access most features for free during a 30-day trial period. After that, continued use of the full feature set requires a paid subscription.
Do I need to install any software to use XC Skies?
No installation is needed. XC Skies runs entirely in any modern web browser, so it can be used from any device with an internet connection anywhere in the world.
What is a Skew-T diagram and why is it useful for soaring?
A Skew-T/log-P diagram is a thermodynamic chart that plots temperature and dew point profiles through the atmosphere. For soaring pilots, it reveals thermal height, inversion layers, cloud base, and convective storm potential — critical information for flight planning.
