Coo

Coo is probably the biggest takeoff area in Belgium — two launches, one facing W and one facing S, both with no major obstacles except a line of trees about 20 m below. The east-side gotcha applies to the south launch: with even the tiniest east component in the wind it turns very turbulent and unpleasant, so don't attempt it. Access is easy — chairlift from the Cascades de Coo parking, then a walk up the hill north to takeoff.

Launch & conditions

Two takeoffs: W-facing and S-facing. Both have a line of trees ~20 m below. Do NOT attempt the S takeoff with any east tendency in the wind — it turns very turbulent and unpleasant.

Getting there & local rules

Drive towards 'Cascades de Coo' on the Aywaille–Vielsalm road and park in the car park. Take the chairlift (special fee for paragliders), then climb north to the top of the hill to reach takeoff. Landings: W takeoff LZ is the big field just below launch — avoid landing at the far end (downwind of the hill). NO top-landings in the young forest behind takeoff. S takeoff: the LZ is NOT the big field below (forbidden). The official LZ is south along the river past the chairlift and waterfall — just below the W takeoff.

Local rules & hazards

There's a parachuting club 5 km to the north, and restricted airspace above the military field of Elsenborn. Beware the venturi on your right at the W takeoff. Beware east wind on the S takeoff — turbulent, tree landings possible.

Check conditions before you fly

A forecast for the valley is not a forecast for the launch. Before heading to Coo, read the wind and thermals for the site itself, confirm the day's rules with the local club, and remember the standing rule — when in doubt, don't launch. In the free OutDare app you can open Coo with a 7-day forecast built from high-resolution weather models, see who else has been flying, and get there with offline maps.