Mornera (Bellinzona)

Mornera above Bellinzona is widely considered the best XC launch in Ticino — less famous than Locarno-Cimetta but arguably better for closing triangles because of its position at the crossroads of the Leventina, Riviera and Verzasca valleys. The site works April–October, and access is by cable car from Monte Carasso followed by a 15-minute walk. Critical detail: you must book the cable car the day before, or you won't get up in time.

Launch & conditions

Big XC-focused launch above Bellinzona. Suitable for pilots who want to close triangles across the Ticino valleys.

Getting there & local rules

Gondola from Monte Carasso, then ~15 min walk to takeoff. BOOK the cable car the day before (April–October) or you won't make it in time. Landings: check with local pilots for the current LZ position; avoid landing in high/uncut grass.

Local rules & hazards

TMA of Locarno/Magadino aerodrome HX — can be activated within 30 minutes; check activation status by phone or the local Facebook page 'TMA Locarno' before flying. Swiss airspace is complex — get all the info you can before flying. Site is very sensitive to north-wind situations: the wind is channelled through the San Gotthard valleys (Rivera, Leventina).

Check conditions before you fly

A forecast for the valley is not a forecast for the launch. Before heading to Mornera (Bellinzona), 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 Mornera (Bellinzona) with a 7-day forecast built from high-resolution weather models, see who else has been flying, and get there with offline maps.