Pian dell' Alpe

Pian dell'Alpe is a smooth, wide launch at 1,956 m near Fenestrelle in Piedmont, northern Italy, facing southeast through southwest — spacious enough for two wings to lay out and launch side by side. Right after take-off, most pilots soar the slope to the right to build altitude before pushing on; once you're above the road below, the flying generally gets easier. It's a solid thermal, soaring and cross-country site in this part of the Piedmont Alps. Landing is usually in the field to the right, between the road and the mountain, though the main plain near Colle di Fenestrelle also works as an alternative if that's more convenient on the day. The combination of an easy launch and two workable landing options makes this a forgiving site to build hours at while still opening up longer flights when conditions allow.

Launch & conditions

Smooth, wide take-off with room for two wings to prepare and launch together. Soar the slope to the right immediately after launch to gain altitude — once above the road below, it gets easier.

Getting there & local rules

Land in the field to the right, between the road and the mountain, or alternatively on the main plain near Colle di Fenestrelle.

Check conditions before you fly

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