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TAKE OFF WITH THE RODELLA
Below we will try to give you the most detailed information possible on Takeoffs & Landings, and advice on how and when to use them, clearly they are only indications and not absolute truths, the evaluation of the conditions and the decision on whether to fly or not remain with the pilot, who in totally autonomous way he must know how to get by. For any doubts or clarifications do not hesitate to contact us!
Leaving the Col Rodella cable car, about a hundred meters northwards, you will find the Des Alpes refuge, near it there are the main take-offs. Already from the cable car to the right of the refuge you will notice the windsock with its weather station (which we advise you to consult before your flight, if only to see the trend of wind intensity in the last few hours, certainly the most interesting data). From the windsock, descend along the ridge for another 20 meters, this is where the main take-off is suitable for morning flights with both North and South exposure.
- Altitude: 2360mt
- Features:grass and clods of grass, earth and stones
Pay special attention:
In the presence of the ropes of the 2 chairlifts, avoid taking off near them; at the avalanche barriers in the lower section of the take-off in the north; to the north wind which requires careful evaluation, in fact already from 10km / h the conditions can be relatively turbulent, or in any case there is generally more instability in the air and consequently stronger thermals, furthermore to consider the transit in complete leeward to reach the landings.
Exposure: North, North West, North East, South, South East.
As soon as you reach the Des Alpes refuge, the take-off is slightly raised on the right. This take-off is purely north-north-west, and is mainly used in the winter. Once you have taken off, go immediately left towards the Fridric August refuge, bypassing the Col Rodella and then exiting above the Val di Fassa.
- Altitude: 2380mt
- Features: grassy and stony.
Pay attention:
If the west is strong it will be difficult to exit towards the valley, you must be sure that the north is meteorological otherwise you risk going out into the lee.
Exposure: North, North West
Leaving the cable car, you immediately descend on the small road to the right, which then turns into a path passing under the cables of the chairlift, from there in 10/15 minutes on foot, always going down, you reach the south take-off. (going up the cable car you can see the wind vane ribbons). This take-off is suitable in the afternoon when the valley breeze prevails over everything, in the late afternoon it offers beautiful soaring flights in dynamics.
- Altitude: 2300mt
- Features: grassy
Pay attention:
It is essential not to take off with strong North, be careful not to slip on dry grass, once take off go right to sail on the ridge facing the valley, remember that the cable car cables are on the left, remember them also when descending into the valley.
Exposure: South, South East, South West, West.
The Val di Fassa offers an infinite number of landings, however the official one is located in Ischia 100m from the departure of the cable car towards Canazei (we recommend an inspection before the flight). Keep in mind of the power line that crosses it, of the possibility of the presence of fences for horses (usually of lanyard, therefore relatively dangerous, especially for hang gliders). Another tip that should not be underestimated is that of not wanting to land in the folding area at all costs (unless you are an experienced pilot who knows how to manage a difficult landing). In fact, when there are relatively strong thermal conditions or valley breezes, we recommend landing at the bottom of the lawn towards Canazei, in order to avoid being too close to the high voltage cables, trees and car parking.
Here too, common sense is brought back to the pilot who is solely responsible for his actions and choices.
Among the Take-offs & Landings certainly the dream and the strongest attraction is to land on the top of the Marmolada is one of the most sought-after things for those who come to fly in the Dolomites, and it can also become so for those who do not fly independently and rely on an experienced tandem pilot (clearly it is better to make at least two flights before embarking on this adventure, to be sure to enjoy the experience to the fullest. Below I will explain to those who already fly on their own how to approach to make a top landing on top of the queen of the Dolomites.
The take-off takes place either at Col Rodella (the most recommended) or the Locomotive or Belvedere (see take-off description). It is necessary to gain as much altitude as possible and move above the Belvedere area, from here it is recommended to make at least an altitude of 2900mt (if more, better) to head towards Vernel, clearly crossing the western offshoot to enter the south side where already before to enter in the direction of Marmolada, you have to regain altitude (this in order not to risk entering low and then having great difficulties in exiting the Contrin valley). Get up as much as possible, or at least 2700 meters, you can enter and take advantage of the thermal that leads to the Vernel summit line. Top Landing in Marmolada is almost always possible only if you reach an altitude of at least 3400m above Vernel. From here you head for the top of the Marmolada but to land it is advisable not to go to the south, but to enter from the north and if necessary to dispose of altitude until you land a little below the Punta Penia refuge. However, before landing, make sure that all the conditions are in place to be able to take off safely (there is often no wind, and if there is fresh snow, starting again becomes difficult). More than one pilot has already found himself stuck at the top.
Clearly, to do all this, the driver must be able to independently assess all the conditions, and this explanation cannot in any way be considered an infallible system and clearly we do not take any responsibility in the event of an accident. Continue to consult the other Takeoffs & Landings.
OTHER TAKE OFF VAL DI FASSA
Below we will give you directions for other Takeoffs & Landings, (which apart from rare exceptions of weather or stability conditions) are not to be compared to the ease of use of Col Rodella takeoffs.
Reachable on foot in 15 minutes from the Sella pass at the base of the Sella towers, it is a take-off that tends to be used in late autumn, because being able to lean directly on the Sella wall in thermo dynamics often allows you to pierce the inversion typical of the autumn period .
On the other hand, it must be said that the take-off is steep and quite technical, it faces south only and therefore in the presence of a northerly wind it cannot be used and that if you are unable to gain altitude on the wall, any off-field landing. it is not easy, because it is limited to the parking of the facility in the locality of Lupo Bianco, or to sloping meadows nearby.
- Altitude: 2300mt
- Difficulty: very slippery grassy lawn, if you do not take altitude it is difficult to reach Canazei.
- Exposure: South, South East, South West.
This take-off was used a lot in the past because there was the possibility of taking off to the south, and in winter it was very comfortable, but recently the arrival of the new cable car that leads from Alba to the Belvedere was built on that land. So now there is only one take-off facing West, North West, which in many situations can also be fine. It can be reached with the cable car from Alba or with the lift from Canazei, and is located about a hundred meters from the cable car heading west through a ridge path near the windsock or ribbons.
- Altitude: 2340mt
- Difficulty: Apart from the path to reach it, the take-off does not present particular difficulties
- Exposure: West, North West
This take-off is the most used in the off-season when the lifts are closed and in spring the dirt road of Col Rodella is not accessible due to too much snow.
The take-off is lower and facing West, so they make use of it in the afternoon in the evening. Surely the easiest of the take-offs in Val di Fassa which also lends itself to Top Landing.
- Altitude: 2050mt
- Difficulty: None
- Exposure: West, North West
This take-off is located above in the center of Val di Fassa and more exactly can be reached from the town of Pozza di Fassa (San Giovanni di Fassa) with the use of two lifts. Purely summer, because in winter it is not allowed to go up the upper part with the chairlift. The take-off is located near the arrival of the chairlift 100m lower on the hill overlooking the arrival of the other chairlift that climbs from the north slope, has various exposures. Definitely perfect for a glide but a little more complicated for a thermal flight, because the position a bit far from the valley means that if you don't find the thermal immediately it is better to move towards the valley before losing too much altitude. (usually the thermal can be found above the Cuz refuge, or even better by exiting towards Pozza above the line of the plant).
- Altitude: 2340mt
- Difficulty: With too much south or west it is sometimes difficult to reach the center of the valley
- Exposure: South, South West, West, moving behind the Zedron refuge beyond the ridge you can take off even with a slight North
Surely the most complicated take-off, both because it is technical, far from the plant and with only one exposure which is usually fine in the morning.
To reach it you have to go up with the cable car that from Vigo goes up to Ciampedie, from here on foot you follow the path called vial de le Feide towards Vael, in 30/40 minutes near the Pas del Sofion (you need a map to understand). find a large pointed stone with an iron stake and wind vane tape on top. The take-off is grassy and stony and barely allows you to roll out two sails. Exposed to the South, South East it is suitable in the morning, where it often already gives morning thermals.
- Altitude: 2300mt
- Difficulty: Short and stony take-off, difficult to reach
- Exposure: South, South East, South West
FLYING IN VAL GARDENA
Take-offs & Landing to fly in Val Gardena is certainly very beautiful, often you fly near or over the Odle and Sassolungo, the Sella group, the Cir and Puez.
There is no shortage of take-offs, but perhaps the landings in some places are a bit technical, but certainly flying in Val Gardena offers great emotions.
Below we will show you the main take-offs & landings.
On the map, take-off in red, landing in blue.
To reach the take-off just take the lift that goes up from Selva to Ciampinoi, when you reach the top and exit the lift, go down to the right towards Selva and just 50 meters away you are in a grassy take-off.
In the morning you can find the thermal going all the way to the right towards the east (already in the late morning a bit more complicated due to the presence of the valley breeze), while in the late afternoon evening you can have fun in soaring conditions on the ridge, ridge , on the left side towards the Alpe di Siusi.
Before reaching the take-off we advise you to go and inspect the landing, which is located in Pra Valentini, descending from the Sella is on the left at the beginning of the town of Selva, near a small chairlift, with an obvious windsock placed on the roof of a house.
Take-off altitude: 2.230 m
Exposure: north, north west, west
Extra: it has a weather station
To reach Seceda you have to go up with two lifts starting from Ortisei, go and see the two possible landings, certainly the one in the center of the valley is the easiest. Once you reach Seceda, the morning take-off or in any case with a lack of valley breeze can be found exiting the plant by going up the road on the left, and you will soon reach a grassy take-off. While the most used take-off is found going down to the right along the ridge more or less 300/400 meters from the cable car. This south, southwest and west facing take-off allows thermal flights in the afternoon and evening, and is the gateway for those who want to fly over the Odle.
Take-off altitude: 2.450 mt
Exposure: on the two south-east, south, south-west and west take-offs
Extra: it has a weather station
To reach Monte Pana, go up from the town of Santa Cristina towards Alpe di Siusi. Once you reach the hotel of the same name, you will immediately see the landing in the huge lawn in front of the hotel. The take-off can be reached with the chairlift that goes up towards the Sassolungo. Surely the flight is short (only 400mt of difference in altitude), But often in the afternoon evening you can manage to climb up to the top of Sassolungo and Sassopiatto.
Take-off altitude: 2.036 mt
Exposure: West, South West, South
Extra: it has a weather station
At the foot of the Sciliar with flights to the Bullaccia, the Sciliar, the Catinaccio Group, the Sassolungo and Sassopiatto Group and towards Val Gardena.
Suitable when in other areas there is strong North, or in any case for a late afternoon flight that allows you to fly over the Sciliar and the entire Alpe di Siusi.
Take-off altitude: 1.930 mt
Exposure: west, north west, north
Meeting point: San Valentino on the Alpe di Siusi road (between Siusi and Castelrotto)
Take off: at the Spitzbühl on the Alpe di Siusi in front of the Spitzbühl hut
Landing: in San Valentino (near Castelrotto)
FLYING IN VAL BADIA
Takeoffs & Landings to fly in the beautiful Val Badia offers fantastic flights over the Sella group, Sassongher Cir, Conturines, Sass de la Crus, Sass de Putia. Below are the main Take-offs & Landings.
Take-off altitude: 2,200 meters
Exposure: north, north east, east
Extra: it has a weather station
Take-off: can be reached with the Boe cable car which starts near the landing, once you reach the top, the north take-off is at 50m, exiting to the right of the plant. The other take-off is in the direction of Arabba at 100m, you will see wind vane strips, here the take-off is quite free and will depend on the direction of the wind.
Landing: the main and most used landing is in the town of Corvara, near the Giaccio stadium, you can't go wrong.
FLYING IN VAL DI FIEMME
Takeoffs & Landings to fly in Val di Fiemme, which is nothing more than the natural continuation of Val di Fassa towards the South, like almost all Alpine valleys, even here we fly by paragliding, and we too from Fassafly occasionally go to fly there .
There are not many take-offs & landings in Val di Fiemme, or at least the most popular ones. Flying here means being able to fly over the beautiful and imposing Lagorai chain which, on the right day, can take you to the Pale di San Martino, with the imposing Cimon de la Pala, the Vezzana, I Burelloni and Mulaz, or to the north on the horn Black and White, Obereggen with its ski lifts and the whole Latemar chain, and if you are particularly good you can try (following the Lagorai towards the south) to go up to Val Sugana.
Cermis is certainly the most popular take-off, also for the convenience of the facility. It starts from the valley floor below Cavalese, and taking the two lifts (a two-section cable car and a chairlift) you go up to the top of Cermis, From here you go down for 50/100 meters to the north, on what in winter is a ski slope ski. Here you will see some wind vane ribbons.
Characteristics: grassy take-off with not so much slope
Exposure: North, North West, North East
Landing: Place near the parking in the direction of Val di Fassa, small and narrow, as an alternative to Msi di Cavalese (we recommend an inspection).
Take-off altitude: 2.229 m
This take-off located above the town of Predazzo is a very low take-off, but in the afternoon with the valley breeze it can become very valid. It can be reached from Predazzo by going up to the Miola restaurant, from here on a forest road, which is reserved for those with permission, so either you go up on foot or contact the pilots of the Vola Avisio hoping for a ride or to be able to join if you is lucky that someone goes to fly.
Exposure: South, South West
Landing: in the huge plain below
Take-off altitude: 1,600 meters
There are two other take-offs that overlook the town of Varena, one is very low but which in spring can also be valid for a beautiful east-west exposure, which is the Cucal.
The other is the Corno Nero, the same side of the Cucal but much higher and more difficult to reach since you have to go almost to the Oclini pass and from here 30/40 minutes on foot. For more info on these two take-offs, we recommend contacting the Avisio team so as not to leave anything to chance.
Municipality below we put the map so as to indicate the location.
FLYING TO CORTINA D'AMPEZZO
Takeoffs & Landings to fly to Cortina d'Ampezzo is certainly an extraordinary experience, even if you will hardly meet other flyers, in fact the passion for this sport is scarce throughout the area. Having said that, the area certainly deserves a lot, the chance to fly over the Tofane group, Cristallo, Sorapis, Antelao and maybe even Pelmo is too good an opportunity to miss. Here the conditions are typical of the Dolomites, but with the advantage of having a very large basin below us, rich in natural landings (which is not very common in the mountains). There is also the possibility of extending the flight towards Val Pusteria (a very famous area for long distance flights) or of getting to see the very famous three peaks of Lavaredo.
Cortina has only two official take-offs, one in summer and one in winter, both in the same area.
Take-off of the Duca d'Aosta refuge:
GPS coordinates take-off latitude: 46.32.17 longitude 12.05.06
Duca d’Aosta Refuge (2098 m), is located below the Tofana group, easily reachable with the three chairlifts that depart from Pomedes, just above Cortina towards the Falzarego pass.
The take-off is located on what is a ski slope in winter.
Exposure: East, South East
Landing: the official landing is located under Cortina, in Campo di Sotto at an altitude of 1300 meters.
Landing GPS coordinates: latitude 46.31.13 longitude 12.07.51
GPS latitude: 46,32,11 longitude: 12,4,40
It is used as a winter take-off, and is located just below the shelter. Definitely a somewhat technical take-off because it is not very long, it can be reached simply as for the Duca D'Aosta take-off but also climbing with the last chairlift and then descending to the Pomedes refuge.
Exposure: South
Landing: like before.
THREE PEAKS OF LAVAREDO
Monte Piana take-off
Take-off coordinates latitude: 46,36,59 longitude: 12,14,34
The three peaks of Lavaredo are an iconic group of the Dolomites, being able to fly in front of them is a unique experience, but getting there is not so obvious since the take-off is not in the immediate vicinity. The area is that of Lake Misurina and the take-off is located on Mount Piana, just above the refuge (if you take off you risk touching the roof), easily reachable with a Jeep taxi service. The landing is located near the taxi rank.
Il posto merita tantissimo anche solo per vedere il bellissimo lago di Misurina e il versante nord del monte Cristallo.
Exposure: Est
Landing: in the meadows near the taxi rank.
Landing coordinates latitude: 46,35,30 longitude: 12,15,24