Bocchetta de Curciusa, San Bernardino

Bocchetta de Curciusa launches from 2,280 m above San Bernardino in the Swiss canton of Graubünden, a high alpine site that thermals up easily and flies well to the south — best known as a strong late-afternoon option in summer. The takeoff itself is short, more of a narrow runway than a wide slope, and it's recommended only for pilots with substantial alpine experience; there isn't much room for hesitation once you commit. Reaching it means a hiking trail from San Bernardino that is genuinely exposed on steep terrain, not a walk to take lightly or in poor weather. The valley's orientation matters more here than it might elsewhere: it runs north, connecting directly to the northern side of the Alps, so the valley breeze also flows north — meaning that even when the regional forecast shows southerly wind, this takeoff can end up completely lee-side on a typical summer thermal day. Reading the actual wind at launch rather than trusting a forecast is essential. Landing, at Prou de San Bernardin, works well in weak south wind during the summer months. Respect the wildlife protection zones that cover parts of this area.

Launch & conditions

The takeoff is short, more a narrow runway than a wide slope — recommended only for pilots with substantial alpine experience.

Getting there & local rules

The shortest way in is a hiking trail from San Bernardino, but it's genuinely exposed on steep terrain and not suitable for everyone.

Local rules & hazards

No special rules apply, but respect the wildlife protection zones in this area. Because this takeoff sits above the main pass, it's strongly influenced by valley winds — and since the valley itself runs north (water and valley breeze both flow north), the launch can turn completely lee-side even when the forecast shows southerly wind, especially on summer thermal days. Read the actual wind at launch, not just the regional forecast, before committing.

Check conditions before you fly

A forecast for the valley is not a forecast for the launch. Before heading to Bocchetta de Curciusa, San Bernardino, 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 Bocchetta de Curciusa, San Bernardino with a 7-day forecast built from high-resolution weather models, see who else has been flying, and get there with offline maps.