Corno di Gesero

Corno di Gesero launches from 2,181 m in the Swiss Alps, right beside a communication building, and is well known locally as a strong thermal site — many pilots find it flies best in the late afternoon. The views on a good day take in the Magadino flatland, Bellinzona and Locarno all at once. It's flyable with south and southwest wind. Getting to launch takes real effort: drive privately from Roveredo GR or Arbedo (a toll road, about 10 CHF), then hike up — roughly 50 minutes from Roveredo/Cadinello, or a tougher 1.5-hour climb from Arbedo/Alpe Gesero that isn't straightforward to access. Two airspace notes matter for cross-country plans: flying toward Bellinzona puts you in TMA HX Locarno, and flying toward Lumino, Grono or Roveredo brings you within 2.5 km of San Vittore heliport at 600 ft AGL — plan your line with both in mind. Landing options are spread across the valley floor at Grono, Bellinzona, Lumino and Roveredo.

Launch & conditions

Launch is right beside the communication building; known as a strong thermal site, often best in the late afternoon.

Getting there & local rules

Drive privately from Roveredo GR or Arbedo (toll road, about 10 CHF), then hike up — about 50 minutes from Roveredo/Cadinello, or roughly 1.5 hours from Arbedo/Alpe Gesero (a harder approach).

Local rules & hazards

Flying toward Bellinzona puts you inside TMA HX Locarno; flying toward Lumino, Grono or Roveredo brings you within 2.5 km of San Vittore heliport at 600 ft AGL — plan your route with both in mind. The site is flyable with south and southwest wind.

Check conditions before you fly

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