Monte Tamaro – Alpe Foppa

Monte Tamaro – Alpe Foppa is a well-known launch in Switzerland's Ticino region, at 1,520 m and just 50 m from the gondola station that carries pilots up from Rivera. Wind works from east through southeast, south and southwest, and the terrain is popular for thermal, soaring and cross-country flying, with hikers also making the trip up. Two things to know before you fly: the site sits under the Locarno/Magadino aerodrome's TMA, so check the current airspace picture carefully, and never fly here in a north Föhn — locals are emphatic about that one. The landing zone right at the gondola station is closed, so plan your approach for a different field instead.

Launch & conditions

The launch is just 50 m from the gondola station, reached by cable car from Rivera.

Getting there & local rules

Take the gondola up from Rivera. The landing zone at the gondola station itself is closed — use a different field.

Local rules & hazards

The site sits under the Locarno/Magadino aerodrome's TMA — check the current Swiss airspace picture before flying. Never fly in a north Föhn.

Check conditions before you fly

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