Piz de Molinera

Piz de Molinera is a popular hike-and-fly launch above the Mesolcina valley near Bellinzona in southern Switzerland, flown across every season. Two approaches reach the peak: hiking up from Claro via Maruso to Brogoldone, or taking the cable car from Lumino (CHF 15) and then walking about two hours fifteen minutes to Brogoldone – Pizzo Molinera. Launch is possible on the right-hand side of the peak, and conditions are best with a south wind. The site is exposed to due south, which also means real avalanche danger in winter — worth real caution before a winter hike-and-fly here. Airspace to keep in mind: the site sits under Locarno's TMA, which activates irregularly, and the San Vittore and Lodrino heliports are both roughly 2.5 km away and active up to 600 ft AGL. Landing options include the chapel area at Lumino, Bellinzona in light south-wind conditions, and Grono.

Launch & conditions

Launch is possible on the right-hand side of the peak; conditions are best with a south wind. The slope faces due south, which brings real avalanche danger in winter.

Getting there & local rules

Two ways up: hike from Claro via Maruso to Brogoldone, or take the cable car from Lumino (CHF 15) and walk about 2h15 to Brogoldone – Pizzo Molinera.

Local rules & hazards

The site sits beneath Locarno's TMA, which activates irregularly — check its status before flying. The San Vittore and Lodrino heliports are also close by, about 2.5 km away, active up to 600 ft AGL.

Check conditions before you fly

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