Sasso della Guardia

Sasso della Guardia launches from 2,040 m in the Swiss Alps and is a genuine hike-and-fly site: the approach is a beautiful, demanding walk of about 1,750 m of ascent, past the Luarn alpine pasture, with views over the Rorè and Grono valleys along the way. The takeoff itself is steep — around 40° — and should only be flown in good conditions, headwind or no wind at all, which rules out a casual attempt on a marginal day. Once airborne, south, southwest and west winds work, and the site is well regarded for thermals, soaring and cross-country flying, with Capèla del Paltàn as the landing. One hazard worth knowing in advance: the landing sits close to the San Vittore heliport, so stay alert for helicopter traffic and give it a wide margin. Between the demanding hike in and the steep, condition-sensitive launch, this is a site for pilots who are already comfortable judging takeoff conditions for themselves.

Local rules & hazards

The landing sits close to the San Vittore heliport — stay alert for helicopter traffic and give it a wide margin.

Check conditions before you fly

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