Chia – Abedules

Chía – Abedules is a thermal, soaring and cross-country site in the Spanish Pyrenees, launching at about 1,262 m in east wind. The takeoff itself is well prepared but a little technical, and the main hazard to watch for is the tree line close to launch — care is needed not to take off or land among the trees. In summer, this launch is really a morning site: as the day heats up, most pilots move on to the eastern side of the valley, to launches like Liri, for the afternoon and evening. That daily pattern is worth planning around rather than fighting the wind here once it's turned. With good preparation for the technical takeoff and the right timing, Chía – Abedules offers solid thermal and cross-country flying in a classic Pyrenean valley setting.

Launch & conditions

Takeoff is well prepared but a little technical; the main hazard is the nearby tree line, so care is needed not to launch or land among the trees.

Local rules & hazards

In summer this launch is a morning-only site — most pilots move to the eastern side of the valley (launches like Liri) for the afternoon and evening.

Check conditions before you fly

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