Collbaix

Collbaix is a south-facing thermal, soaring, cross-country and flatland site at 454 m near Manresa in Catalonia, Spain, flying with wind from the southeast through south to southwest. Take-off is easy, but wind here normally runs strong, so come prepared for a more energetic launch than the easy ground might suggest. Timing matters at this site: in summer, soaring conditions typically set up from around 6pm, while cross-country flying is more the mid-afternoon game, working from about 1pm onward. Getting there means heading out from Manresa via Sant Joan de Torruella, in the direction of Monistrolet and Rajadell. Landing is described simply as evident — an obvious, easy-to-spot area once you're coming in. With an easy launch, dependable south-facing thermals and clear time-of-day patterns for soaring versus XC, Collbaix rewards pilots who plan their flight window around the wind building through the day.

Launch & conditions

Take-off is easy, but wind here normally runs strong — come prepared for a more energetic launch than the easy ground suggests. In summer, soaring conditions typically build from around 6pm, while cross-country flying works from about 1pm onward.

Getting there & local rules

From Manresa, head out via Sant Joan de Torruella, in the direction of Monistrolet and Rajadell. Landing is straightforward and easy to spot on approach.

Check conditions before you fly

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