Ogassa – Sant Joan de les Abadesses

Ogassa – Sant Joan de les Abadesses launches from 1,418 m in Catalonia's Girona province, a short 3 km from the town of Sant Joan de les Abadesses, with south, southeast and southwest wind working the ridge for thermal and cross-country flying. The main takeoff sits right beside the access track and has relatively little height difference, so on days when lift isn't strong enough here, pilots head up to the higher takeoffs further along the same ridge instead. Getting to launch means driving through the village of Ogassa toward Camprodon, watching for the sign to the Refugi Montserrat, then following the track until a windsock marks the parking area. This is a protected natural landscape, shared with active farming and livestock, so respect for the land is part of flying here — park only where it won't damage vegetation, and if you land out in a field, gather your wing and move on quickly. The official landing is at Sant Joan de les Abadesses itself; other marked fields on the map are emergency options only, for when the main landing can't be reached.

Launch & conditions

The main takeoff sits right beside the access track with relatively little height difference; when lift isn't strong enough there, pilots move up to the higher takeoffs further along the ridge.

Getting there & local rules

From Sant Joan de les Abadesses, turn left before the bridge toward Ogassa (3 km). Continue through Ogassa toward Camprodon, turn left at the sign for Refugi Montserrat, and follow the track until a windsock marks the parking area.

Local rules & hazards

This is a protected natural area — respect farming and livestock activity, and park only where it won't damage vegetation. If you land in a field, collect your wing and clear the area quickly.

Check conditions before you fly

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