Pajares

Pajares launches at 1,805 m from the grounds of a winter ski resort on the Asturias-Leon border in northern Spain, and flies with wind from the north through northeast to northwest. Because it doubles as a ski area, getting to launch is flexible: pilots can walk up, drive in on a 4x4, or ride the resort's own chairlift when it's running, which makes the climb far less of a factor here than at most mountain sites of similar altitude. The turn-off is from the N-630 road between Asturias and Leon, signed toward Valgrande-Pajares. Landing is down at the resort's services area, close to parking and facilities, which keeps the whole outing simple from car to launch to landing. With reliable north-facing wind and real altitude to work with, it's a solid option for both local thermalling and longer cross-country attempts, plus hike-and-fly for anyone who prefers to walk the whole way.

Launch & conditions

Reaching launch is flexible: walk up, drive a 4x4, or use the ski resort's own chairlift when it's operating.

Getting there & local rules

Take the N-630 between Asturias and Leon and exit toward Valgrande-Pajares.

Check conditions before you fly

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