Pielago

Pielago is a thermal soaring site in Ávila province, Spain, with launch at 1,362 m directly in front of a set of telecom antennas, working on wind from north and northeast. Access to takeoff runs along the south side of the mountain: follow the TO-9045-V road, then branch off onto a signed track partway along. Landing is to the east of the village of Almendral de la Cañada — a wide field running parallel to the road, with a few alternative landing options nearby if conditions call for them.

Launch & conditions

Launch sits directly in front of telecom antennas — worth keeping in mind on both climb-out and any low pass. The site works on north and northeast wind.

Getting there & local rules

Approach from the south side of the mountain via the TO-9045-V road, then branch off onto a track that leads to takeoff. Landing is east of Almendral de la Cañada, a wide field parallel to the road, with a few alternative landings nearby.

Check conditions before you fly

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