Txindoki

Txindoki is a striking peak in the Basque Country, Spain, rising to about 1,324 m, with the launch reached only on foot — a hike of roughly one and a half to two hours to get up there. Wind from the north, south or west all work, supporting thermic, soaring, cross-country and hike-and-fly flying with real variety depending on which of the takeoffs is in play. The south and west takeoffs are grassy and easy, a straightforward launch by mountain standards. The north takeoff is a different story: it's shorter, grassy but only about 20 meters long, and genuinely hard to abort once you've committed, so it rewards a confident, well-timed launch rather than a tentative one. Landing is down at Abaltzisketa, near Larraitz, which is also where the walk up begins — so pilots end the day close to where the car is parked. Because the landing fields are private property, the local etiquette is to clear the grass promptly after coming down, keeping things good for the next pilot who wants to fly here.

Launch & conditions

South and west takeoffs are grassy and easy; the north takeoff is shorter — about 20 meters — and difficult to abort once committed.

Getting there & local rules

Reached by a roughly 1.5–2 hour walk up; parking to start the hike is at Abaltzisketa, near Larraitz.

Local rules & hazards

The north-facing takeoff is short — only about 20 meters — and difficult to abort once you commit, so it demands a confident launch. Landing fields here are private property; clear the grass promptly after landing as a courtesy to keep access open for other pilots.

Check conditions before you fly

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