Alto

Alto sits above the Ligurian coast near Albenga, a site prized for its dramatic landscape but explicitly not recommended for beginners. Conditions favor late winter through early spring, or autumn — summer here tends to bring strong thermic activity and low cloudbase that limit flyable windows. There are two take-off options on a large green field, one at about 1,090 m and a second roughly 120 m higher; the lower launch is reachable by jeep or a short ten-minute walk from where a car can park. Wind needs to come from the east, southeast or south — north or northwest wind rules out flying altogether. The main landing area, down around 600 m, is genuinely technical since it sits in the lee side of thermal activity, so pilots new to the site are better off using the easy top landing available at the upper take-off instead.

Launch & conditions

Two take-offs on a large green field: the lower one at about 1,090 m, reachable by jeep or a short walk, and a second roughly 120 m higher, best for the easy top landing option.

Getting there & local rules

From the A10 motorway, exit at Albenga and follow the SP582 north; after about 5 km, turn left onto the SP14 toward Alto-Caprauna.

Local rules & hazards

Be aware of the Albenga Airport airspace nearby. Flyable with wind from east, southeast or south — never fly with north or northwest wind. The main landing area is technical, sitting in the lee side of thermal activity, so it's best to check with a local pilot before using it; the easy top landing at the second take-off is strongly recommended instead.

Check conditions before you fly

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