Belice

Belice launches at 960 m in the Piedmont Alps near Gran Paradiso, a thermal and cross-country site that also works well as a hike-and-fly objective. The recorded wind directions run from east through south-east and south to south-west, and the site's XC pedigree makes it a natural choice for pilots looking to push distance rather than just soar locally. Landing is by the river below, clearly visible from launch, with two windsocks in place to read the wind on approach; the normal landing-area wind is from the south-east. Only one specific area by the river is designated for landing, and pilots are asked to keep to it rather than choosing their own spot along the bank. The most important rule here is airspace, not weather: flying inside the Gran Paradiso National Park is prohibited, so route-planning around the park boundary matters as much as reading the wind before you commit to a cross-country line from this launch.

Getting there & local rules

The landing field is by the river, visible from launch, marked with two windsocks.

Local rules & hazards

Flying inside the Gran Paradiso National Park is prohibited. Land only in the designated area by the river; the normal landing-area wind is from the south-east.

Check conditions before you fly

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