Celle

Celle is the winter option in Val di Susa, west of Turin — on the south face of Rocca della Sella, with a beautiful line of sight to the Sacra di San Michele monastery on Monte Pirchiriano. It works reliably when the Val di Susa valley breeze isn't strong: you can soar in dynamics for hours off the south-facing wall. In summer, strong valley breeze makes it much harder — late evenings or days with thin cirrus cover are the main window. Takeoff is a decent grassy field but has hidden sharp rocks, so scout your launch path carefully before you lay out.

Launch & conditions

Roughly 650 m AGL, takeoff QNH about 1,030 m. Fairly large grassy field with some sharp hidden rocks — inspect your takeoff path carefully. A power line runs below takeoff, but clearance quickly opens up after launch — stay mindful when soaring lower down.

Getting there & local rules

Torino → Avigliana → Caprie → Campambiando → Camparnaldo → Celle. Park on the small space at the start of the straight road after the descent from the Celle sanctuary; take the country road on the mountain side and the path that starts at the small quarry on the left. Hike 10–15 min up the trail opposite the road to reach takeoff. Official landing is at Caprie, easily reached by car — a smooth grassy field next to Roccia Bianca (also well known for its climbing routes).

Local rules & hazards

Do not fly in winds from NW through NE. Do not underestimate the Val di Susa valley breeze when strong — it makes takeoff a crosswind affair AND can ruin your flight with rotor.

Check conditions before you fly

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