Cherry peak

Cherry Peak is considered an ideal spot for a short hike-and-fly in Italy's Piedmont region, near Pomaretto, though the takeoff itself demands real respect: it's small, fits only one wing at a time, and pilots need to be very careful in zero wind or with any hint of a tailwind — enough people have ended up in the trees below to make that warning worth taking seriously. Getting there means either walking up from Pomaretto with about 600 meters of vertical gain, or driving most of the way and still walking the final 150 meters or so on foot. The site works when there's some valley breeze, offering hours of soaring right around takeoff, though cross-country flying from here is genuinely difficult — pilots chasing distance are better off using the Monte Cucetto takeoff instead. Strong westerly wind, whether present or just forecast for the day, is a reason to stay on the ground, and the valley breeze itself can build very strong on some days, especially in summer, so flying is best avoided in the early afternoon.

Launch & conditions

Takeoff is small, with room for only one wing at a time. Be very careful in zero wind, and never attempt to launch with even a slight tailwind — enough pilots have ended up in the trees below to take that seriously.

Getting there & local rules

Walk up from Pomaretto (about 600 m of vertical gain), or drive most of the way and walk the final 150 m or so on foot.

Local rules & hazards

This site works with some valley breeze, giving hours of soaring time near takeoff, but cross-country flying from here is very difficult — use the Monte Cucetto takeoff instead if that's the goal. Avoid flying with strong westerly wind present or even forecast for that day, and be cautious of the valley breeze building very strong on some days, especially in summer — early afternoon is generally best avoided.

Check conditions before you fly

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