Fontanile Startplatz 2

Fontanile Startplatz 2 launches from the high plateau above Castelluccio di Norcia, in the mountains of Umbria in central Italy, at 1,701 m. This southwest-facing take-off is one of several scattered across the Castelluccio bowl, an area popular with both hang glider and paraglider pilots for its wide-open terrain. It's typically flown in the morning, since the terrain builds thermal activity strongly as the day heats up; many pilots switch to the plateau's other launch, Forca di Presta, for the afternoon. A separate practice slope in the middle of the bowl is used for training flights, while the main launches here see more demanding midday air and good evening soaring once the thermals settle. Landings are on the marked Fontanile field below. Castelluccio village nearby has restaurants and places to stay, and is well known regionally for its lentils; a flying school is based there through the summer months for pilots who want local guidance.

Launch & conditions

Southwest-facing only, at 1,701 m — one of the higher take-offs in the Castelluccio bowl. Best flown in the morning before midday thermal activity picks up over the plateau.

Check conditions before you fly

A forecast for the valley is not a forecast for the launch. Before heading to Fontanile Startplatz 2, 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 Fontanile Startplatz 2 with a 7-day forecast built from high-resolution weather models, see who else has been flying, and get there with offline maps.