Fontanile Startplatz 3

Fontanile Startplatz 3 sits at 1,819 m on the high plateau above Castelluccio di Norcia in Umbria, central Italy — the highest of the numbered Fontanile launches and, with take-off options facing east, southeast, west and northwest, one of the more versatile ones in the Castelluccio bowl. That range of usable directions lets pilots choose a launch to suit the day's wind rather than being locked into one aspect, which matters here since the terrain heats up fast and builds strong midday thermals. Like the rest of Castelluccio, mornings tend to be the calmer window, with the plateau's other side, Forca di Presta, taking over as the preferred launch once the sun is higher. The area is a long-standing favourite for both hang gliders and paragliders thanks to its open, obstacle-free terrain. Landings are on the marked Fontanile field below launch. Castelluccio village, a short drive away, has restaurants, places to stay, and a flying school running through the summer for visiting pilots.

Launch & conditions

Four usable directions — east, southeast, west and northwest — at 1,819 m, the highest of the Castelluccio launches in this area. Useful when the wind won't cooperate with the other Fontanile take-offs.

Check conditions before you fly

A forecast for the valley is not a forecast for the launch. Before heading to Fontanile Startplatz 3, 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 3 with a 7-day forecast built from high-resolution weather models, see who else has been flying, and get there with offline maps.