Forte di Fenestrelle

Forte di Fenestrelle sits at 2,336 m in the Piedmont Alps, with take-off options facing east through south and a valley thick with high-tension power lines — a hazard worth taking seriously if you're forced to land anywhere other than the designated field. From the road, it's a 20–30 minute walk up to one of two launches: a smooth, grassy saddle, or a slightly prickly ridge crest about 150 m higher, from which a glide can carry you all the way to the top of the historic fort itself. Landing is in the large field behind the river. Timing matters here: in summer the valley breeze builds strong after 11:00, so the plan should be to already be on the ground by then, while from October onward the site is flyable at any time of day. It's a good hike-and-fly destination for pilots comfortable planning their flight window around the season.

Launch & conditions

20–30 minute walk up from the road to one of two launches: a smooth grassy saddle, or a slightly prickly ridge crest about 150 m higher, from which a glide can reach the top of the fort. The valley is full of high-tension power lines — be extremely cautious if landing anywhere other than the designated field.

Local rules & hazards

In summer the valley breeze builds strong after 11:00, so plan to be landed by then; from October onward it's flyable at any time of day.

Check conditions before you fly

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