Le Combe

Le Combe is a big, moderately steep grassy launch at 1,577 m in the Susa Valley of Piedmont, facing southeast through southwest, and reachable easily by car. It's best known as a generous autumn, winter and early-spring site, when the valley breeze stays light; in summer that same breeze can turn strong and throw rotor and leeside turbulence around the take-off, so most local flying happens in the cooler months. On a good day, pilots climb the ridges behind the launch above 2,400 m, and some flights even reach the summit of Rocciamelone at over 3,534 m — a serious cross-country prize for those who catch the right conditions. Landing is at the Bruzolo school field, relatively easy, though pilots need to avoid coming down on the neighbouring plots of land rather than the designated field itself.

Launch & conditions

A big, grassy slope, a bit steep but easily reached by car. On good days pilots climb the ridges behind to over 2,400 m, occasionally reaching the top of Rocciamelone above 3,534 m.

Getting there & local rules

Landing is at the Bruzolo school field, relatively easy — just don't land on the adjacent plots of land.

Local rules & hazards

Summer here often brings strong valley wind that can create rotor and leeside turbulence around the take-off, which is why the site is mainly flown in autumn, winter and early spring, when that breeze is weak.

Check conditions before you fly

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