Monfestino

Monfestino sits above the small village of the same name in the Modena hills, Emilia-Romagna — a friendly Apennine club site with two takeoffs: an easy east-facing grassy slope, and a shorter, narrower north-facing launch used when the wind turns N or NE. The east takeoff is straightforward — pass on the left of the oak that carries the windsock. The N takeoff looks worse than it is; the launch just needs a clean wing before you commit. Because the ceiling here is capped by the Bologna CTR, this is a local site rather than a big-XC one.

Launch & conditions

East takeoff: easy grassy slope. Pass on the left of the oak with the windsock. Check the windsock on the antenna at the N takeoff before choosing — in N or NE the east takeoff is in rotor. N takeoff (50 m north of the E one): short, narrow and steep, more intimidating than difficult — make sure your wing comes up cleanly before committing.

Getting there & local rules

From Modena, follow signs for Pavullo nel Frignano. Past Gorzano, after a few km, turn right for Serramazzoni. About 5 km on, turn right at the sign for Monfestino (narrow paved road). Park just before entering the village and walk 50 m down to takeoff. DRIVE SLOWLY — the club works hard to keep good relations with the residents.

Local rules & hazards

Max ceiling 1,300 m AMSL due to the Bologna CTR. Unflyable in NW, W, SW or S winds. Rough in strong easterlies. With N/NE aloft, the E takeoff can look flyable but is in rotor — beware; launch from the N takeoff in very light N/NE (steer left as soon as you clear the launch). Land only at the official LZ shown on the map — medium-easy with bailout options; can be rough in strong easterlies aloft.

Check conditions before you fly

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