Monte Battaglia Ovest

Monte Battaglia Ovest launches at 671 m in the Emilia-Romagna hills near Fontanelice, a small but genuinely appealing site that works well on a north-west or west wind and is rated as easy and safe — a clear contrast with the neighbouring east-facing launch on the same mountain, which has its own more demanding character. Reaching it follows the same route as the mountain's other launches: from Fontanelice, head toward the Monte Battaglia war monument or castle. Two wind warnings matter here. First, a north wind can occasionally sneak in from the right side with real force, catching pilots off guard if they're not watching for it. Second, and more serious, a south wind is dangerous specifically during landing, so pilots need to check the wind is holding from a safe direction as they set up their approach, not just at launch. With thermal and soaring conditions on a comfortable west-facing exposure, Monte Battaglia Ovest is the more forgiving of the mountain's two launches — provided both wind warnings are respected rather than assumed away.

Launch & conditions

Easy and safe launch on a north-west or west wind — notably more forgiving than the mountain's east-facing launch.

Getting there & local rules

From Fontanelice, follow signs toward the Monte Battaglia war monument or castle.

Local rules & hazards

A north wind can occasionally hit from the right with real force. A south wind is specifically dangerous during landing — check the wind direction as you set up your approach, not just at launch.

Check conditions before you fly

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