Monte Lesima

Monte Lesima launches from 1,660 m in the Apennines on the Piedmont–Lombardy border, with the takeoff sitting about 200 m from the large white radar installation on the summit and facing the north-east side of the mountain. Getting there is seasonal: the access route in is narrow and very steep, so the site only opens up once the winter snow has cleared, which keeps it a warmer-months destination rather than a year-round one. Once conditions allow, it's a solid platform for thermal and ridge flying, with hike-and-fly and cross-country options for pilots who want to use the altitude. The catch is the wind window: only north-east really works here, and pilots need to watch the forecast closely, because a breeze that looks fine at launch can build through the flight in a way that catches people out if they're not tracking it. That combination — a single reliable direction and a wind that can strengthen mid-flight — makes route and timing decisions matter more here than the takeoff itself.

Launch & conditions

Takeoff sits about 200 m from the large white radar installation on the summit, facing the north-east side of the mountain.

Getting there & local rules

The access route is narrow and very steep, so the site is only usable once winter snow has cleared.

Local rules & hazards

Takeoff and flying work best with a north-east wind; keep an eye on the forecast, since wind speed can build through the flight rather than staying at the strength it was at launch.

Check conditions before you fly

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