Monte Mezzo (Lago di Como)

Monte Mezzo sits above Lake Como, with several distinct launches to choose from: 'la Piazza' at 1,450 m, 'Eolo' higher up at 1,700 m, plus a separate hang-glider ramp at Bugiallo around 1,240 m — between them covering wind from southeast through southwest for thermal, soaring and hike-in flying. Access has real constraints: the road up to the launches is semi-private, and flying here requires prior permission from local site management, so it's worth sorting that out before a first visit rather than turning up unannounced. SIV practice is specifically off-limits without special authorization too. In summer, the flying window is narrow — mornings and evenings only, since the afternoon gets too windy. Landing is at the port of Gera Lario, where wind needs watching on the way in; the field is not suitable for hang gliders, only paragliders.

Launch & conditions

Several distinct launches: 'la Piazza' at 1,450 m, 'Eolo' at 1,700 m, and a separate hang-glider ramp at Bugiallo around 1,240 m. The access road is semi-private, and SIV practice needs special authorization.

Getting there & local rules

Landing is at the port of Gera Lario — watch the wind on the way in. The field suits paragliders only; it is not suitable for hang gliders.

Local rules & hazards

Flying here requires prior permission from local site management — sort that out before your first visit. In summer the flying window is morning and evening only, since afternoons get too windy.

Check conditions before you fly

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