Monte Pizzocolo

Monte Pizzocolo rises above the western shore of Lake Garda in Lombardy, northern Italy, launching from just over 1,197 m. The site is popular with local pilots for its straightforward takeoff and for the thermic conditions that build over the valley through the day, making it a solid choice for cross-country-minded flying as well as relaxed hike-and-fly missions up from the shuttle point. Flyable wind directions span a wide arc from east through south to west, giving pilots options as the day's breeze rotates — though the shore's proximity to Lake Garda means conditions can shift quickly, and the strong thermal activity reported over the landing zone is worth respecting rather than fighting. The takeoff itself is open and well used, with enough room for tandem operations. Pilots reach it by 4x4 shuttle rather than a hike, which keeps the logistics simple for a first visit, and the landing field below is generous enough to welcome hang gliders as well as paragliders.

Launch & conditions

Open, well-used takeoff described by regulars as easy and comfortable for both solo and tandem launches.

Getting there & local rules

Reach the site by 4x4 shuttle from the landing zone (about 15 EUR as of 2025, roughly 30 minutes). Park on the north side of the landing field and continue past Hotel Colomber keeping it on your left — do not take the road to the hotel's right.

Local rules & hazards

Expect strong thermal activity over the landing zone through the day, with south-west as the dominant wind direction — plan for a punchy final approach rather than a lazy glide-in.

Check conditions before you fly

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