Monte S. Giorgio – Piossasco

Monte San Giorgio at Piossasco, southwest of Turin, is a Piedmontese launch inside a regional park with an unusually wide flyable window — the site produces at least a sled ride on more than 300 days a year. The 767 m take-off opens on N, NE, E, SE, S and SW, so pick a face for the day. Flatland XC is possible even when the mountains further south are grounded by cloud. **Since March 2026 there is a new landing field** — the two old paragliding and hang-gliding LZs are no longer in use. Because the site sits inside a park, regulations are constant and access has repeatedly been threatened. Everyone flying here needs to follow the local rules to keep the site open.

Launch & conditions

Launch only from the area marked by wooden poles. Prepare your wing behind the launch and move onto the take-off only when you are ready — the pole-marked strip is small and easily congested. Since March 2026 the new landing field is the only usable LZ; a windsock sits on its SW edge and the folding area is on the east side near the trees.

Getting there & local rules

Because the take-off is inside the park, private cars must stop at the entrance and pilots walk 45 to 60 minutes to launch. The alternative is a shuttle bus from the Mercato car park, which is compulsory to book on weekdays via the local group chat. Shuttle runs are capped at 2 per day (3 on weekends), carrying up to 8 pilots and 16 bags, with a 3-pilot minimum booking. In winter months the shuttle does not run and pilots must walk up.

Local rules & hazards

The site is inside a regional park and has been repeatedly close to permanent closure — the rules matter. Do not fly on föhn winds: the site turns extremely turbulent and dangerous. In summer, watch for rapidly developing thunderstorms — Piossasco sits slightly out of the main range so overdevelopment shows over the Alps first.

Check conditions before you fly

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