Monte Vandalino

Monte Vandalino launches from 2,079 m in the Cuneo Alps of Piedmont, with two takeoff options: right at the top next to the meteo station, or a bit lower down facing east — both on a very large, grassy field that gives plenty of room to prepare and launch without feeling cramped. Getting up is a genuine hike: about two hours on foot from the nearest refuge, so this is a hike-and-fly site through and through rather than a drive-to-the-ramp one. Flyable directions run east through south-east to south, and once airborne pilots have options for where to put down — fields in the valley below, or further out on the open plains, giving some flexibility for cross-country attempts that don't quite make it back to the immediate landing area. The reward for the walk-up is real Alpine scale: this is high, open terrain with room to work a thermal properly.

Launch & conditions

Two takeoff options: right at the top next to the meteo station, or lower down facing east — both a very large, grassy field.

Getting there & local rules

About a two-hour walk up from the nearest refuge — this is a hike-and-fly site, not a drive-to-the-ramp one.

Check conditions before you fly

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