Plan – Belle – Crète

Plan – Belle – Crète is a south-facing launch at 1,651 m in the Aosta Valley of northern Italy, suited to thermal and cross-country flying for pilots willing to hike in. The site carries one firm rule: foehn and strong northerly wind are an absolute no-fly here, and a strong valley breeze is also worth treating with caution rather than pushing through. The marked landing field is the official one, but it isn't the easiest or most convenient option — a flatter, boggy alternative between the river and the railway line nearby works better for many pilots, though it comes with its own things to watch: irrigation sprayheads across the field, and occasional closures when the town uses the ground for local events, including cow-fighting contests. Given that, it's worth checking availability of the alternate field before committing to fly there. This is a site that rewards patience with the wind and a bit of local homework on landing options rather than one to fly on assumption.

Getting there & local rules

The marked landing field is official but not the easiest option. A flatter, boggy alternative lies between the river and the railway line nearby — watch for irrigation sprayheads there, and note the field is sometimes used for town events (including cow-fighting contests), so it's worth checking it's free before flying.

Local rules & hazards

Never fly here when foehn or strong northerly wind is blowing — treat that as an absolute no-go, and be cautious of strong valley breeze too.

Check conditions before you fly

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