Poggio Bustone – Collinette

Poggio Bustone – Collinette launches at 1,017 m in the Lazio hills near Rieti, a notably large take-off area that has hosted serious competition flying — it served as the official launch for the 2009 Paragliding World Cup Superfinal. That competition pedigree tells pilots what to expect: a big, well-proven launch with thermal, soaring and cross-country credentials rather than a marginal local site. Wind from the south, south-west, west or north-west all work here, giving a wide flyable window across an afternoon. Access is via a dirt road from Poggio Bustone, starting at the San Francesco monastery, which keeps the approach straightforward even if the road itself isn't paved. Given the launch's size, XC-minded pilots have room to prepare properly rather than squeezing into a tight take-off slot, and the site's competition history is a reasonable proxy for reliable, well-understood conditions. This is a solid choice for pilots based around Rieti looking for a launch that can support a serious cross-country attempt rather than just a short local soar.

Launch & conditions

Very large launch area, previously used as the official take-off for the 2009 Paragliding World Cup Superfinal.

Getting there & local rules

Dirt road from Poggio Bustone, starting at the San Francesco monastery.

Check conditions before you fly

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