Punta Ces – San Martino di Castrozza

Punta Ces sits at 2,196 m above San Martino di Castrozza, in the Pale di San Martino Dolomites. The take-off is south-facing, reached via the Punta Ces chairlift from Malga Ces (about 3 km from San Martino) — when the chairlift is closed, a marked footpath from Malga Ces leads to the same summit. At the top station of the lift, the refuge sits just above; below it, at the start of the 'Punta Ces' ski run, is the take-off with an anemometer on top of the chairlift pole to your left. The site works on E through SW flow. Central hours in spring and summer (12:00–16:00) are for experienced pilots only, and rainstorms can build quickly in that window — check the forecast before travelling. Morning is the friendlier window for less-experienced pilots on the south-side glide. No powered paragliding permitted.

Launch & conditions

South-facing launch at the start of the Punta Ces slope, just below the refuge at the top of the chairlift. The anemometer is on top of the chairlift pole to your left. Moderate winds from NW, N or NE make the whole area dangerous and turbulent in summer — save those days. Central hours in warm season are for experienced pilots; mornings are safer for less-experienced pilots.

Getting there & local rules

Two main road approaches: from Trento via the A22 (exit Egna/Ora, follow Val di Fiemme via Cavalese, Moena, Predazzo, then Passo Rolle and Primerio to San Martino), or from Bassano via Trento with the Fiera di Primiero exit. From San Martino di Castrozza follow signs for Malga Ces, then take the Punta Ces chairlift (winter and summer season). The main landing is a big flat area northwest of the town; a helicopter landing zone is nearby, so if you hear or see it, divert to the grass alternative southeast of San Martino.

Local rules & hazards

No powered paragliding permitted. Moderate winds from N, NW or NE make the area very dangerous and turbulent in summer. Central hours in spring and summer (12:00–16:00) are for experienced pilots only — rainstorms can build fast in that window. A helicopter landing zone is close to the main LZ; divert if you hear or see it.

Check conditions before you fly

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