Rocca Calascio – Pinetina

Rocca Calascio – Pinetina is a high-altitude take-off in the Gran Sasso area of Abruzzo, sitting about 400 m above the well-known 'Panettone' launch nearby, which makes it the site pilots turn to in winter when the lower launch doesn't suit the conditions. At 1,327 m, it faces southeast through south to southwest, and offers thermal, soaring and cross-country flying for pilots who make the hike. In summer, conditions here shift: midday brings genuinely strong weather, and the site is considered suitable for advanced pilots only during that season — not a place for a first flight in the heat of the day. Landing is shared with the Panettone launch below, so pilots already familiar with that field will recognise it. The dramatic backdrop of Rocca Calascio's medieval castle, visible from the air across the valley, makes this one of the more scenic winter launches in the region for pilots with the experience to handle its stronger summer air.

Launch & conditions

Sits roughly 400 m higher than the nearby 'Panettone' launch — the pick for winter flying when the lower site doesn't suit. In summer the midday air here gets genuinely strong; treat it as advanced-pilot terrain in that season.

Local rules & hazards

Summer midday conditions here are strong enough that the site is considered suitable for advanced pilots only during that season.

Check conditions before you fly

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