San Bernardo di Mendatica

San Bernardo di Mendatica is a Ligurian launch in the province of Imperia, above the Arroscia valley. The 1,248 m grassy take-off faces south-east and is wide enough to accommodate five paragliders at once. It works on winds from NE, E, SE, S and SW, with a horizontal lawn just behind launch for pre-flight checks and a few public benches. Cross-country flying opens up when you cross a small valley to a ridge overlooking the landing zone — from there you can often climb the whole mountain to altitudes that let you push toward Colle di Nava and above the village of Pieve di Teco. Top-landing is relatively easy in dynamic conditions. Beware the 130 kV power line running behind the take-off vertical at about 40 metres above the ground.

Launch & conditions

The south-east grassy launch is wide, gentle and easy for take-off. In dynamic conditions, top-landing is straightforward. After launching, keep to the left-hand ridge where a couple of service thermals sit; in dynamic days it's possible to soar close to the take-off.

Getting there & local rules

Take the A10 Genova–Ventimiglia motorway, exit Albenga. Immediately after the tollbooth, turn left toward Pieve di Teco. About 1 km later at the roundabout, continue toward Pieve di Teco onto the motorway; through two tunnels, exit right and immediately left, always for Pieve di Teco. Continue on the SS 453. Through Pieve di Teco, then about 2 km further, turn left at the sign for Mendatica and the take-off. The LZ is a 50 × 20 m grassy meadow about 5 m above the road; the field is flat but divided into terraces with 30 cm height differences, with 6 m trees at the entrance.

Local rules & hazards

The 130 kV power line running vertically behind the take-off at about 40 metres above the ground is the main hazard — it becomes an issue in top-landing or when soaring close to the take-off. Watch for the slight step in the last few metres before touchdown in the recently-extended landing field.

Check conditions before you fly

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