Santa Elisabetta

Santa Elisabetta is a Piedmont club site in the Canavese area north of Turin, at the foot of the Quinzeina range near Cavallaria. Two takeoffs step down the slope: a high launch (a nice, big field, but watch the electric-line pylons near takeoff) and a lower launch called 'Belice' (used when the high takeoff is unreachable in winter or is in cloud) — a smooth grassy field at 1,000 m next to the small Belice church, drivable via paved road. Both takeoffs give you XC options linking to Cavallaria (within 30 km).

Launch & conditions

High takeoff: nice and huge, at the foot of the Quinzeina mountain chain. Only warning: watch the pylons of the electric line near takeoff. Belice (low takeoff): 45.418305°N, 7.641971°E, smooth grassy field at 1,000 m next to the small Belice church — used when the high takeoff is unreachable in winter or is in cloud. Easily reached by paved road.

Getting there & local rules

From Turin, take the road to Cuorgne via Rivarolo. The LZ is next to the road on the left as you enter the valley (like an airfield — long, wide, windsocks). Meeting point / shuttle departure: 45.40568°N, 7.63939°E. For the takeoffs, use a map or the club's website.

Local rules & hazards

Do NOT fly in strong westerlies or northerlies. Better to stay out of the Orco and Soana valleys — strong winds, rotor, and lack of emergency landing sites.

Check conditions before you fly

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