Val della Torre

Val della Torre is one of the closest flying areas to Turin and one of the very few Italian sites usable essentially year-round — from winter local thermal and soaring flights to summer XCs over 100 km. It is historically among the earliest free-flight sites in the Turin zone and one of the best in terms of cross-country potential in Piemonte. Four launches sit within a short distance of each other: Lower (880 m), Normal (980 m), Takeshi (~1,040 m) and High/Roselli (1,160 m). The Normal is the only one usable in westerly flow; the Takeshi is the escape valve on strong-thermal days when the main take-off wind becomes too much. Caselle International Airport airspace begins a few kilometres northeast — check the visual flight maps before any XC on the plain. Beware fast-forming thunderstorms over the higher Alps 10–30 km to the west: they can arrive in 30 minutes with strong gusts. If you hear thunder, land as soon as possible.

Launch & conditions

The Normal take-off is the reference; the Takeshi is preferred when strong thermal winds make the main launch dangerous for less experienced pilots. The High launch on Roselli suits hike-and-fly but has hidden rocks and long grass in summer. The Lower take-off has a moquette surface but is rarely used. Avoid NW winds. In late spring and early summer, strong turbulent thermal winds can spoil the take-off — go late morning or afternoon, or use the high launch where conditions are usually cleaner. The Triangle landing has a slope and valley breeze that make it tricky in normal conditions — not suitable for beginners.

Getting there & local rules

From Turin, drive Alpignano toward Val della Torre. At the end of the built-up area (Molino di Punta), take Via Gablera and park at the third bend after the village end. Follow the forest path on the right to the normal launch — 35 to 45 minutes' walk, roughly 250 m of vertical. Off-road vehicles or motorbikes can go further up but need permission from the local PG school or community past the barrier. Two landings are in use: the school LZ (grassy field with windsock in the middle of the valley) and the Triangle LZ closer to the town centre, between the road and the river.

Check conditions before you fly

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