Monte Mezzo, located in Gera Lario, Italy, offers a scenic morning launch with a beautiful view of Lake Como. The site is accessible by car, with a 12 km drive on an asphalt road followed by a short 3-minute walk. The launch area is grassy, wide, and not steep, making it relatively easy to start from. The predominant wind is the Breva from the south-southwest, which can become quite strong in the spring and summer, especially during landing. This wind allows for dynamic and enjoyable flights with the possibility of top landing. Landing options include Sorico or Gera Lario. The best time to launch is between 10:00 and 12:30, as the landing area becomes windy later in the day due to the Breva. Early in the morning, it's often possible to stay aloft at the launch site or along the ridges and top land again. Cross-country flights are challenging in the summer due to the low altitude of the area, and thermal connections are rare, often requiring a hike to higher elevations. Monte Mezzo is part of the paragliding route from Mt. Tamaro to Sondrio, though it lies 1000 meters below the peak level. Heading towards Sondrio involves crossing the Adda Valley with the Breva wind, and soon encountering 3000-meter peaks with strong valley winds. Flying is straightforward in light winds, but turbulence can occur from the trees below the launch site in stronger winds. It's advisable to fly in front of the trees in such conditions. After the Breva sets in, it's better to top land at the launch site or land about 50 meters below the launch area along the road. Gera Lario and Sorico are also popular kitesurfing centers on Lake Como, with kiters hoping for wind by midday. Wind shear from the Breva can disrupt landing approaches. Monte Mezzo is sensitive to north winds, indicated by clear visibility and cumulus clouds moving south. In such conditions, launching may not be possible due to tailwinds. A power line in the southwestern basin requires attention when searching for weak thermals, as it can trap pilots with no landing options. For alternative flying sites, the Valsassina Valley offers an afternoon flight area with a cable car from Taceno. The thermal properties are excellent, and local pilots often gather at Bar Colibri, which also serves as a meeting point for tandem flights organized by the local flight school. Local pilots usually meet between 9:00 and 10:30 AM at the landing area/parking lot in Gera Lario. On weekends, a shuttle service is available at 9:00 AM. During the week, the local club BrevART is less active. Accommodation options include camping, hotels, and bungalows at aulacdecomo.com in Sorico, which features a swimming pool and a sandy beach. There's also a budget-friendly B&B, Vacanze Natura, in Gera Lario. For those driving, the route from the Splügen Pass to Chiavenna, then towards Lugano, and finally up SP1 towards Monte Mezzo is recommended. The drive takes about 30 minutes. Public transportation around the lake is limited, with bus tickets available at local bars. For more information, visit: - [Parapendiobiposto](http://www.parapendiobiposto.it/home/siti-di-volo/lombardia/montemezzo-co.html) - [Brevart](http://www.brevart.it/volaresullagodicomo_deutsch.html) - [Hotel Europa in Sorico](http://www.europasorico.com)