Located just above Lucca and the entrance to the Serchio Valley leading to Garfagnana, the Pizzorne plateau offers breathtaking views ranging from the sea to the Apuan Alps and the beautiful centuries-old villas that adorn this unspoiled piece of Tuscan woodland. It is accessible by car in about 20 minutes from the city center. This site is ideal for both beautiful thermal flights and serene evening glides. On the best days, you can fly over the city of Lucca, enjoying magnificent views of its splendid walls. The landing area is in a bucolic zone, with a charming agriturismo nearby where you can spend the night and enjoy excellent dinners. The local club is one of the friendliest and liveliest in Italy, ensuring plenty of fun. Meeting Point: Marlia (LU), Via del Parco corner Via delle Tese Takeoff: Altopiano delle Pizzorne, 970 meters Landing: Marlia (LU), Via del Parco corner Via delle Tese, Agriturismo Piano di Casciana, altitude 110 meters To reach us, the meeting point is about 7.5 km from Lucca. Contact Club: Alta Tensione Paragliding & Hang Gliding info@altatensione.org Takeoff altitude: 670 meters above sea level For the most convenient approach to the landing: From Lucca, follow the state road no. 12 of Abetone and Brennero until the Esselunga shopping center in Marlia. Turn right towards Marlia, pass under a railway underpass, and at a traffic light, turn left until you reach another intersection with a war memorial. Turn right and continue straight until a fork near a closed grocery store. Here, turn left and follow the road with some curves leading near the landing area. Park on the road and reach the landing field by walking along a dirt road starting near an old metal cross. Landing altitude: 120 meters GPS: N 44°03'44.1" E 010°36'54.2" For the most convenient approach to the takeoff: From the landing, return to the war memorial, keep right until Villa Reale di Marlia, and follow the signs for Le Pizzorne in the village of Matraia. Pass a traffic light with alternating one-way traffic and continue until a fork with a chapel with a sacred image. Turn left onto a dirt road and continue until the takeoff located just below a high-voltage pylon. Takeoff exposure: South/West-West, also possible with moderate North/West winds. Dangerous with winds from the eastern quadrants East and North-East. The takeoff is classified as easy. Grass with a progressive slope allows control of the wing before takeoff. The presence of trees on the right and left of the takeoff strip requires some attention; if the wing does not rise straight above you, it is advisable to repeat the inflation rather than ending up in the trees. Typical wind situation at takeoff: Usually, there is a nice frontal thermal breeze that allows a safe French-style takeoff. In the evening, the breeze decreases, and a frontal takeoff is possible. Top landing possibility: Very technical, the presence of the high-voltage pylon and its cables advises against improvising unless you feel very confident. Terrain conformation: Short grass and some trees on the sides and at the end of the takeoff run. Official landing: On the outskirts of Marlia in a field not visible from the takeoff and not easily identifiable once in flight unless well known. It is possible to land before the official landing, but pay attention to the crops. Vine rows are dangerous with many barely visible obstacles; olive groves are generally safer with low trees. Flight characteristics: Primarily thermal flight, with frequent opportunities to exploit weak thermals over the Lucca plain, allowing for round trips over the provincial capital. A classic cross-country route heads towards the Decimo airfield; in case of a failed return, the Serchio Valley is relatively well-served by public transport. It is possible to reach the Apennines by passing through the Pratofiorito takeoff. Dangers: High-voltage power line behind the takeoff! There is a risk of ending up in dangerous downwind areas; if you cannot gain altitude immediately, it is advisable to head decisively to the left. Once safe with the landing in the efficiency cone, use the updrafts to climb above the repeater antennas. For more information, visit: http://www.parapendiobiposto.it/home/index.php/siti-di-volo/toscana/pizzorne-lu.html http://www.altatensione.org/scheda.php http://www.parapendioversilia.it/