San Simeone, Italy Elevation: 1156 m, Height Difference: 900 m This site is frequently used and offers excellent soaring conditions with the possibility for cross-country flights. It is suitable for both hang gliding (HG) and paragliding (PG). Top landing for paragliders is possible. Access to the takeoff is convenient by car from the landing zone, and carpooling is recommended. Flights Region: Italy Site record: 56.5 km San Simeone is known for its beautiful flights, especially in the late afternoon. It is a good training site for over-the-ground training with dynamic lift, as well as over the lake of Cavazzo. Its proximity to the popular Gerlitzen site makes it a great alternative on days when the south föhn makes flying in the Alps risky and turbulent. San Simeone is also the site of the Acromax competition. Takeoff is accessible by car from Bordano village via a spectacular serpentine road. The takeoff area is situated directly next to the road. The local club sometimes offers a shuttle service up to the launch. For more information about the shuttle service, visit: [Navetta Shuttle Service](http://www.vololiberofriuli.it/navette/). Conditions As long as the valley wind remains calm, there is an opportunity to glide out over the lake to perform acro maneuvers. Once the valley wind picks up, the mountain creates good dynamic lift, allowing for short acro runs in front of the mountain. Pilots should return to the hill at two-thirds the height of the mountain to catch the lift again and climb back up. Note: This training option is for experienced pilots only. The mountain side is very rugged, and landing under reserve can be extremely dangerous. The valley wind can become very strong, so do not fly further east from the serpentine road while training, and expect strong headwinds when heading down to the landing zone. Landing For over-the-water training, you can land on the shore at the south end of the lake where the river flows in. The size of the landing area can vary significantly depending on the water level. The best time to land here is when the outflow mountain wind from the north is still active or before and after the valley wind dominates. Contact: [Centro Friulano Parapendio](http://www.centrofriulanoparapendio.it) Difficulty Do not launch with a north wind. Monte Simeone offers a unique panorama to the south along the Tagliamento River. The takeoff area is a beautiful grassy spot reached via a winding mountain road with many tunnels. During the day, strong thermals develop along the mountain slope. Occasionally, griffon vultures can be seen indicating thermal activity. The landing field is near the sports field by the riverbed of the Tagliamento and at the edge of the orchards. Note: In 2008, a large military antenna was installed, so it is advisable to inspect the landing area beforehand. Monte Simeone is also suitable for mountain biking. Experienced cross-country pilots often come from Stol (Slovenia) and use Simeone as a thermal source after crossing the valley. Accommodation is available in Venzone, a town that was almost completely destroyed in the 1976 earthquake and subsequently rebuilt. It is worth a visit. For more information, visit: [JustAcro San Simeone](http://justacro.com/startplaces/italy/san-simeone)