Best Conditions
Description
Gorda, located at an altitude of 1766 meters with a height difference of approximately 1000 meters, is occasionally used for paragliding. It offers opportunities for soaring and cross-country flights, and top landing is possible.
According to the Club Volo Libero Ticino, it's worth flying here at least once. On a clear day, you can enjoy a stunning panorama with views of the perpetually icy Adula at 3402 meters above sea level.
Access to the takeoff point is by car, which takes about 45 minutes. The asphalt road has some potholes, so a vehicle with good ground clearance is recommended. From Aquila, take the road on the left side of the valley heading south. Turn right onto a small road towards Largario, follow it to the village, and then follow the signs to Capanna di Gorda.
The takeoff area is located about 50-100 meters below Capanna di Gorda, near the chapel. If there is valley wind, you can descend about 100 meters to the right and take off from there.
Due to the significant height difference, you can cross the valley and fly on the other side near Prato d'Oro. Soaring is possible under the Alpe, and occasionally you can reach the summit from there. Be cautious of poorly visible cables if flying low. The landing site at the foot of Alpe Gorda between Dangio and Aquila is easily reachable within glide range. It is a large meadow behind the sports field, between the main road and a large farm, and is clearly visible from above with a windsock.
Farmers do not tolerate landings in high grass, so please land only on mowed areas. There is a small chapel in the middle of the landing field. Avoid flying over the river due to potential downdrafts and turbulence.
The Blenio Valley, near the Alps, is more exposed to north winds than the rest of Ticino. While flying is often possible elsewhere in the canton even with a slight Föhn tendency, Gorda, at 1800 meters, is very susceptible to north Föhn. With 2-3 hPa from the north, the wind can descend quite low in the Alpine region, making it inadvisable to take off from Gorda under these conditions.
For more information, visit: [Club Volo Libero Ticino](http://www.cvlt.ch/index.php/siti-di-volo-mainmenu-174/localitainmenu-137/135-gorda)
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