Best Conditions
Wind Dir. :
WSW
SW
SSW
SE
ESE
E
Wind: Mini: 0| Maxi 25 kmh Gust Max : 30 kmh
Description
Monte Lema, located in the Ticino region of Switzerland, offers a fantastic paragliding experience with an official take-off point near the summit cross. The launch site is easily accessible, just a 5-minute walk from the cable car station. The large grassy area allows for take-offs in almost all directions, with south-east being the most common direction and south-west recommended for evening flights.
Thermal soaring is possible almost year-round along the ridge, making it suitable even for less experienced pilots. The panoramic views of Lake Ceresio to the east and Lake Verbano to the west are breathtaking. Pilots can also enjoy top landing at the summit, provided they are cautious of wind zones, other pilots, model aircraft, and tourists.
For those interested in cross-country flights, the classic route is from Monte Lema to Monte Tamaro (Rivera), a 12 km stretch heading north. With an altitude of 2000 meters, you can follow the ridge, passing Monte Magno at 1636 meters and Gradiccioli at 1936 meters, to reach Rivera without issues. In the afternoon, soaring at Cima di Medeglia at 1260 meters is possible before landing in Rivera.
If you find yourself alone in Rivera, a special bus service can take you back to Miglieglia. Information about this service is available from Funivia Monte Lema SA or Monte Tamaro SA near the landing area.
Be aware of the proximity to Lugano-Agno Airport, located a few kilometers east of Monte Lema. The CTR boundary runs along the Arosio-Curio-Croglio axis. Entering this airspace without notifying the control tower is illegal and dangerous. Detailed information about the CTR Lugano can be found on the 'Segelflugkarte 1:300 000 Schweiz' map by the Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA).
Avoid flying in conditions of the north wind (favonio). When in doubt, consult local pilots, regional flight schools, or Meteo Switzerland Locarno Monti.
The launch site is straightforward, with an elevation of 1620 meters and a short 5-minute walk from the cable car. The site offers stunning views of Lago Maggiore, Lake Lugano, the Bündner and Berner Alps, and even the Walliser Alps and the Po Valley on clear days.
For cross-country flights, Monte Tamaro and Monte Garzirola are popular destinations. However, flights have also reached as far as Vinschgau. Due to dense vegetation and limited landing spots, careful flight planning is essential. Maps at a scale of 1:30000 are available at the mountain station restaurant.
Note that the landing area near the Miglieglia valley station mentioned in older guides has been built over, and the remaining space is further restricted by fences. Even local top pilots avoid landing there due to rotor effects in light winds.
Respect the CTR Locarno (north) and CTR Lugano-Agno (southeast) zones to maintain the goodwill that allows paragliders and airports to coexist.
The cable car operates from mid-March to mid-November. Accommodation options include a campsite in Agno or lodging near the Santo Stefano station. A charming overnight stay in Malcantone is available at San Michele in Arosio.
For more details, visit [Monte Lema Paragliding](http://www.cvlt.ch/index.php/siti-di-volo-mainmenu-174/localitainmenu-137/70-monte-lema).
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