Paragliding Rheinwaldhorn_Adula

The Rheinwaldhorn, located on the border of the Swiss cantons of Graubünden and Ticino, is a rewarding destination for para-alpinists, justifying the longer journey from northern regions. The Hinterrhein River originates on its slopes, and as the highest peak between the Valais Alps and Bergell, it offers extensive views. The starting point for the normal route from the west is the Capanna Adula UTOE (2393 m), which can be reached in about 3 ½ hours from the Compietto parking lot above Lago di Luzzone through Val di Carassino, or in about 4 hours from Dangio in Valle di Blenio. The latter option has the advantage of having your car or access to public transport nearby after landing. The two hut approaches converge slightly above the lower Capanna Adula of the CAS (2012 m). Although the summit ascent takes about 3 hours and is relatively short and easy, it is advisable to start early from the hut the next day, as cumulus clouds often form below the summit height in the morning, making a safe flight difficult. The well-marked path initially leads southeast until reaching a moraine, which is followed in a northeasterly direction. A rocky rise (P. 2642 m on the LK) is bypassed on the left, and a gently rising scree slope is followed in a wide right arc to the northwestern lobe of the Vadrecc di Bresciana at about 3000 m. Usually with crampons, avoiding any ice patches and crevasses, the route continues to below the Adulajoch, the lowest saddle between Rheinwaldhorn and Grauhorn. The saddle is not touched; instead, the route stays on the west side of the ridge, reaching a short steeper section (about 40°) at around 3300 m. From there, the ascent continues over the scree ridge or slightly to the left on the snow to the summit. To reach the launch site, descend about 50 meters along the ascent path until the terrain flattens out. Here, the paraglider can be easily laid out. The suggested landing site between Dangio and Aquila near a large warehouse is clearly visible despite the 2500m altitude difference. With a light northerly wind, after takeoff, fly left over the ridge and then generally west towards the moraine ridge of the ascent and the Capanna Adula UTOE. The terrain is steep enough to allow for some leisurely flying, and with sensible flight planning, lee-side turbulence can be avoided. For landing, the numerous national and cantonal flags in Switzerland help in assessing ground-level wind conditions from a great height. Starting Points: - Dangio (approx. 800 m) in the west (Valle di Blenio) - Compietto parking lot (approx. 1680 m) above Lago di Luzzone in the northwest Travel Directions: - Swiss A2 (Gotthard motorway) to AS Biasca, then north through Valle di Blenio to Dangio, or further through the valley to Olivone and on a narrow mountain road through the Lago di Luzzone dam and a single-lane tunnel to the parking lot at 1680 m. From the northeast, travel via the Lukmanier Pass is also possible. Base: - Capanna Adula UTOE (2393 m), 4 hours from Dangio, 3 ½ hours from the Compietto parking lot Elevation Difference: - To the hut from the west: approx. 1600 m - From the north: approx. 700 m - From the hut to the summit: approx. 1000 m Hiking Time: - 3 hours from Capanna Adula UTOE to the summit Launch Direction: - NW to NE, with W launch from Vadrecc di Bresciana Tour Character: - Easy high-altitude tour with mostly tracked glacier crossing; ice axe and crampons recommended; easy launch site Notes: - Do not cross the Adulajoch during ascent - Choose a launch site high enough to fly left over the ridge immediately after takeoff - Avoid flying into the Hinterrhein Valley (military restricted area and lee-side turbulence risk with NW wind) For more details, visit: [Paraalpin Rheinwaldhorn](http://www.paraalpin.de/rheinwaldhorn.htm)