Located in the Liguria region of Italy, this paragliding site offers a unique flying experience. The takeoff point is at an altitude of 1270 meters above sea level, with a height difference of 520 meters to the landing zone, which is at 750 meters above sea level. The site is occasionally used and is suitable for soaring and small cross-country flights. Top landing is also possible here.
To reach the site, take the A-10 highway from Genoa to Ventimiglia and exit at Albenga. After the toll, turn left towards Pieve di Teco. Continue for about 1 kilometer, then at the roundabout, keep following the signs for Pieve di Teco. Enter the highway, pass through two tunnels, and after the second tunnel, take the right exit followed by an immediate left, always heading towards Pieve di Teco. Continue on the state road 453. Once you reach Pieve di Teco, pass through the town, and after about 2 kilometers, take the left turn towards Mendatica and the paragliding takeoff. Continue for 8 kilometers until you reach the landing zone, which is located 2 kilometers before the town of Mendatica on the right side of the road, easily identifiable by a fixed windsock and a notice board with landing instructions.
For takeoff, continue past Mendatica for 5 kilometers until you reach S. Bernardo di Mendatica. At the junction, turn right and continue for about 1 kilometer. The takeoff area is near a left-hand curve, marked by a notice board and a fixed windsock. The takeoff is a grassy field facing southeast, large enough for five paragliders to take off simultaneously. There are several windsocks and wind strips. Top landing is relatively easy in dynamic conditions. Behind the takeoff area, there is a horizontal field for pre-flight checks, and some benches are available for spectators.
Be cautious of the 130 kVolt power line that passes 40 meters above the takeoff area and the trees immediately below the takeoff.
The landing zone is a grassy field about 5 meters above the asphalt road, approximately 50 meters long and 20 meters wide, flat but divided into terraces with 30-centimeter height differences. There are some trees about 6 meters tall at the entrance to the field.
In flight, after takeoff, keep to the left ridge where there are a couple of service thermals. In dynamic conditions, you can soar near the takeoff, but be mindful of the 130 kVolt power line. Once you gain altitude, you can cross a small valley and move to a ridge near the landing zone. Here, you can often climb the entire mountain to a height that allows you to fly over the valley to Colle di Nava and even above Pieve di Teco.
Crossing over Mendatica is less fruitful as there are no significant thermals.
For landing, lose altitude in the center of the valley, then perform the final descent with an 8 or left C circuit. Be aware of the slight descent in the last few meters.
This site is flyable year-round, especially when the rest of Liguria has clear skies and north winds. Due to its geographical layout, it is protected from the north by a ring of mountains, generating southeast breezes that allow for flying even when there is a north wind in Liguria. However, be cautious of altitude as the north wind can be felt again once you reach a certain height. This is not a rotor flight; the valley's geographical configuration allows for regular breezes both at takeoff and landing.
The flight is managed by the Volo Libero ALPI DELLA RIVIERA club, located at Hotel Ristorante Settimia, via Redentore 10, San Bernardo di Mendatica. For information, contact Gandolfo Walter at 0183 328724. Please adhere to the flight regulations available on the notice boards at takeoff and landing.
San Bernardo di Mendatica, situated between the Valle Arroscia (Liguria) and the Val Tanaro (Piedmont), enjoys a unique microclimate that allows for paragliding in all seasons, particularly in autumn and winter, even with snow. During the coldest months, when flying is not possible in many mountainous locations, Mendatica offers calm weather conditions with thermals that support free flight activities. Some pilots have even reached the sea, about 30 km away, during the Christmas period!
In winter, the site is popular with pilots who combine flying with skiing. The Monesi ski resort is just 4 km from the takeoff, allowing for a morning of skiing followed by an afternoon flight. The takeoff and landing zones are just a few meters from the asphalt road.
The Albergo Ristorante da Settimia, located 1 kilometer from the takeoff, offers 25 rooms and special rates for paragliders. The owner, Walter Gandolfo, is always available to provide weather information and is the President of the Volo Libero Alpi della Riviera Club, affiliated with FIVL.
For more information, visit: http://www.settimocielogenova.it/ and http://www.finalevolo.it/sitiliguria.htm
Watch a video of the site here:
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