DESCRIPTION

It is one of the closest flying sites to Turin, and one of the few sites which can be flown all year long - from local thermal and soaring flights in winter to over 100km XC in summer months. Val della Torre is historically among the first free flight sites in the Turin zone, and surely one of the best in the XC flight potential. These characteristics are almost constant for the whole year (with obvious exception during the snow period, when the conditions are weaker and takeoff may be unreachable), and this make it often crowded despite the fact that the takeoff requires hike of about 30 minutes to be reached. This is the site where Pierandrea Patrucco took off to fly over 100Km in Piedmont for the first time (May 1995: Rosselli - Varallo Sesia - 106Km) Much more info and pictures on on the club web site http://www.velumvolitans.org

ACTIVITIES

- paragliding
- flatland
- hike
- soaring
- thermals
- xc

weather

Avoid flying with NW winds. Beware of very fast developing thunderstorms over higher alps some 10..30km to the west. They can arrive literally in 30minutes and bring strong gusts with them. It is suggested to land as soon as possible if any thunder heard. In late spring/early summer strong and sometimes a turbulent thermal winds may ruin your takeoff, especially if you are without appropriate experience. Try to take off in late morning or in the afternoon, or take off from the high-takeoff site, its usually an ideal wind up there when at normal takeoff its already too strong. Local pilots often prefer Corio or Trucetti flying sites on those kind of days.

access

Turin-Alpignano-Valdellatorre. From the end of Valdellatorre (Molino di Punta), take Via Gablera and leave the car at the third bend after the end of the built-up area. Follow the path which goes in the forest to right, reaching the takeoff in 35-45 minutes (the difference of level is about 250 m). If you have a an offroad vehicle or moto you can go all the way up to the parking but the road is very rough, and theoretically you need a permission from local PG school or community to go beyond the barrier . A walk from barrier to normal takeoff site takes around 30 minutes. Lower takeoff situated right below the parking spot. Normal takeoff - 10minutes walk upwards (there is a big trail, you can't miss it). The high takeoff - continue upwards from normal takeoff site until almost the peak, right below it is a big takeoff field. The road leading to the take-off can be used up to the gate, and then add 20 minutes for the hike. Only the shuttle of Peter Pan flying school has been authorised to use the upper part of the road.

regulation

Caselle international airport airspace begins just few kilometers towards North East. Check the visual flight maps if planning any cross country activities on the plains. Beware of ultralight aircraft activities nearby in airfield Pianezza although usually they don't disturb. Their circuit is always west from the field at 700ft AGL. Gliders might be present and use the same thermals. Flying rules are the same also for them.