Looking back on Castelluccio

As cliché as it sounds, Castelluccio Groundhandling promises strong conditions, soaring, top landings, and thermal flying, accompanied by good food and fun company. And this spring, we got exactly all of that! The destination, the hosts, and the participants made the trip an unforgettable experience.

For several days during the week, the shadow of poor weather forecasts hung over our plans. In the end, it once again became clear how difficult it is for weather models to accurately predict low-pressure-dominated conditions. What was supposedly going to be the worst day turned out to be the best. But one thing at a time.

We arrived in Castelluccio early on Saturday evening without incident and in glorious sunshine, and immediately made the most of the perfect conditions with a colourful flight from Fontanile. The warm evening light bathed the plain in shades of gold and red, giving us our first impression of this unique flying area.

Sunday began with a magical sunrise flight. Dreamlike, as the first rays of light slowly moved across the plain and Castelluccio emerged from the darkness. After breakfast with Noemi and Rodolfo, we followed up with thermal flights and handling on the plain, until the day left us with broad grins and tired arms.

On Monday, the wind remained south-westerly — perfect conditions for intensive handling at Rotonda and an atmospheric evening flight to San Pellegrino. As on almost every day, we enjoyed Anna’s lunch “in the field”, so everyone could chill or practise groundhandling, depending on what they felt like doing.

Tuesday started with rain, followed by dry weather and stronger winds. Together, we analysed the famous “wind window” and put the theory directly into practice. Those who were patient were rewarded in the evening with solid soaring and handling conditions.

On Wednesday, there was kiting, reverse launching, ground spiralling, and soaring — everyone at their own personal level. The progress made by the participants was particularly impressive: what had still seemed challenging at the beginning of the week suddenly looked controlled and natural.

While the forecasts for Thursday had initially looked pitch black, reality painted a completely different picture. Good wind for strong-wind handling at Forca di Presta and ideal thermals even made it possible to climb above Monte Vettore, with one highlight following the next. To finish the day, we enjoyed an impressive sunset flight to San Pellegrino — one of those moments you do not forget.

On the last regular day, the wind shifted to the east. Fontanile offered strong-wind flights, intensive speedbar exercises, and a buttery-smooth soaring session to round things off. And, as every evening, fantastic food, plenty of laughter, and a great atmosphere awaited us afterwards — the kind that only develops when paraglider pilots share an intense week together.

Those who still had energy early on Saturday morning got up once more before sunrise. One final, quiet flight over Castelluccio after an exciting and educational week! And with it, the still moving sight — even after all these years — of the village that is slowly being rebuilt after the 2016 earthquake. All the more beautiful was the thought that, with our visit, we had also made a small contribution to the local economy.

So the week ended almost without incident. On the drive home, we once again picked up a nail, and the wrench broke while changing the wheel. But some workers who happened to be there quickly welded it back together — Italian improvisation at its finest! And so we eventually made it back to Switzerland: tired, happy, full of memories, and probably a few kilos heavier.

Many thanks to everyone who shared this adventure with us! We are already looking forward to the next week in autumn.