THE LOCATION
Meduno is a very similar flying site to the better known Bassano in many respects, but usually much less busy. It is about 130kms ENE of Bassano, along the same mountain range on the southern flanks of the Alps and faces onto the flat coastal plain that leads down to the Adriatic. The flatlands out front are what make this area relatively forgiving and safe to fly, as you can escape from the mountains at any time by just flying South away from the high ground. The cool air from the Adriatic is usually drawn inland towards the South facing mountains during the day, which makes the airflow / meteorology quite predictable. There can even be thunderstorms in the mountains behind take off, while pilots are flying happily out in front. It’s possible to ridge soar around the local area or fly west towards Bassano, or east to Gemona and on towards Slovenia. Smooth evening ‘restitution’ flying is a common occurrence to give a great relaxed end to the flying day.
THE FLYING
Monte Valinis launch (975m) about a 20min minibus ride from Meduno town and sits below the summit of Monte Valinis itself. It is large and obstacle free and is an easy top landing option, even for novices (apart from in the middle of the day of course). The bottom landing field (262m) is not actually in Meduno, it’s about 8 kms ESE of the take-off in a very large open area of flat fields. There is a clubhouse / cafe at the landing field and is a short walk to the small village of Toppo. There is usually a paragliding shuttle bus service to take-off from the landing field that passes through
Meduno town.
LOCAL FEES AND RULES
There are some fees to pay to the local club to fly here (not included in the trip price), but they will not be excessive. Aviano USAF airbase is around 30 km away to the South West and has a CTR and CTZ, but the airspace
around Meduno is clear.
XC guiding will be provided throughout the week. Transport will be provided to shuttle the group to take-off and some retrieves will be available. Additionally, there are local shuttle buses running regularly from the landing field to take off.
ACCOMMODATION
We will be based in a smart, clean and bright ‘Agritourismo’ hotel near Meduno. We will be staying on a bed and breakfast basis. It is one of the nicest hotels in the area to ensure that you have a good nights sleep and are comfortable when not flying. It has its own swimming pool and bar. The Agritourismo hotel is in Solimbergo village which is about 3kms from the bottom landing field and 6 km from Meduno town. It has 12 shared rooms – all en-suite and a restaurant that is available for evening meals. It’s within flying reach of the main take off and it’s okay to land outside the hotel (with caution as there is a grass microlight strip nearby!).
GETTING THERE
Meduno is about 120km / 1hr 30min drive from Venice Marco Polo airport (do not confuse this airport with Venice Treviso – much smaller and used by mostly budget airlines). VMP is a major airport with many flight options available from the UK. We will use hired minibuses / cars from VMP to get to the hotel and during the trip for local transport.
