THE LOCATION
We will be based in Kobarid. The high-quality apartment is a short walk from the centre of Kobarid, the centre of tourism in the Soca Valley. There are many bars and restaurants. Kobarid is a fascinating place, surrounded by the mountains we fly on and with a rich history (including the First World War – it was an area of the Eastern Front, made famous by Earnest Hemmingway in his book ‘A Farewell to Arms’). There are many opportunities for other activities – rafting, river swimming, biking, hiking etc in the beautiful Soca valley.
Kobarid has many places to have an evening meal from pizzas to a 2-star Michelin restaurant.
THE FLYING
The Soca valley provides world class paragliding and is the venue for many national and international competitions. The terrain is often referred to as being similar to the Alps, but on a smaller scale (it is the first folds of the Southern Alps rising out of the Italian Venetian plain). There are plenty of open meadows to land in along the valley floors should you go cross country.
Typically, the thermals start late morning and continue into the evening allowing for good climbs and XC flights along the Soca valley. A 100km flight across the border into Italy from Tolmin can be achieved. A 50km out and return flight along the Stol ridge into Italy and back provides a good challenge for aspiring XC pilots. Large ‘top to bottoms’ are also available in the morning to give opportunities for lower airtime pilots to experience dramatic Alpine flying.
At the end of the afternoon some of the local ridges have a reliable, soarable breeze which is buoyant and smooth – perfect for making those extra kilometres back to the landing fields. Some of the local landing fields often have a valley breeze to enable kiting and reverse launch practise.
ACCOMMODATION
To be confirmed.
FLIGHT OPTIONS
Ryanair operate cheap flights to Trieste in Italy from Stansted. This is the preferred option as Sunsoar run an airport minibus shuttle from Trieste direct to the Lodge, which is approximately a one-hour drive away.
Many airlines fly to Venice (Marco Polo or Treviso) Airports (about 2hrs away). From here it is better to hire a car and make your own way to Kobarid.
The package includes airport transfers from Trieste, all transport throughout your stay (including some retrieves) with daily tuition (if needed) and expert guidance.
