WHY I LOVE… THE DOLOMITES

HOME SITE Peter Gebhard in the Dolomites

Photo: Mario Eder

WHY I LOVE… THE DOLOMITES

Peter Gebhard, 34, lives and flies in the Italian Dolomites. He learnt to fly aged 17 and went on to fly the Paragliding World Cup and compete in the Red Bull X-Alps (2013). A paragliding instructor and engineer, wherever he travels his heart is always in these mountains.

“Flying in the Dolomites is something very special and should be on every pilot’s to-do list,” he says. “I have had the opportunity to fly in many wonderful places around the world. However, the Dolomites are special. They have something fascinating, magical – rugged rocks, deep gorges and great views that can only be found here when you glide along the vertical walls, especially at sunset.”

“I live in the heart of the Dolomites and I love it more each year! But each year it also gets busier. If you like to fly your own way, my advice is to avoid the crowds that flock to the Col Rodella every September and October, and go and explore.

“For example, Seceda in Val Gardena (take-off from 2,500m, west or south wind) or Spitzbühel at Seiseralm (great easy afternoon flying with west or light north wind). If the north wind gets stronger, check out the flying spots to the southeast. Monte Avena in Feltre or, more to the east, the beautiful ridge soaring in Meduno.”

The Dolomites are an El Dorado for hikeand-fly pilots too, he says. “Go to Monte Pic in Val Gardena, where you can take off easily in all directions, or hike to Königsanger close to Feldthurns – this spot works with south and west wind and has an easy take-off from the summit. You will love the amazing view of the Dolomites from here!”

As the mountains are big and the valleys narrow in the Dolomites, be aware of strong valley winds when landing, even in September and October. And if the strong east and north wind blows, Nordföhn can develop, turbulent wave. “On such days, you can go sightseeing to the historic cities Brixen or Bozen, or go for a nice hike in our beautiful mountains. Have fun and enjoy the Dolomites!”

IN BRIEF

Best time: June to October

Info: fassafly.com, fassa.com, valdifassalift.it, paragliding-flights-dolomites.com

Photo: flytheapennines.com

The Apennines

If it’s not the right time for the full Dolomites experience but you still want a taste of Italy’s la dolce vita then the rolling hills and smooth thermals of Cecima, in the Apennines north of Genoa, could be for you. A cluster of sites centred around Monte Penola (687m) offer beautiful flying accessible to pilots of all levels. Base yourself at a B&B or an agriturismo like Cà’ del Monte and hook up with the active and welcoming local pilots of the Aero Club Lombardia. Another option for those committed to exploring Italy beyond the Alps is Umbria in central Italy – spend a week flying, eating and exploring with the guys at Flytaly for the full Italian experience.

Best time: April to October

Info: cadelmonte.com, giocodelvolo.it, flytaly.com,