VALLE DE BRAVO

ONLY THE BRAVE One of the most consistent free-flight sites in the world

Photo: Nick Greece

VALLE DE BRAVO

Valle de Bravo in Mexico is a mecca for North Americans and visiting Europeans over winter. An upper class pueblo full of art galleries and gastronomy, some of the most consistent free-flight conditions in the world are just a 30-minute taxi ride away.

The flying is a mix of big climbs, thermic ridge running, and convergence, which is to say it is an ideal training area for intermediate pilots and above.

There are two sites: “La Torre” is a soaring site just above town; “El Peñon” is for XC. XC season is Nov-Feb, but you can fly El Peñon all year long, although it gets rougher as the dry season (Nov-May) extends.

Due to increasing numbers, the local club has introduced new rules for lower-airtime pilots, who must hire a local guide from NovFeb. Pilots who do not have a minimum P4/ H4 (IPPI 4) rating must register and pay in advance at www.clubpenon.org. There you’ll also find a list of approved guides, and a link to the weather station with live camera.

Get rated and go have fun in Mexico! Nick Greece

Best time: Nov-Feb

Info: clubpenon.org, alas.com.mx VALLE DE BRAVO