How a mountain locked shut for two decades became the largest speedfly school in Italy.
Located in South West Sardinia, this mountain has been a national-class paragliding destination since the sport's inception in the late '80s: 1,900 feet of height, a steep face, a huge landing area directly below, smooth terrain, southwesterly exposure, and a consistent southern Italian climate. Soaring flights of many hours in duration are common here. Show up as a beginner, and you'll typically have intermediate skills within a week of flying.
For two decades, none of that mattered. The site was locked behind access issues stemming from disgruntled landowners, and it could never grow as a flying destination. Then came the 2008 economic downturn. The land was taken back by the bank — and a small group of savvy pilots seized the opportunity, buying it outright. A genuinely rare thing anywhere in paragliding, where land is almost never owned by the people who fly it.
Word spread fast through the small speedflying community. These were pilots looking for steep downhill runs with quick access back to the top, for multiple laps a day. The new owners, together with a local speedflying pilot, saw the potential and started building a trail up the mountain.
Pilots have been flocking here ever since, and the site has grown into a national-class speedflying destination — with vehicle and trail access all the way up, and weather good enough to fly nearly every day of the year.
That's the short version. If you want the long version, or just want to see it for yourself, we're happy to talk you through it.