Each year the fields around Castelluccio become a sea of flowers. Last spring, Adi Geisegger and three friends went there to experience this impressive natural spectacle from a unique perspective. Their goal is this region's classic cross-country flight, flying round the Castelluccio plateau - il Piano Grande - with this breathtaking floral splendour continuously in sight.
Magical Castelluccio
Castelluccio has a strong attraction for many paraglider pilots, in fact it’s a must go to destination. The small hilltop village rises out of the centre of the Piano Grande, a vast plateau 200 km north-east of Rome, surrounded by rolling hills - perfect for paragliding. Although I usually visit the area in autumn, an annual event brought me here this year: it’s La Fioritura. Every spring, the high plateau is transformed into a bright and joyful sea of colour, with poppies, violets and wildflowers. As an enthusiastic cross-country pilot and photographer, I couldn't resist this fascinating visual background in ideal spring flying conditions, but the short flowering window was a challenge. Together with Melanie, Mario and Robert, we set off for Castelluccio with great anticipation - and the sense of joy extended to our brand new SIGMAs, DLS version, which we were able to fly for the first time.
Climbing to Freedom
The weather conditions were promising, even if a bit on the windy side. But this is typical sporty spring conditions in Castelluccio. We decided to hike the 2,400 m high Vettoretto instead of choosing one of the lower launch sites you could reach by road. With a SIGMA DLS and a LIGHTNESS 4 on our backs, the 1,000-metre walk up was child's play. I now regard this discipline as a Hike to Fly if the flight starts after having carried the XC equipment all the way to the takeoff. At the launch site, the thermals were already at their best, with releases sweeping up the ridge at regular intervals. After take-off, we quickly climbed up the western slopes of the Cima del Redentore until we reached our maximum altitude of 2,700 metres. As we glided north towards Monte Porche and Monte Prata, the vast expanse of the plateau opened up beneath. A feeling of boundless freedom spread through me. Flights in this region are a dream - no obstacles, no stress: large, easy landing sites everywhere. It's clear that Castelluccio is a classic for cross-country pilots seeking 100% pleasure.
A Riot of Colour
Now we headed southwest and reached Monte Patino. We flew along the hilly landscape that forms the western border of the Piano Grande, following the thermals from cloud to cloud, while the valley and its splendour of flowers presented us with an ever-changing spectacular picture. The colours literally exploded under my feet. However, with strong thermals and 6 m/s climbs I had to refocus on the adventure in the air. Eventually, a tailwind helped us back to the east, where we had started our flight three hours ago. After a successful flight over the Piano Grande and 45 kilometres covered, I finally landed at the foot of the Castelluccio hill. The wind had picked up in the meantime, so timing for the landing was perfect. I landed gently with a broad smile and a deep sense of satisfaction. Together we reviewed the day's experiences over a typical local lentil soup. The Piano Grande grows the world’s best lentils, they say.
An adventure that lasts
There are flights that you never forget. The flight over Castelluccio, over the unique sea of flowers, is definitely one of them. The remote, barren landscape, the rolling hills and the beauty of nature made this day incomparable. Whether in spring when the flowers are in bloom or in quieter autumn, Castelluccio offers unforgettable flying adventures at any time of year.
The equipment
The Team
Adi Geisegger
Adi has been flying paragliders and hang gliders since the early 1990s. Since then the photographer and filmmaker can frequently be found with his paramotor.
Melanie Weber
Melanie discovered paragliding seven years ago. As a Hike & Fly, paramotor and cross-country pilot she likes to explore new flying areas, and so found herself on this voyage of discovery.
Robert Blum
Robert was one of the first German pilots. He won the German XC championship in 2013 and holdsthe German FAI triangle record at287km. He loves to travel to foreign parts with his paraglider in search of uncharted territory.
Mario Eder
Mario has been flying since he was 16 years old. He worked as a test pilot in paraglider development for almost 20 years. Today he tests for the DHV and works as a freelance photographer.