Many adrenaline enthusiasts want to experience the Julian Alps and the Soča Valley, from a bird’s eye view. Excellent thermal and wind conditions and the shape of mountains create good conditions for paragliders.
Stol and Kobala takeoffs are among the top slopes for paragliders
There are several takeoffs in the Soča valley, which allows paragliders to find a suitable takeoff in a different weather conditions.
Each year, many competitions take place in the Soča Valley on the European and on the world level.
Tandem flights
Some of the sports agencies in the Soča Valley carry out tandem flights with paragliders. Paragliding in tandem does not require any previous experience.
Fans of adrenaline are surely not going to become bored in the Soča Valley. Fly with a paraglider or gather courage to jump from a plane with a parachute, too.
As pilots, we are mindful of the environment and each other, follow regulations on the land as well as when flying, fly safely and only in suitable conditions, and leave no trace behind.
Popular paragliding take-off spots around the Bovec area are Mangrtsko sedlo and Kanin (C station).
Take-Off Mangart Saddle
altitude: 1.990 m description: A picturesque take-off spot with magnificent panoramic views of the Julian Alps; accessible by car. suitable winds: SW, S, SE, E, W warnings:
risk of strong valley winds;
the landing spot in Log pod Mangartom is situated on private property, so parachutes must be folded on the roadside.
altitude: 1.717 m description: You can access the launch by Kanin cable car. From Mt. Kanin it is possible to fly towards the waterfall Boka and continue towards Tolmin suitable winds: SE-SW warnings: Respect the airport zone! restrictions: 2.900 m above ground GPS: N 46°21’14.55” / E 13°29’19.99”
altitude: 1.070 m description: You can access the launch by hiking from the valley or by hiking from the B station of Kanin cable car. suitable winds: S-SW warnings: Respect the airport zone! restrictions: 2.900 m above ground GPS: N 46°20.99′ / E 13°31.19′
location: Bovec - Breg. The landing place is located on the left side of the road from the direction of Bovec towards the Predel / Trenta crossroads. altitude: 430 m GPS: 46°20'26.27"N 13°34'08.04"E warnings: Possibility of strong valley winds. Respect the airport zone.
location: Log pod Mangartom - next to the cemetery altitude: 630 m GPS: N 46°24.23′ / E 13°36.03′ warnings: Possibility of very strong wind lower in the valley! As the landing is located on private land, we kindly ask you to pack your equipment next to the road and not in the middle of the field. THANK YOU!
is strictly prohibited due to the risk of collision with aircraft or conventional parachutes (according to the directive of the Civil Aviation Agency of the Republic of Slovenia)
Before every take-off notify the airport by sending an SMS to: +386 51 661 003.
More info:
Paragliding association Kanin Brdo 70, SI-5230 Bovec
Independent flights require excellent skills and a thorough knowledge of the local conditions; it is vital that you consult a flying instructor before the flight.
With its setting of high Julian Alps peaks, Kobariski Stol is a paragliding pilot’s paradise.
Mountain Stol above Kobarid
Its over 20 km long panoramic ridge tops provide extraordinary opportunities for long cross-country flights and large-scale competitions.
As the highest takeoff in the Soca Valley, Stol (Kobariski) is often the only take-off above the inversion layer, providing opportunities for thermal flying.
Weather conditions:
The ideal conditions are with a very weak general N or NE wind for cross-country flights and a weak SW wind for local flying. With the general SW wind and thermals, the wind usually intensifies quickly.
Description of take-off:
A meadow in the middle of a vast, grassy mountain slope. Suitable wind direction: SE, S, SW. GPS (dd° mm.mm): N46° 16.36, E13° 28.39. AMSL altitude: 1405 m. Airspace: Allowed up to 2900 m AMSL. Take-off difficulty level: Easy. Flying difficulty level: Moderate to demanding (cross-country flights). Suitable for beginners: Yes, but only in mild conditions. Access: 27.6 km by car.
Other take offs near Kobarid:
Ozben
Matajur
Kuk
Landing place Kobarid
A large meadow on the periphery of Kobarid. GPS (dd° mm.mm): N46° 14.47, E13° 34.95. AMSL altitude: 230 m. Difficulty level: Easy.
More: As pilots, we are mindful of the environment and each other, follow regulations on the land as well as when flying, fly safely and only in suitable conditions, and leave no trace behind. Enjoy spectacular and safe flying!
Remember to purchase a vignette.
More detail and information on the flying areas described here, as well as other Slovenian take-offs, can be found in Paragliding [&] Hang Gliding Guide Book www.bigopensky.com.
Kobala is an excellent starting point for long cross-country flights on the southern crest of the Julian Alps and a well-known competition site.
Take off Kobala
Kobala is a popular paragliding and hang gliding take-off, as well as an excellent starting point for long cross-country flights on the southern crest of the Julian Alps and a well-known competition site.
Weather conditions: The best conditions for long cross-country flights are with a very weak general N or E wind. However, the western wind, more suitable for local flying, will normally predominate.
Description of take-off: A very large, nicely maintained meadow on the pointed top of the forest-covered Kobala hill. Two take-off directions are possible depending on the direction of the wind. GPS (dd° mm.mm): N46° 10.86, E13° 46.76. Suitable wind direction: E, SE, SW, W. AMSL altitude: 1080 m. Airspace: Allowed up to 2900 m AMSL. Take-off difficulty level: Moderate. Flying difficulty level: Moderate. Suitable for beginners: Yes, but only in mild conditions. Access: 13.6 km by car, right to the take-off area. Parataxi drives during the summer from landing place Tolmin to Kobala (around 11 a.m.).
A big meadow located on the flatland by the Soča river. GPS (dd° mm.mm): N46° 11.09, E13° 43.33. AMSL altitude: 160 m. Difficulty level: Easy.
More detail and information on the flying areas described here, as well as other Slovenian take-offs, can be found in Paragliding [&] Hang Gliding Guide Book (www.bigopensky.com).
