ÀGER, SPAIN

With long days and a long season, Àger has attracted serious XC and comp pilots for decades. And indeed the site has seen its fair share of top-level competitions. However, there is a lot for all levels, including novices: you can go XC without leaving the valley.

There are four main launches and getting to the main one is easy. A 30-minute drive on a good forest road from Camping Vall d’Àger gets you to the main Coll d’Ares launch. In season a shuttle also operates from the campsite for a few euros a head.

Once on launch the valley opens out before you. Now it’s just a case of picking a route: crossing the gorge of Terradets to Vilanova de Meià and back via Mont Rebei, the western gorge, is the classic 55km XC.

Thermic flying starts in early February and continues until the end of October. Cloudbase during the early and late parts of the year averages 2,000m with gentle conditions, but the spring sunshine kicks off some intense thermic activity close to the ridges. XC season peaks during late spring and early summer with strong but manageable conditions for active pilots. For milder air, mornings and early evenings can provide relaxing local XC flying with plenty of opportunity to get high and see the amazing terrain. Base can reach 4,000m+ in mid-summer.

Guides and more information at zenithaventura.com and flyager.com