There’s a reason

Bassano is on every

pilot’s bucket list!

Bassano has a unique position on the southern edge of the Alps, which famously protects it from inclement weather. You can relax and enjoy the huge grassy launch and landing fields. Flying tasks alternate between learning the intricacies of flatland flying or linking ridges and hopping over historic Italian villages. The Italian wine, cuisine, and culture complete the perfect flying experience!

On the rare occasions that Bassano’s microclimate does not offer good flying conditions, we have the option to drive a few hours into Slovenia. Slovenia’s Julian Alps, often referred to as the “Slovenian Dolomites',” offer some of the most pristine and impressive flying landscapes in Europe.

Our guides look forward to introducing you to everything these incredible Alpine flying sites have to offer.

PILOT LEVEL:

P2 and above pilots with autonomy in taking-off and landing,

Join us for a 3-day SIV course with Dilan Benedetti at Lake Garda and a 7-day XC/Thermaling clinic to get the most out of the flying conditions in several locations around Bassano! Our world-class guides will show you the classic XC flights and help you improve your flying skills.

The SIV will be designed with energy management in mind, considering the XC clinic following. We will cover all maneuvers but with less repetition to optimize the energy level for the entire duration of the clinics. The 3-day SIV is meant to provide you with fresh safety skills needed for the XC portion of the clinic.

PILOT LEVEL:
Mainly mild thermal conditions, light wind takeoffs, possible landings, and retrieves are always within glide reach. P2 and above pilots with autonomy in taking off and landing, as well as being comfortable flying with several pilots in the air. This clinic is meant for pilots of all levels, as we will have guides focused on different groups based on the pilot’s experience.

WHEN?:
Check the available dates on our booking page.

BOOKING & PRICE:
Limited spots are available. We keep a ratio of 3–4 pilots to 1 guide with a maximum of 12 people to guarantee quality and safety. The price for 10 days is $4,000 USD per person.

LODGING:

The first 3 days will be SIV with Dilan Benedetti, and we will be staying at the beautiful Hotel Ideal Malcesine in Lake Garda! For the XC clinic, we will be staying at “La Casa di Spike”, the home of Red Bull X Alps athlete Michal Gierlach. The house is situated in Rivai village, a 20-minute drive from Pedavena Landing, just a glide distance from Monte Avena! There is internet, barbecue, and a beautiful view! You can also go swimming and kayaking in the lake just down the valley!

**Rooms will be shared**

**Private rooms are available in the area at an additional cost. Please contact us if you want a private room, and available options will be given to you *

Dates: The first day of the clinic is to allow everyone to settle in the hotel. The MANDATORY safety briefing and gear check will happen the evening before the SIV. Please take jetlag into consideration and arrive in Italy a few days before.

August 1–11th, 2025

August 12th-22nd 2025

**Lodging and local transportation for all flying days are included in the price**





OUR GUIDES


Michal Gierlach:

Instructor & tour guide / XC comp pilot /

Hike&Fly athlete

Michal, aka “Spike”, is a confirmed Hike and Fly athlete, having participated several times at the famous RedBull X-Alps and other H&F competitions. Based in the south of the Dolomites, Spike knows how to navigate through big mountains in the air as well as on the ground!

Ivan Ripoll: Instructor & tour guide XC / Hike&Fly

Being the son of a paraglider, Ivan had no choice than to spend the holidays flying as a passenger since he was 9. By the age of 15 he started flying solo in his native Pyrenees. 24 years in the air later Ivan developed almost a bird instinct for finding the best weather windows and to smell the “not fun” flying conditions.

Isabella Messenger: Instructor

& tour guide / Hike&Fly / XC comp pilot

Jamie Messenger: Instructor & tour guide / XC comp pilot / Hike&Fly