Easter Thermals – Bassano April 3–6, 2026 – Jakub Rott
After a fantastic season opening in Norma – where every single day was flyable, the guys improved their thermalling, managed their first small XC flights, closed triangles, and practiced collapses safely under instructor supervision – we are preparing our next trip. This time, we’re hunting spring thermals in Bassano and the surrounding areas. Bassano is famous for its strong thermals and is arguably the best Central European terrain for early spring XC flights. It offers safe, large take-offs and landings in the friendly environment of the first Alpine ridge, complete with stunning views.
If you know my teaching style, you know you can look forward to plenty of great tips on the ground: how to improve wing control, how to feel and stay safe, and how to enjoy flying and in-flight navigation that will make you a better pilot! Joining me will be the excellent XC pilot Tomáš Vidlák and instructor-in-training David Káčer.
We will adapt both the flying and theoretical lessons to the size and focus of the group. Mornings and late afternoons will focus mainly on safety and beginners. Once the thermals pick up, we’ll try some guided XC flights with in-flight navigation. Besides the Bassano sites, we may also visit nearby areas like Marostica, Revine, or even Feltre on the way there or back.
The trip is also suitable for non-pilots or your non-flying partners. They can join for a reduced price, which includes one long tandem flight, while spending their free time exploring the local mountains and historical sights.
Participation Requirements: Valid pilot license, travel insurance for paragliding, mandatory third-party liability insurance (SLZ), and an IPPI card. The trip is suitable for both advanced pilots and fresh graduates.
Transport: Own or shared – departure from Pilsen/Brno.
Accommodation: Budget option at the campsite (tents, campers) – for €12/day you can camp right at the landing zone and use the toilets/showers of the adjacent camp, which also has an excellent pizzeria. For more comfort, you can arrange individual accommodation in nearby hotels or apartments. If we start in Feltre on the way there, we will find accommodation on-site.
Trip Schedule:
Thursday, April 2: Shared departure in the afternoon, arrival in Italy around midnight.
Friday, April 3 – Sunday, April 5: We start each morning with a meteo-briefing, thermal and safety analysis, and a visit to the landing zone. This is followed by van shuttles to the take-off and flying under instructor supervision based on conditions and participant needs (improving take-offs/landings, thermalling, staying up, wing control, collapses, planned group XC flights, and flight efficiency). Shuttles and retrieves throughout the day. In the evening, after a group dinner, we’ll do a daily debrief, flight analysis, a lecture on efficiency and safety, and enjoy a glass of wine =)
Monday, April 6: A morning Easter tradition – gently "whipping" our female pilots on take-off with a willow switch so they stay healthy ("won't dry out"), followed by a final day of flying. Afternoon departure back to the Czech Republic (arrival ideally by midnight).
Price: 4990 CZK / Non-pilots (tandem mode): 3490 CZK (FLYSPORT family members: -10%).
Included: Expert instructor guidance, help at take-off and landing, XC navigation, local shuttles/retrieves (based on group needs), radio rental, evening lectures/training, assistance with minor repairs/adjustments on-site, and trip organization.
Not included: Travel to/from Italy (costs for fuel/vehicle wear will be split among participants), accommodation, take-off fees, food/drinks, gear rental, and insurance.
Applications: Please apply as soon as possible via WhatsApp for organizational purposes (see below). Further info at +420 773 444 452. A deposit of 1000 CZK is required. In case of bad weather on the southern Alpine ridge, the trip will be canceled, shortened, or moved deeper into the Alps. In this case, the deposit is 100% refundable.
Flysport.cz – Jakub Rott and Tomáš Vidlák, in cooperation with the flight school of Jožka and David Káčer, look forward to seeing you in the air!
