The XC Highways around Fiesch in Switzerland
Ok, so you might not be in the flying a 200km triangle league, but it always pays to think big, dream a little and learn from those who do.
In issue 142 of Cross Country magazine Roland Mader takes us on a tour of a truly classic triangle, from Fiesch, in Switzerland.
“It’s 1pm. The sun is at its peak. The main valley slashes the landscape from east to west, aligning slopes perfectly towards the sun. Thermals are accordingly strong and difficult. The second turnpoint is already visible, but far, far away to my west. It’s here, in the heart of the triangle, that dreams so often come to an abrupt end.
“Ahead of you lie several tricky spines that need to be negotiated in order for you to continue your journey westwards. Try to cross them too low and you arrive in gruesome rotor that churns you up and spits you right back to the last thermal you just left. Westerly winds, north westerlies, south easterlies, on any good flying day there is always something. Yet not today. Instead I find the perfect altitude and line…”
Roland has been flying for 20 years, and alongside his description we carry advice on planning and flying some smaller triangles, or closed circuit flights.
To read issue 142 either subscribe online, or download it to your laptop or iPad through Zinio or the Zinio app.
Download issue 142 through Zinio.com
The Zinio App: Search ‘Cross Country magazine’
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