200 Hundred Paragliders and Hang Gliders Participate
From March 27th to April 1st, the world’s top pilots will gather once again for the “Montegrappa Trophy” (Trofeo Montegrappa). Modern-day Icaruses will engage in races spanning over a hundred kilometers, from the Asolani Hills to those near Vicenza.
Emanuele Reginato, President of the Vivere il Grappa Tourist Consortium, states:
“Over one hundred thousand visitors annually for free flight, generating millions for the local economy.”
Epic Battles in the Skies: Montegrappa Trophy Unfolds
Observers of Mount Grappa’s skies during Easter will witness it painted with hundreds of colorful sails. The annual event that annually gathers the world’s paragliding and hang-gliding elite at the foot of the sacred mountain. They come to enjoy the unique updrafts, the best in Europe. Plus, they challenge each other in epic battles spanning over one hundred kilometers across the hills of Treviso and Vicenza. The gliders will be passing through the Massif of Mount Grappa, recently awarded the UNESCO MAB label. The Montegrappa Trophy, founded in 1982, is now in its 38th edition. The event traditionally takes place during Easter, this year from March 27th to April 1st.
Spectacular Takeoffs and Landings: The Heart of Montegrappa Trophy
The takeoff and landing phases are particularly spectacular. Pilots will be visible from the Asolani Hills to the hills near Vicenza (Malo, Monte Carega, and Monte Pasubio to the west). Official landings will be on the border between the provinces of Treviso and Vicenza: San Giacomo in Romano d’Ezzelino, Garden Relais, Paradiso, and San Pierin in Borso del Grappa. Official takeoff points are on the Antennas of Rubbietto in Conco-Lusiana and Romano d’Ezzelino.
Intense Competition and Global Presence: Montegrappa Trophy 2024
For the second consecutive year, paragliders and hang gliders will compete together. Participation is limited to 150 paraglider pilots among the world’s best and 48 hang glider pilots, totaling 200 professionals who will compete over five days to conquer the ‘buoys’ set by the race committee and complete the course in the shortest time possible. We had many other requests, but we cannot accommodate all the pilots who would like to participate. It will be a battle: the presence of the world’s best paraglider pilots is confirmed, professionals from twenty different nations including Germany, France, Austria, Poland, the Czech Republic, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and Hungary, but also from Iceland, Finland, and even China and Korea. Let’s not forget that the selection is tough: participants are chosen from the top 150 in the world according to the FAI ranking.
Lorenzo Zamprogno, President of the Montegrappa Free Flight Club, an association active since 1979, which, in collaboration with the Aec Blue Phoenix Aeroclub, organizes the event.
Economic Impact and Touristic Significance
But it won’t be just a sporting event. The local economic impact is enormous. The free flight alone accounts for about 13% of the GDP of the entire Municipality of Borso. It’s considered by industry insiders as a source of European capital for the sector. There are no updated estimates, but at the territorial level, we’re talking about tens of millions of euros in revenue. Free flight is indeed an important tourist resource for the Pedemontana. The event welcomes over one hundred thousand tourists. Plus, it is estimated that around 20,000 pilots pass through these places each season for a sport still relatively unknown in Italy. The largest user base is in Germany, where there are 45,000 enthusiasts.
Want to Visit or Participate in a Future Montegrappa Trophy Event?
Vivere il Grappa Tourist Consortium
Discover the initiatives of the Vivere il Grappa Tourist Consortium. They are committed to promoting tourism in the area and providing hospitality services to visitors. Learn more at www.vivereilgrappa.it.
Montegrappa Trophy – The Rules
Explore the intricacies of the Montegrappa Trophy, one of the world’s most prestigious competitions in hang gliding and paragliding. Understand the scoring system, safety protocols, and participation criteria.
Ascending Currents of Mount Grappa
Learn about the ideal conditions that make Borso del Grappa a haven for free flight enthusiasts. Uncover the meteorological phenomena facilitating exhilarating flights throughout the year.
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