le Chalvet (Saint Andre les Alpes)
📍 Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur , Departement des Alpes-de-Haute-Provence · Nearest city: Castellane (15 km)
60 XC score / 100 · takeoff at 1555 m · 📍 View on map
Coordinates and external links
43.97860, 6.47990Forecast next days
Updated: 2026-04-19 16:07 UTC · Source: Open-Meteo · Thermal window 10:00–18:00 local time
Día volable, condiciones decentes, base de cúmulos ~1872 m, viento 22 km/h.
base ~1872m · wind 22 km/hDía volable, condiciones decentes, base de cúmulos ~2397 m, viento 18 km/h.
base ~2397m · wind 18 km/hDía volable, condiciones decentes, base de cúmulos ~922 m, viento 18 km/h, precipitación 1.2 mm.
base ~922m · wind 18 km/h · precip 1.2mmComposite flyability score (CAPE + LI + wind + precip + low clouds). Cross-check with local pilots before flying.
Detailed hourly weather
2026-04-20⚠️ Marginal · peak 50 at 9h
| 08 30 | 09 50 | 10 30 ☁️⚠️ | 11 30 ☁️⚠️ | 12 25 🏔️ | 13 45 ☁️⚠️ 🏔️ | 14 45 ☁️⚠️ 🏔️ | 15 45 ☁️⚠️ 🏔️ | 16 45 ☁️⚠️ 🏔️ | 17 45 ☁️⚠️ 🏔️ | 18 45 ☁️⚠️ 🏔️ | 19 45 ☁️⚠️ | 20 40 |
Peak 9h: CAPE 0 J/kg · LI 3.3 · BL top 265 m · w* 0.0 m/s · cloud base 2742 m · 0°C at 3040 m · Pro score 62/100 · sun 32° over slope
2026-04-21⚠️ Marginal · peak 60 at 20h
- Cloud suck alto (76/100) — base bajo freezing con CU
| 08 40 | 09 30 | 10 30 ☁️⚠️ | 11 30 ☁️⚠️ | 12 50 ☁️⚠️ | 13 55 ☁️⚠️ | 14 55 ☁️⚠️ | 15 45 ☁️⚠️ 🏔️ | 16 45 ☁️⚠️ 🏔️ | 17 45 ☁️⚠️ 🏔️ | 18 45 ☁️⚠️ 🏔️ | 19 45 ☁️⚠️ 🏔️ | 20 60 |
Peak 20h: CAPE 20 J/kg · LI 2.4 · BL top 15 m · w* 0.0 m/s · cloud base 2580 m · 0°C at 2910 m · Pro score 54/100
Hourly flyability (0–100). ⛈️ = storm risk · ☁️⚠️ = cloud suck · 🏔️ = active ridge lift. CAPE = convective energy, LI = stability, BL top = thermal ceiling, w* = estimated dry thermal velocity. Source: Open-Meteo (ECMWF/GFS/ICON blend model).
Estimated vertical profile (Sounding)
Reference time: 09:00 (peak of the day)
Surface T: 10.3°C · Td: 0.8°C
LCL (cloud base): 1187 m
BL top: 265 m
0°C level: 3040 m
Approximate profile from surface variables + synoptic levels. Red lines = temperature, dashed blue = dew point. Orange bands = detected inversions.
Takeoff orientations
Green = good orientation · Yellow = possible · Gray = not suitable
Why this site has thermal potential
| Factor | Value | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Hotspot density (5 km) | 3 | Medium |
| Avg thermal probability | 0.73 | Based on thousands of aggregated IGC flights |
| Solar orientation | 0.84 | Slope faces south in northern hemisphere |
| Own flight history | 0.00 | Thermals detected in platform IGC tracks |
Takeoff description
The main launch SW/ W is relatively steep, and thermic from around midday. The wind on take-off can be strong, particularly later on when the valley winds become established. When the thermic activity dies down again, very pleasant evening soaring is often available until it gets dark. South-East launches are easy, very large.
Rules and notes
Groups and schools have to contact Aerogliss before coming. +33 492891130 or [email protected]
Pilot comments
St Andre is a well-known flying site, having been used for international paragliding and hang gliding events for years. It is renowned for its strong thermals and good cross country potential, with routes to the north to Dormillouse, Briancon, Allos etc, and south to Col de Bleyne. The main (SW) launch tends to blow out for paragliders when conditions get really thermic and the valley breezes get strong, so cross country-seekers need to aim to be on launch for 11:30 to 13:00, ready for the sun to begin pulling thermals up the SW face. For those seeking gentler conditions, there are E and SE-facing launches for morning flights, and evening flying until sunset from the SW launch can be very rewarding. There is a good road to top, but it is often snowed in during the winter (Dec to Mar). Note: St Andre is not an FFVL flying site. Aerogliss administer the site, and ask that all visiting pilots contact them before flying. (Their base is in next to the lakeside landing field. Contact details given below).
Nearby sites
Le Petit Cordeil (44) · Archail (48) · Le cousson (48) · Villevieille (44) · Moustiers Ste.Marie - Mt.Denier (21) · Courchon (9)