XC

We teach 6-day XC guiding / training courses in South Tyrol and the Dolomites. The area is a mecca for big FAI triangles up to 350 km. The aim of this course is not to push that limit, but more to become a better all-round XC pilot and to break your own personal records. This is the place to do that!

Cost: TBD

Next courses:

  • TBD

Included: 

  • Launch assistant
  • Detailed pre-flight weather forecast & site briefings
  • Expert and personal XC guiding
  • Detailed post-flight debriefings
  • Organizing accomodation in Sand in Taufers

Excluded:

  • Accomodation costs
  • Airline flights
  • Lift pass (the June course includes a free Speikboden lift pass) / transport to launch sites
  • Insurance (AA/Allianz or Covermore cover paragliding)
  • Glider, harness, reserve, LOUD radio (UHF 476–477 MHz)

Important requirements:

  • A freshly repacked reserve no more than 6 months prior to the XC course
  • IPPI card (required to fly legally in Europe)
  • Minimum IPPI level 3 (PG2 in New Zealand)
  • Phone with Internet so we can create a WhatsApp group when in Italy

Recommended communication device:

For communication while flying in Italy it is best to use a mobile phone with data (very cheap in Italy, see below, and amazing coverage everywhere) + Zello + BT PTT button that works with Zello and a BT headset; we use Shokz Openrun Pro 2 mini's for that and this BT PTT button (but you can find many BT PTT buttons that work with Zello on AliExpress or more professional ones too).

We can also use radios (our radios are AnyTone AT-D878UVII Plus's so we can use NZ/AUS PRS freqs or EU PMR freqs and pretty much everything else, even digital radio), but Zello with BT headset + PTT button works amazing, without any noise and you don't have to take your hands off the brakes, so we highly recommend this solution.

Notes:

  • A iTim/Windtre SIM card or eSIM in Italy costs ~€25 EUR initially and then ~€8 per month for unlimited calls and texts & 70 GB of data per month. Get it at Radio Mair Electro in Bruneck or at the Windtre shop in Bruneck.
  • We can repack your reserve in New Zealand (100 NZD) or in Italy (€100) on the day before the course.
  • Make sure you have a cover bag over your paraglider bag so your paraglider does not look like a paraglider, otherwise some airlines will charge you extra for sporting equipment.

Here are some of the experiences of our past XC participants:

Flying XC with Michel and Aniko was a real supportive experience. Weather forecast, site briefing, safe landing options… all given / talked through before making our way to the take-off. Once up there you just need to focus on finding thermals and/or following their paths to stay up. They come around and show you were to go to climb better. That’s a good way to start XC flying or improving without too much worry about a new site, weather, etc.
They are always happy to answer every question!

Marion Blanc

I had an absolutely fantastic week flying with Michel and Aniko and learnt so much. They were both friendly and supportive, happy to show the way into thermals or to sit back and let me explore my capabilities (and the beautiful Ahrntal region) with the small bits of advice in my ear when needed. The detailed discussion about local weather patterns and flying risks were phenomenal. The company and instruction was so good that the record breaking flights were just a small added bonus to the week. I am very much looking forward to the next opportunity to get out flying with both of them, wherever in the world our paths cross again!

Nate Hinton

My week on the XC course with Mike and Aniko exceeded every expectation.
They offered wonderfully clear, practical feedback that helped me fine‑tune both my XC decision‑making and thermalling technique. When the weather turned sour, they were quick to adapt—pivoting us to multiple world‑class sites across Northern Italy, Slovenia, and Croatia. Their flexibility and local knowledge turned “potentially grounded” days into new adventures in stunning alpine settings.

From day one, Mike and Aniko fostered a warm, supportive group atmosphere. Initially strangers bound by a shared love of flying, we quickly became a tight-knit paragliding whānau. We extended our travels beyond the official course, chasing good weather and tackle even bigger flights—together.

I came into the course seeking confidence in mountain XC flying and genuine, satisfying cross‑country flights. I achieved both—landing XC tasks that felt smooth and in‑control, even in rough flying conditions. I wholeheartedly recommend this course to anyone who wants to become a better, more confident pilot. And I hope I’ll get the chance to fly again with Mike and Aniko someday. I joined this course as a stranger—and left it with good friends.

Daniel Winner

I highly recommend doing a course with Mike and Aniko. Their love of paragliding and of the Alps really shines through, and they really know their stuff! We all had a lot of fun in addition to some beautiful flying and lots of learning.  An extra bonus was going to local restaurants at night with the group, and Mike keeping us entertained with his hilarious jokes. Such great memories!

Marina Adams

My experience with Michel and Aniko was very warm, I knew this harmonious couple from an SIV course I followed in the past in Turkey. Both are easy-going and very dedicated in fine-tuning our flying skills. Always an answer to any question due to their years of experience. Pushing each pilot's skills little-by-little to a higher level. If they organise another xc workshop next year I will be very tempted to join in again!

Wim Hoogervorst

Booked for an xc-week in July 2025 with Michel and Aniko and ended up spending two weeks with them as it was awesome. They work very well together as a team and due to the small group size (4) there is always someone directly looking after you. 
Even when weather conditions weren’t ideal (strong North Fohn) they went above and beyond to make sure that we could still fly and get the most out of the time with them.

Irwin Imhoff

I really enjoy and appreciate the XC guiding from Michel and Aniko. Highly recommend them. I’ve been flying for 4 years and did a good amount of XC, but coming to a new place / the alps without any local knowledge could be intimidating. It was very helpful to have them as guides. We have morning briefing on weather forecast, foehn protential, possible XC route given the days condition. We made the most out of each day and flying in places that I wouldn’t have gone into myself without a local guide. Michel and Aniko were also very friendly and accommodating to tailor the flying style based on the skill / experience differences between my friend and I, and both of us flew the best XC routes given the days condition, we learned a lot about flying in different terrains and conditions than our home site. At the end of each day we also have debrief on the flight and incorporate learnings into next day’s flights. I was very satisfied with our flights. The scenery in Speikboden and the Dolomites are spectacular as well. I experienced various XC guiding services around different places and Michel and Aniko’s quality are very good!

Gwen Ou

Here's a video of me flying here for the first time many years ago (excuse the expletives):