Italian Tourism Chiefs Ask Pilots to Give Wildlife Space

Tourism authorities in Grente, in Italy’s South Tyrol, are trying to raise awareness among paraglider pilots about the risks of flying too close to wildlife.

“The Grente is a popular launch site for paragliding and cross-country flights. At the same time, it lies within a sensitive alpine habitat that is home to species such as chamois, golden eagles and black grouse,” the authorities say.

Together with the Rieserferner-Ahrn Nature Park and the local hunting community, they want to promote more considerate flying. The goal, they stress, is not to limit paragliding but to protect local wildlife through clear, practical guidance.

Pilots are asked to keep a safe horizontal and vertical distance from animals, and never to deliberately approach them or circle above at low altitude.

“Avoid low-level flying over forests, forest edges, the tree line, and rocky cliffs. Take particular care in spring and early summer, during winter, and in the early morning and evening. If an animal shows signs of disturbance, increase your distance and continue your flight.”

Sitting east of Bruneck and just north of Kronplatz, Grente is a classic spot in the Antholz valley for chasing big triangles and crossing the main Alpine chain into Austria and the Pustertal.

Those long cross-country days in the air call for good planning – and a Your Journey Bottle along for the ride doesn’t hurt either.

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