Europe – Spain – Lleida

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Ager is a Spanish free-flying paradise on the edge of the Pyrenees, in the province of Lleida. It offers a perfect combination of long rocky ridges, turquoise lakes, deep river gorges and flatland playgrounds, with the Pyrenees just behind. It has long days and a long season, which have attracted serious XC and comp pilots for decades. Ager has hosted several top-level competitions, such as the European Hang Gliding Championships and the Paragliding World Cup. However, there is a lot here for all levels of pilot, including novices: you can go XC without even leaving the valley.

There are four main launches and one main landing area:

Coll d’Ares: This is the main launch, facing south at 1,586m ASL. It can accommodate many gliders at once. It is accessible by a 30-minute drive on a good forest road from Camping Vall d’Ager, or by a Land Rover taxi shuttle that operates from the camping for a few euros a head. The launch has a large rigging area and a car parking area. There are no main hazards on launch. The launch offers a panoramic view of the valley and the surrounding mountains.
Coll de Nargo: This is an alternative launch, facing west at 1,400m ASL. The launch has a small rigging area and a car parking area. There are some power lines on the right side of the launch that need to be avoided.
Sant Alis: This is another alternative launch, facing east at 1,680m ASL. The launch has a small rigging area and a car parking area. There are some trees on the left side of the launch that need to be avoided.
Montsec de Rubies: This is a high-altitude launch, facing south at 2,300m ASL. The launch has no rigging area and no car parking area. There are some cliffs and rocks on both sides of the launch that need to be avoided.
Agullo: This is the main landing area, located near Camping Vall d’Ager at 606m ASL. It is a large grassy field with plenty of space for many gliders to land safely. There are no main hazards on landing. The landing area has toilets, showers, water, electricity and wifi facilities for pilots and visitors.

Flying Conditions and Restrictions

Ager is flyable all year round, but the best season for XC flying is from February to October. The flying conditions vary depending on the time of the year and the time of the day. Generally, the conditions are:

Early spring (February-March): Gentle thermals with cloud base around 2,000m. Good for beginners and local flights.
Late spring (April-May): Stronger thermals with cloud base around 3,000m. Good for intermediate and advanced pilots who want to go XC.
Early summer (June-July): Very strong thermals with cloud base up to 4,000m+. Good for experienced and competitive pilots who want to challenge themselves and fly long distances.
Late summer (August): Too strong and turbulent at midday, but good for XC in the morning and evening. Cloud base around 3,000m.
Autumn (September-October): Moderate thermals with cloud base around 2,500m. Good for all levels of pilots who want to enjoy the scenery and fly XC.

There are no specific restrictions for flying in Ager, but pilots should follow the general rules of the air and respect the airspace regulations. The airspace around Ager is mostly uncontrolled, but there are some restricted areas that need to be avoided, such as:

R-90: A military area located north of Ager, near Tremp. It is active on weekdays from 8:00 to 18:00 local time. It has a vertical limit of FL195 (5,944m).
R-91: A military area located east of Ager, near Balaguer. It is active on weekdays from 8:00 to 18:00 local time. It has a vertical limit of FL195 (5,944m).
CTR Lleida-Alguaire: A controlled area located south-east of Ager, around Lleida airport. It is active 24/7. It has a vertical limit of FL75 (2,286m).

Pilots should check the NOTAMs and the weather forecast before flying and use a GPS device and a radio to communicate with other pilots and avoid airspace infringements. Pilots should also be aware of the COVID-19 travel requirements and restrictions that may apply to their destination or transit points.

Best Times to Fly and Visit

Ager is a great destination for hang gliding enthusiasts who want to enjoy the scenery and fly long distances. The best time to fly and visit Ager depends on your personal preferences and goals, but here are some general guidelines:

If you want to avoid the heat and the crowds: The best time to fly and visit Ager is during the early spring (February-March) or the autumn (September-October). The weather is mild and pleasant, with gentle thermals and cloud base around 2,000-2,500m. The monuments are not as packed, and you can find better deals on accommodation and flights.
If you want to challenge yourself and fly far: The best time to fly and visit Ager is during the late spring (April-May) or the early summer (June-July). The weather is hot and dry, with strong thermals and cloud base up to 4,000m+. You can explore the whole valley and beyond, crossing the gorges and reaching the Pyrenees. You can also join some of the top-level competitions that are held in Ager during this period, such as the European Hang Gliding Championships or the Paragliding World Cup.
If you want to enjoy the summer sun and the water activities: The best time to fly and visit Ager is during the late summer (August). The weather is very hot and humid, with cloud base around 3,000m. You can still fly XC in the morning and evening, but you may want to avoid the midday turbulence. You can also take advantage of the turquoise lakes and rivers in the valley, where you can swim, kayak, raft or fish. You can also visit some of the nearby attractions, such as the Mont Rebei gorge or the Congost de Collegats.

No matter when you decide to fly and visit Ager, you should always check the weather forecast and the NOTAMs before flying, and use a GPS device and a radio to communicate with other pilots and avoid airspace infringements.

More Information

If you want to learn more about Ager and its hang gliding opportunities, you can visit some of the following websites or contact some of the local organizations:

Camping Vall d’Ager: This is the main accommodation and service provider for hang gliding pilots in Ager. It offers camping, bungalows, apartments, restaurant, bar, swimming pool, wifi and other facilities. It also organizes transport to the launches, retrieves, tandem flights, courses and equipment rental. You can visit their website at ¹ or call them at +34 973 45 25 17.
Ager Air: This is a hang gliding school and club based in Ager. It offers courses for beginners and advanced pilots, tandem flights, equipment rental and repair, and guided tours. You can visit their website at ² or call them at +34 629 44 44 44.
Ager Parapent: This is a paragliding school and club based in Ager. It offers courses for beginners and advanced pilots, tandem flights, equipment rental and repair, and guided tours. You can visit their website at ³ or call them at +34 973 45 25 17.
Ager Montsec: This is a tourism agency that offers a variety of activities and experiences in Ager and the surrounding area. You can book kayaking, rafting, hiking, biking, horse riding, climbing, caving and more. You can visit their website at or call them at +34 973 45 25 17.
Cross Country Magazine: This is a magazine that covers all aspects of free flying around the world. It has published several articles and guides about Ager and its flying potential. You can visit their website at or subscribe to their print or digital edition.