Cimetta Domodossola Airolo in the wind 2026-04-06

First flight from Cimetta and the Bellinzona area in general. Epic flight, though not easy with the wind flowing down from the NW, but it felt good. I arrived in Domodossola and Italy for the first time, then took the line toward the Gotthard Pass. ​I was so happy when I reached Airolo, thinking the tricky part was now behind me. Instead, the first thermal I hit at the Föisc ridge was strong and rough, being pushed by the wind from Bedretto. ​I had my first collapse while climbing, stabilized it, and while I was trying to clear the cravat, I had another major one, this time with a half-twist, and the lines snagged behind my helmet and broke. All while the vario was still screaming. ​Once stabilized and out of the lift, I assessed the wing authority and landed safely in Airolo. ​On the ground, I assessed the damage: four lines snapped and a rip in the fairing of the Impress. A disastrous day; it burns not having finished the flight, but in the end, I was happy with my performance and grateful I made it to the ground safely, which is really all that matters.