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Meteorological and geographical info
In the heart of Norway, amid the breathtaking and famous mountain areas Jotunheimen and Rondane, lies the town Vågåmo. This town was in 1990 selected for the establishment of the Norwegian Hang and Paragliding Centre.
The flying area around the main take-off Vole and Salknappen consists of high but smooth mountains and plateaus(around 1000-1300 m asl). Valleys are mainly wide and open, with good landing possibilities both down in the valleys and in the mountains. Towards the east one flies into Rondane, with sharp peaks up to 2178 m. Towards southwest one meets Jotunheimen with peaks up to 2469 m. Southeastwards terrain slowly lowers towards Lillehammer, with more hilly-like landscape. Northwards one flies into high but fairly flat Dovrefjell, and northwestwards up the valley towards Bjorli and Romsdalen. Southwards lies the Valdresflya plateau.
May and June is usually the driest period in the area. The days are long in this period, so possibilities for late tasks on days with too much wind in the middle of the day is good. Good days result in cloud base up to and above 3000 m, sometimes up to 4000 m. The area around Vågå is statistically the driest area in Norway, due to high mountains to the west.
Thermals can be strong at this time of the year and can be compared to most other paragliding spots in central parts of Europe.
The alternative location Bøverdalen gives possibilities for flying even on strong northerly winds in Vågå, due to special micro-climatic conditions.
Take-offs
Vole
Main launch is called Vole (SE-W) and is a 15 minute drive from the National Center (HQ). Altitude difference is around 700 m.
Salknappen
Salknappen (E-S) lays on the same mountain plateau as Vole but is located little higher up. It takes approx. 25 minutes to drive up from the National Center (HQ). Altitude difference is approx. 1100 m.
Juvasshøe
Our alternative take off Juvasshøe (NW-NE) lays in the Bøverdalen valley. The take-off is just by Norway's highest mountains. It takes approx. 1 hour and 15 minute to drive here from the National Center (HQ). Altitude difference is approx. 1200 m.
Bismo
If conditions is really good for the whole week, we may choose to move the competition to Bismo (W-S). This take-off has given some of the longest XC-flights in Norway.
All three take-offs have room for many pilots.
Flying restrictions
No flying restrictions up to 4100 m asl. within an approx. 60 km radius around Vågå - outside this radius the limit is 2890 m or 3500 m.
How to get to Vågå
Vågå is located 2 hours driving north-west of Lillehammer (3.5 hour from Oslo) in the Ottadalen valley. Drive towards Lom when you get to Otta and after approx. 25 minutes you can see the exit for the air sport center on the left side with the sign "Luftsportsenter".
Public transport: Train from Oslo or Oslo airport to Otta, bus from Otta to Vågå. Direct bus from Oslo downtown and airport also possible. For more info check out www.nsb.no for train-info, and www.nor-way.no for bus-info. There will be transport from the bus stop in Vågåmo to the National Center on the evening of the 11th of June.
Accommodation
The National Center
There are dorm rooms available at the national center. HP/NLF is also right now planning to build three new cottages (with 4 beds, shower, toilet & a small kitchen in each) that should be finished in time for the competition. There is also a huge camping ground at the flying centre. Put up your own tent, caravan, or camper. 220 V available.
Breakfast buffet can be included in the stay at the center. There are showers - a sauna - cooking possibilities - sat. TV - internet access. For more info contact HP/NLF through their website at www.nlf.no/HGPG
Holungsøy camping
Cabins in different sizes & campground. Lays approx 2 km to the east of the National Center.
Phone: +47 61 23 72 70
Smedsmo camping
Cabins in different sizes & campground. Is located in Vågåmo town.
Phone: +47 61 23 74 50
Vågå Hotel
Located in Vågåmo town.
Phone: +47 61 23 95 50
Valbjør, Vågå
Located in the valleyside above the national center. The farm consists of 12 vintage log cabins with altogether 22 beds. Nørdre stugu (the north cabin) , Veststugu (the western cabin), and Aasheimstugu are equipped for complete household independence. There are also beds in Nybuloftet and Gammelloftet, which in the latter date back as far as the 17th century.
For more info see www.valbjoer.no.
Gammal-Kleppe, Vågå
Gammal-Kleppe consists of several vintage log-houses. Is located on the south side of the valley some few km from Vågåmo. From the summer 2009 they offer altogether 18 beds at the farm.
Phone +47 61 23 79 00 // + 47 975 61 160 - email: dag@gammelkleppe.no
Some alternative activities in the area
Skiing
Both Stryn Sommarskisenter & Jotunheimen Skiresort is open. The last one is just by our alternative take-off Juvasshøe (1' 15 hour drive from Vågå). Check out www.strynefjellet.com & www.gpss.no.
PS! There is usually possible to mountain ski in Jotunheimen until early June. Bring "Feller" with your Randenoiese or Telemark-skies.
Mountain hiking
Lots of opportunities in both Dovrefjell, Rondane & Jotunheimen. Check out www.turistforeningen.no. They have reasonable (some of them serving great local food) cabins in the mountains that you can stay at.
We can recommend a walk to the top of Galdhøpiggen, the highest mountain in Norway.
Rafting, wild water kayaking and other wild water activities in the famous Sjoa river
Climbing & bouldering
Fishing
There are some really nice spots for fishing in the area. If you are interested bring your fishing-gear as well.
Olympic city of Lillehammer
Approx. 2 hours drive down the valley.
Bowling in Vågå
Nice bowling alleys and pub.
Bicycle-rental, Motor-cross and Juving (jumping in rivers)
See www.aktivit.no for more information.
We will help to organize alternative activities if the weather is not good for flying.
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