Are you planning a parachute jump in the Piedmont region or are you thinking of giving it as a gift to someone? Or do you just want to take advantage of a free weekend to make this dream come true? If so, here are some tips that we hope will help your choice!

First of all, you should know that it is completely normal to be afraid of the idea of jumping from a height of this kind but try to think about the fact that you will not have to worry about anything, in fact you will be at all times in the hands of a professional instructor, hooked up with a harness that will take care of all the necessary maneuvers to open the parachute during the jump, while you enjoy the flight.

Would you like to jump but don't dare yet? Watch this video and let yourself go!

Where to skydive in Piedmont?

In the area of Turin there are two main possibilities for jumping, with two different locations; the first is the Merlo Romano airport in Garzigliana and the second is the Francesco Cappa airport, in the area of Casale Monferrato, province of Alessandria. Both airports are small and mainly used by flight schools and ultralight vehicles. The second, Francesco Cappa airport, is notable for having been a military airport, home to the Regia Aeronautica, while today it houses the Aero Club Casalese N.S.I. Palli.

Whichever place you prefer to take off, the activities will be carried out in the same way: you will start with a briefing on the ground for about 20 minutes where you will be explained how everything will develop and you will meet the instructor who will jump with you.

Once this first part is finished, you will put on the equipment, overalls, gloves and goggles that will be provided by the company, and you will have to wear comfortable clothes suitable for the season in which you will make the jump, as well as sports shoes.

After all of this you will be ready to get into one of the planes that will be wait for you and, when you have reached between 4,000/4,500 meters of altitude, the hatch will open and you will jump attached to your instructor.

The free fall will last about 60 seconds, at a speed of 124 miles per hour (200 km per hour), after which the instructor will begin to open the parachute until you slow down and start looking around: the Piedmontese landscape is certainly one of the most beautiful in our country, rich in mountains and green plains.

Garzigliana is a small town (552 inhabitants) in the province of Turin, 24 miles (40 km). southwest of the city and is located in a flat area that guarantees a soft landing, while Casale Monferrato, which is located in Alessandria and is the second most populated of the province. It is located in a flat area at the foot of the Monferrato hills and here, in addition to admiring the vegetation, you will have an overview of the famous Italian industrial triangle and part of the Po river that runs through the city.

What skydiving options are there in Piedmont?

Whatever your choice of launch location, schools offer the following options:

- Basic tandem jump: this is the easiest and cheapest jump of all around, as explained above, you will be harnessed to an expert instructor, who will take care of all the necessary maneuvers while you simply enjoy the flight. The basic version does not include photos or videos of the experience so it is recommended for those who have already tried the experience and want to repeat it.

- Tandem jump with photos and/or videos: the jumping methods are the same as the previous one with the addition that a professional will jump at the same time as you and will take or photograph every moment of the jump. It is undoubtedly a more expensive option than the other, but if it is the first time you try this experience, investing a little more and taking home a nice memory is definitely the best option!

What are the restrictions for skydiving Piedmont?

Whichever option you choose, you must always take into account two key factors, weight and age: the first must not exceed 15 stones (100 kg), whilst regarding to age, you must be of legal age to fly. However, from the age of 16 it’s possible but with the authorization of both parents. What do you say? Ready to take the plunge?