XC Challenge @ Valle de Bravo

XC Challenge

Go farther, when flying XC with other pilots and organized retrieve.
Each day we'll meet in town to catch the van to launch, and we'll define an XC task for the group based on the day's conditions. We typically plan 50 - 100 km triangles tasks that usually end at the lake.

what's included

• Pre-session online briefing: waypoints, introduction to geography, XC routes, known landing areas, prohibited landing areas, safety, instrumentation, etc.
• Rides to launch
• XC tasks based on the day's conditions
• Efficient retrieves, using group tracking software
• Immeasurable stoke from flying with like minded pilots

cost

XC Challenge is $500 USD.

why Valle

Given Valle de Bravo's exceptional conditions and terrain, there are so many ways to go XC. Valle de Bravo is a majestic place to fly, and is one of the most consistent places to fly in the world. The town of Valle de Bravo is a haven for wealthy Mexicans, so security is tight and ever-present. You can plan for every day to be flyable, that's what's unique about Valle, aside from the marvelous culture. Valle is a frequent site for Paragliding World Cub (PWC) events. But don't let that intimidate you, there is fun flying to be had by all levels of pilots. Flying to the lake of Valle de Bravo, if you can do it, is an exciting accomplishment and the quickest way home. The lake is often a goal for XC tasks because of the chiringuito (small bar/restaurant) that will greet you at the LZ. The number of possible XC routes is endless at Valle. The town is only 15km in the air, but the terrain is technical, which is what makes it fun and rewarding.
The town of Valle de Bravo is enchanting with many shops, restaurants, and street vendors. So, if you're bringing a partner that doesn't fly, they may just have just as much fun as you.
Valle also has hike-and-fly on the original launch in town, with a well established trail to the top. Don't expect to go XC from this launch, but some pilots like to do an evening flight to see the sunset from the air.

XC challenge session dates

• Session 1: Sat Dec 13 - Sat Dec 20, 2025 (CLOSED)
• Session 2: Sat Jan 3 - Sat Jan 10, 2026 (OPEN, accepting signups)

pilot experience required

The XC Challenge is great for those pilots that don't need launch assistance and have already done some XC. As with all XC, pilots need to already have developed the skill of, and being comfortable with, landing out. Pilots from all over the world are welcome to join the fun, with the ability to communicate in English or Spanish a must.

pre-session briefing

We'll hold an online pilot briefing a few weeks prior to the session start date, where you'll meet the other pilots joining the adventure, we'll review Valle de Bravo's geography using Google Earth, share waypoints, review specific XC tasks that we've defined, known landing areas, prohibited landing areas, and how to stay out of trouble in Mexico. We'll also review the live tracking technologies that we'll use during the session, including all communications that we plan to leverage (WhatsApp, radio, GPS devices).

the sign up process

1. Submit the Sign Up form (button below)
2. We'll reach out to answer questions and collect the fee
3. You'll receive an invitation for the online pre-session briefing, which is when the stoke starts!

what's not included

Airfare, travel to/from airport, food, travel/health insurance, Peñon club fee (~$85), accommodations (unless you've explicitly signed up for it), specific instruction towards ratings, and paragliding equipment (wing, helmet, radio, vario, etc.).
Need any of these things? We can help you, and are not included in the above cost.