Getting Thermal Forecasts in the Caucasus | Meteoblue

How can you get thermal forecasts in the Caucasus? In the Alps you may have other tools, in the Caucasus you can draw on Meteoblue.

How does this work? Check out the quick info video. (Note that this may require a basic subscription to Meteoblue.)

We will test this out more in the future, and share updates from time to time. 

Gudauri Paragliding Route

We have been having great flights lately. Here is one such flight from Gudauri, last Sunday. The wind was good (South-East), not too strong. It had rained the day before, but thermals still developing.

Here is the flight.

Key lessons:

1. the break-out thermal after launch is likely to be on the mountain before Kudebi, shown on the bottom right. Kudebi itself often is inconsistent. 
2. going along the ridge facing North is likely a good idea. I could have taken this even further. 
3. above Ukhati, good to get maximum altitude. It's not entirely easy, as there is convergence of winds. 
4. once you crossed the valley, keep on that broad face, to get up. I went toward Kanobi, and there is no lift there, because of valley winds. 

Great day, can't wait to go back.