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Event info
Join us for the Vipava Valley Open 2027, an exhilarating paragliding cross-country competition set to take place from 11 to 14 March 2027 in the stunning Vipava Valley
Expand page for more detailsFlying site
The Lijak Paragliding Take-off is one of Slovenia’s best-known paragliding launch sites, located above the Nova Gorica area in western Slovenia. It offers spectacular views of the Vipava Valley and the Adriatic region.
Expand page for more detailsAlternative Event Dates
If the event needs to be rescheduled, for example a poor weather forecast, then the organisers have selected the following dates to move the event to. See the Cancellation policy for how this may affect you if you are unable to attend the alternative dates.
- Alternative Start Date: April 7, 2027 (current scheduled date: March 10, 2027 )
- Alternative End Date: April 11, 2027 (current scheduled date: March 14, 2027 )
- left before start of event
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Registration will open on
18/10 18:32 (Europe/Ljubljana)
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Live trackers supplied
The organiser will supply Live trackers to you, for safety and scoring
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Helicopter rescue
The region supports helicopter rescues
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Medic on takeoff
There will be medical rescue services at launch
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Good phone coverage
The region generally has good phone coverage
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Radio coverage
We will be monitoring radios for your safety whilst you fly
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Live trackers mandatory
Live Tracking is MANDATORY in this event to score. The organiser will provide the trackers.
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Launch Transport
There will be vehicles supplied to take you to launch
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Retrieve included
There will be retrieve vehicles available to return pilots to HQ
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Airtribune blogging
The organisers are using Airtribune for registration, tracking, blogging and to publish scores
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Lunch packs
There will be daily lunch packs for pilots
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Goal beers
There will usually be goal beers for winners
Prize funds and scoring categories
- Overall
- Female
- Serial class (certified gliders up to EN-D)
- Sport class (certified gliders up to EN-C)
Event info
Join us for the Vipava Valley Open 2027, an exhilarating paragliding cross-country competition set to take place from 11 to 14 March 2027 in the stunning Vipava Valley. This event, proudly organized by DJP Kovk Ajdovščina, is an FAI Category 2 competition attracting top pilots from around the globe.
Why Vipava Valley?
- Breathtaking Scenery: Nestled between the Alps and the Adriatic Sea, Vipava Valley offers unparalleled natural beauty, making it a perfect backdrop for paragliding.
- Gourmet Delights: Savor the region’s renowned cuisine, featuring world-class local wines and traditional dishes that reflect the rich culinary heritage of Slovenia.
- Warm Hospitality: Experience the friendliness and warmth of the local community, ensuring a welcoming and memorable stay.
- Ideal Flying Conditions: Famous for its world-class paragliding conditions, the valley provides an exceptional arena for high-level cross-country flights, characterized by reliable thermals and optimal terrain.
Don’t miss this opportunity to compete in one of the most scenic and hospitable soaring regions in Europe. Whether you are a seasoned competition pilot chasing WPRS points or a cross-country enthusiast looking to push your limits, the Vipava Valley Open 2027 promises an unforgettable racing experience.
Flying site
Selection and entry fee
Tiered Fee Pricing:
• 200 EUR – Total fee if the 50 EUR deposit is paid by 28 February 2027 (pay 50 EUR now, 150 EUR at registration).
• 240 EUR – Total fee if the 50 EUR deposit is paid by 8 March 2027 (pay 50 EUR now, 190 EUR at registration).
• 280 EUR – Total fee if the 50 EUR deposit is paid on or after 10 March 2027 (pay 50 EUR now, 230 EUR at registration).
Acceptance into the event is strictly confirmed according to the order of deposit payment.
Important Note: Please do not pay the full entry fee in advance. If you choose to pay the full amount early anyway, the entire advanced payment becomes completely non-refundable.
Documents required at registration
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FAI Sporting Licence
Issued by your local NAC on behalf of the FAI. You cannot normally compete in an FAI event without one. Contact your National Association (NAC)
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FAI IPPI Card
The FAI IPPI card is an International card that states your skill level. It is issued by your National Association and matches the level or your flying Licence
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National Licence
The organiser requires you to present your National flying licence.
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Signed Application form
You will need to sign an applicaton form at the venue. Usually the organiser will provide it on arrival.
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Signed Waiver/Release form
You will need to sign a waiver or release document to show you understand the risks. Usually the organiser will provide it on arrival.
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Liability Insurance
You must provide the organiser with a copy of your liability (3rd party) insurance documents
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Rescue/Medical Insurance
You must provide the organiser with a copy of your medical, rescue and repatriation insurance. You can purchase Global Rescue cover from Airtribune
Cancellation Policy
Prize fund and scoring categories
• 1st place: 1,000 EUR
• 2nd place: 500 EUR
• 3rd place: 200 EUR
Medals will be awarded for the podium in individual categories, provided there is a minimum of three participants in that category.
General schedule
Daily Schedule (10 March 2027):
• 11:00 – Training Task (2 transport vans provided to take-off)
• 17:00 – Headquarters opens
• 17:30 – Main registration of pilots
• 19:30 – Pilots' briefing
• 20:30 – Welcome Beer
*Late registration is possible on 11 March 2027 from 08:00 to 10:00 only with a 50 EUR late registration fee!
Daily Schedule (11–13 March 2027):
• 08:00 – Headquarters opens
• 09:00 – Transport to take-off
• 11:00 – Meet Director / Task and Safety Committee meetings
• 11:15 – Pilots' briefing / Previous task official results / Task definition
• 12:30 – Take-off window opens
• 16:30 – Scoring office opens
• 22:00 – Provisional results
Sunday Schedule (14 March 2027):
• 09:00 – Transport to take-off
• 11:15 – Task briefing at take-off
• 17:00 – Provisional results
• 18:00 – Final results and Award Ceremony
Accommodation and Activities
https://www.hostel-ajdovscina.si/en/
https://borearooms.com/
https://apartma-rebkovi.si/
https://www.slamic-kriz.si/eng
https://www.villairena.net/
https://www.zs-ajdovscina.si/
https://www.vipavskadolina.si/en/ostani/nastanitve/sobe-in-apartmaji
How to get here
Nova Gorica, Lijak Slovenia
Plane
Consider these these airports:
- Trieste Airport — approximately 50 km from the Nova Gorica area. A convenient option if flight connections work for you.
- Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport — Slovenia’s main international airport, approximately 100–120 km by road from Lijak.
- Venice (any) - around 150km from the take off.
Train
Best for travellers who prefer public transport
- Travel to Nova Gorica railway station.
- From Ljubljana, look for a train connection towards Nova Gorica; routes and transfers depend on the timetable.
- From the station, take a taxi or arrange a transfer to the Lijak take-off site.
Car
Driving is generally the easiest way to reach Lijak, especially if you are carrying paragliding equipment. Keep in mind that the direct road to the take off is private and non-authorized vehicles are not allowed. Park your car at the parking next to the main road and walk to the take off.
From Ljubljana: allow approximately 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 40 minutes, depending on traffic and your exact destination.
From Nova Gorica: allow roughly 15–25 minutes, depending on the route and road conditions.
From Trieste Airport: allow around 45–60 minutes, depending on traffic and the border route.
Downloads
Waypoint files
Organizers
DJP Kovk Ajdovščina
kovkfly@gmail.com
Urban Purkat
Contacts
Upcoming events
Sponsors
