Originally Posted by
Jan Olieslagers
@FullWings: thanks, that confirms my (non-flying) experience of the Po valley often being foggy. Would the climatic barrier be less pronounced when entering Italy from the North, from Switzerland or Austria?
It's not usually foggy in summer but I can confirm the marked discontinuity in weather, especially in summer:
Stable, murky air in Italy (stable until/unless thunderstorms arise) with low base cumuli and clear weather (with beautiful thermals) on the French side.
Not usually in issue for powered planes, guaranteed outlanding for gliders
Will be an issue with southern winds due to the Stau/Fohn.
With a glider the preferred route would be via the Montgenèvre pass.
Watch out for natural reserves.