Fly High: Bellinzona and Its Valleys from the Sky with Lars Merstetter
Some projects are designed to tell the story of a place. Others take it one step further — lifting that story into the sky. That’s exactly what happened in our collaboration with Bellinzona e Valli Turismo and paraglider pilot Lars Merstetter, an athlete proudly supported by the destination and fresh from an incredible second-place finish at Red Bull X-Alps 2025, the world’s toughest hike & fly race.
The Project: A Story Between Earth and Sky
Our journey with Lars began before the Red Bull X-Alps, with a clear goal: to create a powerful, emotional video showcasing paragliding as one of the most spectacular and iconic outdoor experiences Bellinzona and its valleys have to offer.
Together, we crafted a story that merges the magic of flying with the authentic spirit of a destination where nature, adventure, and accessibility come together perfectly.
The Flight Locations
We filmed in two of the most iconic paragliding spots in the region:
Mornera / Monte Carasso, offering a panoramic flight over the medieval castles of Bellinzona and the surrounding plain.
Lumino / Pizzo di Claro, a more technical take-off with wild, breathtaking views across the Ticino valleys.
Two take-off points that perfectly represent the soul of Bellinzona: a place where you can literally transition from the city to the sky in just minutes, soaring over fortresses, ridge lines, and endless forests.
A Story That Took Off (Beyond Expectations)
While our video began telling the story of Bellinzona and its valleys from above, Lars was busy writing his own chapter in sports history. On his very first participation in the Red Bull X-Alps 2025, he claimed an outstanding second-place finish, holding his own against the top names in the sport.
With determination, smart strategy, and pure passion, Lars led the race for multiple stages, delivering unforgettable moments — including flying over Bellinzona, an official Turnpoint for the very first time in the competition’s history, proudly carrying the colors and values of the destination that supports him.
More Than a Video: An Invitation to Discover
This project with Lars Merstetter and Bellinzona e Valli Turismo goes far beyond a simple video production. It’s part of a bigger story — one that positions paragliding not just as a sport but as a symbol of what this region is all about: accessible adventure, authentic nature, and the freedom to explore.
The video now lives across digital campaigns, trade fairs, events, and social media — serving as an open invitation to anyone wondering what it feels like to fly above Bellinzona and its valleys.
The Best Is Yet to Come
At Unforgettable, this is exactly what we live for: creating stories that go beyond visuals. Stories that inspire, that connect people with places, and that capture the energy where sport and nature meet.
And if this was just our first flight together… we know the best is still ahead.
Client: Bellinzona e Valli
Photo: Matteo Mangano, Tom Alemanno, Niccolò Perletti
Video: Matteo Mangano
Drone: Niccolò Perletti, Tom Alemanno
Production: Tom Alemanno, Marta Negri – Unforgettable Studio