The principle of paragliding
Paragliding is without a doubt the best way to discover the magnificent landscapes in the mountain that are the setting of your ski holidays. It’s about very light glider that constitutes as a big sail of fabric attached to the pilot by a system of hangers. The handles allow driving the wing inwards or outwards to use wind upwards or warm currents to get higher and to stay in the air as long as possible to profit from the beauty of the snowy summits.
For whom is this?
There are no requirements: everybody that is in a sufficient physical condition to ski can try it while paragliding. The first session it is obligatory to go with an experienced instructor who will be with you on a seat and will show you in detail how to use the handles and currents so you can go higher. This initiation has been preceded by a fast theory lesson.
Don’t confuse with speed riding
Contrary to paragliding, is speed riding reserved for experienced skiers: it’s about getting down the slopes on skis or snowboard, off-piste, equipped with a paraglide but without ever getting off the ground. It is a potentially dangerous sport, strictly reserved for skiers or snowboarders of a very good level.
Except wanting to practice with your paraglider – which may happen in some time if you take a passion for the discipline – all the equipment will be provided by the club you have contacted to accompany you. The wing as well as the security equipment (radio, variometer and altimeter) are regularly verified and very well maintained. On the other hand, you should wear very warmly because it gets even colder on altitude than on the slopes. Bet all on the polar! Opt for a polar jackets and a sports sweater and polar pants and ski underpants. Certain clubs recommend wearing a ski outfit. Don’t forget gloves, very important to manipulate the handles without getting fingers paralyzed because of the cold, sunglasses and also a helmet to not take any risks with security. Above all, choose good, high shoes to keep your feet and ankles from injuries. The school will provide you with an emergency parachute to use in case of problems.
Many resorts now have at least one club offering lessons or regular paragliding. Here you can find a small selection:
Grand Bornand
This domain made a specialty of paragliding lessons, profiting at the same time of an ideal windy situation and the presence of Maeva Giacometti, triple champion of France in the discipline.
La Clusaz
Offers a beautiful view of the village thanks to the stability of the currents. In an original way, the start and the finish are ski, but no basic level is required.
Les Arcs
You will find many schools and clubs in a very secure place to discover the heights of Bourg-Saint-Maurice.
Isola 2000
The resort has set up days of discovery of paragliding ski, open to the public, which offer participants the opportunity to fly over the beautiful park Mercantour.
Morzine-Avoriaz
The paragliding school in Morzine Avoriaz proposes lessons from 4 years and adults have the possibility to fly near the Mont Blanc, the Dents Blanches or de Dents du Midi.
Chamonix
The paragliding school of Chamonix in the heart of Mont Blanc, proposes initiations to fly over the slopes.
Flaine
Flaine offers also beautiful flying possibilities thanks to its snows and orientation.
Estables
For those who want to get out of the Alps there is Estables in Massif Central which offers paragliding on skis.
Grand Tourmalet
Also in the Pyrenees, you can discover the mountain in this resort that offers passes of one or more days for those who want to prolong this experience.
Ax 3 domaines
This one is also in the Pyrenees, it organizes each morning paragliding on skis.
