A mountain activity with thrilling sensations
It appeared in the early 2000s, speed riding is a mix between paragliding and ski. The principle of speed riding consists, thanks to a small surface sail, of going as fast as possible with skis. Speed riding offers sensations obtained from winter sports and paragliding. It opens the doors to the possibility of flying over the cliffs or the slopes, which would be impossible whilst skiing, and you can make all kinds of movements. Speed riding is a discipline that, thanks to its duality, has found its place within the activities in winter sport resorts.
Requirements
Speed riding, which is very technical, requires a minimum level to be able to practice it. To be able to speed ride you will need to have a minimum of level 3 from the ESF. While the required reference level is primarily for skiing, as it is essential to have excellent ski experience, no level of paragliding is required. If paragliding experiences are obviously interesting in the practice of speed riding, the handling of the sail remains quite simple.
Physical conditions
You should know that speed riding requires a good physical shape. Mastering gliding on high speed demands being in shape. For practicing speed riding in all serenity it is advised to visit a school to know the basics as well as the different security instructions.
A pair of skis
For practicing speed riding a pair of normal skis are convenient. Speed riding does not require a specific ski model. Being able to slide on the snow is enough.
A paragliding wing and a harness
The paragliding wing has a surface between 8 and 14 m2, the smallest they use in paragliding. It permits speed riders to win speed and profit from the gravity to fly over certain obstacles. According to the level of the speed riders, the surface of the wing can change.
Equipment for protection
Speed sport obliges that it is indispensable to have adequate equipment for protection. Wearing a helmet and a mask is a must. There are also back protections.
Valfrejus
At the same time authentic because of its architecture and modern because of its lifts, Valfrejus shows itself to be very harmonious. Seeing that she was the first resort to have its school for speed riding, she is considered a historic resort for speed riding. The place for speed riders to come together, Valfrejus represents thanks to its instructors’ experience, the best destination to practice and learn speed riding.
Les Arcs
Les Arcs resort with its 5 sites, is among the resorts that gives the opportunity to try speed riding. Having won its noble letters of which concern the practice of the discipline, Les Arcs has a speed riding school to learn the basics and to start practicing the discipline in the best conditions.
Val d’Isere/Tignes
With the Seven Speed Riding, which is a school for the discipline, those that wish to discover and practice the sport can do this in Val d’Isere and in Tignes.
Chamonix/Mont Blanc
The ski domain of Chamonix/Mont Blanc are particularly liked by freestyle speed riding lovers.
Valloire/Valmeinier
These resorts can be found in the Savoy department and have the Envergure school for those who want to learn speed riding.
Les 2 Alpes
The resort of Les 2 Alpes is situated in Oisans in the Ecrins massif. It also offers courses speed riding in the school Air 2 Alpes.
La Plagne
Resort of the Tarentaise valley, La Plagne has a quality ski domain. Followers of speed riding are not forgotten because the resort has many spots dedicated to this. And, the resort also has a school l’Aeroplagne, for teaching this discipline.
Morzine
This resort has places where you can discover speed riding, Morzine gives the opportunity to skiers to discover the discipline and to practice with a professor.
Le Grand Bornard
Within this resort, speed riding is a trend that attract more and more skiers. Thanks to its secured terrains can speed riders practice this sport in all tranquility.
Praz-sur-Arly
Situated in Haute-Savoie in the Val d’Arly, the resort displays an atmosphere very mountainous and authentic. The resort has a ski school that teaches the basics of speed riding.
