Paragliding

The stunning mountain landscapes you see while skiing invite you to discover them from above. Fancy trying a day of paragliding? But what exactly is it?

What is paragliding?

Brief definition

Paragliding is the lightest of all gliders. It involves deploying a large wing to stay airborne as long as possible. Using warm air currents and updrafts, the higher the paraglider rises, the greater the pilot’s enjoyment.

How does that work?

The ultra-light yet durable fabric that forms the wing is attached to the pilot by lines and a harness; it is controlled by foot or hand movements. By tilting the wing inward or outward, the pilot can navigate air currents and delay their descent. No prior experience is needed for a first tandem paragliding flight. Anyone in normal physical condition—whether skiing, snowboarding, or walking—can try it. The first flight follows a brief training covering flight techniques, landing, and how to use the controls. Many introductory flights are done in tandem with a guide who manages the equipment while the pilot enjoys the sensations and the views.

Do you love being carried by the air? Try being carried by the water with ice floating—a unique activity where you immerse yourself in icy water for ultimate relaxation.

Experience the thrill of paragliding on your ski holiday!

The speed riding

A direct offshoot of paragliding during the winter sports season is speed riding. The concept is simple: wearing skis or a snowboard, you race down off-piste slopes while using a paraglider. The goal is to go as fast as possible without actually taking off from the ground. Unlike regular paragliding, speed riding is a high-risk sport reserved for those who are expert skiers or snowboarders. We can help you find the best places to try speed riding.

What equipment do you need for paragliding during your ski holiday?

Technical equipment

To fly safely, proper equipment is essential. When flying with a club at a ski resort, the flying gear is reliable and secure. The wing, harness, lines, tension cables, as well as safety and control devices like the altimeter, variometer, and radio, are regularly checked.

Your personal equipment

At altitude, no matter the temperature on the ground, it’s cold. The wind chill and fresh air currents mean you need to dress appropriately. When paragliding during your ski holiday, the cold, snow, and ice make this even more important. You should wear warm clothing like a fleece, an insulated, windproof jacket, and thick trousers, ideally with a nylon or silk base layer underneath, plus good gloves. Wear sturdy ankle-supporting boots for landing. For your safety, always wear a helmet and ensure you have an emergency parachute that you know how to use if needed.

Where to go paragliding on your ski holiday?

Flaine

Discover Flaine Paragliding and enjoy piloting lessons or a tandem discovery flight — the mountains await you.

Avoriaz

The Morzine Avoriaz Ski and Paragliding School welcomes you for tandem paragliding flights throughout the winter season. Soar over the wonders of the Alps, fly close to Mont Blanc, admire the Dents Blanches, and explore the Dents du Midi. The school offers beginner lessons from age 4. You can also try the thrill of speed riding with training packages and flying hours available.

Isola 2000

Nestled in the heart of Mercantour National Park, the resort offers ski paragliding days open to everyone.

Grand-Tourmalet

Soar over the Pyrenees mountain range, from La Mongie to Val d’Aziz, and be captivated by the snow-covered slopes of these stunning mountains. The resort offers a variety of one-day or multi-day packages to help you perfect your skills.

Les Karellis

At Les Karellis, you can take off from the top of the family-friendly resort and soar over the entire Maurienne valley, all the way to Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne.

Les Arcs

Take the plunge with a paragliding descent over the Vanoise massif. From age 5, experience paragliding solo or in tandem and enjoy the unique thrill of flying in a stunning setting.

Chamonix

Right in the heart of Mont Blanc, Chamonix offers a wide range of paragliding experiences. From tandem discovery flights to solo beginner lessons, plus professional courses, the Chamonix paragliding school combines flying over snow-covered slopes with speed riding for adrenaline seekers.

Le Grand-Bornand

The family-friendly resort offers discovery packages to try paragliding with your loved ones. The take-off from Mont Lachat is breathtaking. The school welcomes everyone from ages 7 to 77 and also offers ski flights and speed riding.

Valmorel

Courses, discovery sessions, and beginner lessons — the Valmorel Paragliding School offers its services throughout the winter season, letting you admire the snowy landscapes from the sky.

Les Gets

Whether tandem or solo, Les Gets offers introductory flights and beginner lessons from age 5.

If you love paragliding for its feelings of freedom and adventure, ice climbing is made for you. This activity plunges you into the same world through an ascent in a stunning setting.