The top 10 ski resorts for microlight flying

Get ready for an adrenaline rush: admire the ski areas from the sky in a microlight. This is a ski activity you can enjoy in many resorts and is truly worth experiencing.

What is microlight flying?

Looking for a brief definition

A microlight is a small glider with an engine. You don’t need a complicated licence to fly one: the certification process is very straightforward, allowing take-off and landing outside of aerodrome runways. It’s a kind of priceless freedom!

How to do microlight flying as a ski activity?

Many clubs offer microlight flights in ski resorts or holiday villages. It’s the perfect chance to take off and discover the mountains from a new perspective. The “introductory flight” option requires no training — just sit back and enjoy the ride.

For an initiation flight, you don’t need much to get airborne. Your instructor will give you a short theory lesson on take-off, landing, and how to stay safe in the air. You’ll learn about deploying the parachute in an emergency and the different instruments on the control panel.

After a quick tour of the microlight, you’ll climb aboard with your instructor, ready for take-off. What an incredible feeling to be at the controls of such a craft!

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What equipment do you need for microflight flying at the ski resort?

From essential gear provided by the microlight school to your own personal equipment: what do you need to fly in the best possible conditions?

What do you need for microflight flying?

Rest assured you’ll fly with safe equipment. Your microlight is checked thoroughly, as the school’s reputation depends on it. Make sure your radio is working properly and that you’re equipped with a protective helmet with communication gear. You should also have a parachute that has been carefully inspected.

Your equipment

You should dress according to the season. It’s always colder in the air than on the ground. When flying a microlight at the ski resort, you need to be dressed to withstand low temperatures. Make sure to wear warm, high-top shoes, insulated trousers, and several layers on top—from a thermal base layer to a windproof jacket. Be sure your clothing allows freedom of movement. The classic aviator jacket is great because it keeps you warm while letting you stay mobile.

Microlight packages at the ski resort

Microlight schools in ski resorts offer several types of packages depending on your experience, age, and goals. For a standard introductory flight over the ski area lasting around twenty minutes, expect to pay between €60 and €100 depending on the resort. The longer the flight, the higher the price.

For an initiation flight, where you’ll take the controls, plan for about 40 minutes and around €250.

Where to practice microlight flying?

Courchevel

This popular resort offers you the chance to mix things up and discover the mountains from a new perspective. You’ll be looked after by a pilot who will let you fully enjoy the 360° views. Many routes are available depending on the weather and your preferences.

Val Thorens

At 2,500 metres altitude, you’ll be on the Moutière plateau ready to take your microlight flight. Soar over mountains and valleys in a microlight above the snow-covered slopes.

Serre-Ponçon

Give the gift of a microlight introductory flight from age 5. The resort offers several discovery routes, including flights over the frozen lake with a GoPro option — you’ll be filmed during your flight.

Valmenier

In the heart of Savoie, fly over Valmeinier up to Mont Thabor and admire the rugged mountain ranges before you. The resort also offers advanced flights if you’ve already experienced the introductory and initiation flights.

Les Menuires

From age 8, the Menuires microlight school offers flights over the Belleville valley.

Doucier

In the Jura mountains, the Alizé microlight base in Doucier invites you to explore the ski area of Les Rousses. Both introductory and advanced flights are available.

Tignes

This very family-friendly resort has developed a trendy activity in recent years: microlight flying. Many packages are available.

Val d’Isère

This large ski resort offers a wide range of winter ski activities. Explore the surroundings by powered or flexwing microlight, from age 8 upwards.

Font-Romeu

In the heart of Cerdagne, this charming family resort showcases the mountains from the sky. A flexwing microlight excursion will delight you.

Valmorel

Not only does this resort offer snow early in the season, but you can also enjoy microlight introductory flights. Take-off is right in front of Mont Blanc — an unforgettable experience!