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  • Paragliding in the Chamonix Valley

    Paragliding in Chamonix
    Want to fly like a bird, rise above the mountains, soar with eagles?

    Paragliding will let you do all this. Mieusey, 50km west of Chamonix, lays claim to the birth of paragliding in 1974. The sport has grown rapidly since 1990, driven by significant developments in materials.

    Beginner wings are safe and and have astonishing performance, so new pilots can have great flights with a high level of safety. Chamonix is a wonderful place to learn the "magic" of free flight.

    Take a tandem flight with a qualified pilot or lessons with a paragliding school to experience the Alps from a different perspective.

    A reputation for strong conditions
    The spectacular Chamonix region is the "mecca" of mountain flying. Big thermals, eagles, glaciers and high peaks make the Chamonix valley one of the best flying areas in the world.

    Cool nights and hot days create large temperature gradients resulting in powerful thermals and strong valley winds. Good flying starts in March and the seasons ends in October. May and June are particularly strong months.

    For the ultimate Chamonix experience, many intrepid pilots flock towards the
    Mont Blanc 

    Local Weather Tip
    When the foehn effect is present, it's usually unsafe to fly. Watch the Chamonix.net weather for daily reports.
  • Plan PrazAiguille du MidiLes HouchesGrands MontetsPlan de l'Aiguille
    Taking off from Plan Praz
    Planpraz / Flegere
     
    Planpraz, at the midstation of Brevent, was the most heavily used and common first time take-off in the Chamonix valley because it has the most regular and predictable "house" thermal just out in front of the gondola station. But, since the Planpraz gondola is now closed for summer 2008, there will be a new site planned for the Flegere.

    More Info
  • Respect take-off sites and landing fields

    The Bois du Boucher, landing zone of Chamonix
    Bois du Bouchet: (authorised landing field but closed in winter - use the hang glider landing field 150m north east)
    GPS: N45°55'53" E006°52'43"
    Altitude: 1040m
    Clos du Savoy (forbidden in winter). Launch sites are free for all pilots -
    'Vol Libre' at its best!


    The previous Argentière landing field is closed. Please don't go there as negotiations are in process. A free guide book covering numerous sites in the Chamonix and surrounding areas (in English and French) is available from the paragliding schools.

    There are important new rules concerning the overflying of the natural parks. Please consult the guide book for details.
    Lift prices and times                                                                                                     Paragliding Books and Resources

    Links to other paragliding sites:
    www.paragliding.net                                                                                                                                 www.eyesonsky.com


     
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