Paragliding in the Chamonix valley from chamonix.net

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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.

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The Aiguille du Midi
The Midi
This is the most heavily used and common first time take-off in the Chamonix valley.
This site also has the most regular and predictable "house" thermal just out in front of the telecabine station.
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Flying with the mountains
Prarion
The launch sites at Prarion are flown infrequently.
It is partly because of the wind direction needed for launch. But when the winds are light NE, it is possible to fly above the village of Les Houches.
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The Chamonix Valley
Pas de Chevre
At 3150m (10395ft) this launch site is another Chamonix classic.
Suprisingly the Grands Montets is less frequently flown than Plan praz. Morning flights can easily produce great flying above inversion layers and summer afternoon cloudbas can rise as high as 4000m.
That is called "good flying conditions " !!!
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Plan de l'Aiguille - take off
The mid station
The Plan de l'Aiguille is the mid-station of the Aiguille du Midi.
Situated at 2310m it is in a beautiful setting high above Chamonix. Known locally for its' huge evening flights this site is usually very rewarding. Morning flights tend to be more mellow.
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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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Paragliding in the Chamonix Valley

Respect take-off sites and landing fields