The northern French Alps are home to some of the best
flying sites in Europe, and the Chamonix region towered by the famous
Mont Blanc, Europe's highest mountain, is known as the 'centre for
mountain sports' and includes Hang Gliding!
Hang
gliding has been established in this area since the late 70's and today
there are a number of local pilots that fly either flex or rigid wings.
The local sites have easy access either by road, (4X4) or cable car and
'carry ups' are unheard of! There are four launch sites 700 - 1250m
above the valley floor and from March to September we average 24 flying
days a month with thermals rising above 3500m asl. The out and returns,
triangles and open distance possibilities are almost endless!
In our local valley, close to the Lodge we have three
drive-to launch sites; 'Plaine Joux' and two other exclusive sites
that are accessible only by 4x4. These purely thermic sites 750m, 1050m
and 1250m above the valley floor cover most eventualities as regards to
thermic and wind conditions. It's possible to drive directly to the
rigging areas and the actual launch positions have been manicured for
easy launching in all conditions. The bonus: in the heart of the valley
there is a huge and unobstructed landing site!
Close by is Chamonix 'PlanPraz' accessible only be
cable car and 1050m above Chamonix town. it's one of the best cross
country starting points, especially early in the day. Unfortunately
'PlanPraz' will be closed during the summer of 2008 for refurbishment!
Just
an hour away is the beautiful lake 'Annecy': we try and visit there once
each week and not far from here there are a number of other interesting
sites. More details can be found in the 'Sites
Guide' on this website.
Dennis flies hang gliders as often as he can and
throughout the spring and summer offers either 'Refresher Tuition', for
those who may not have flown for a while, 'Thermalling
Master Class courses, or
Fly Guiding' . Details of these services
can be found on the appropriate pages.
Pilots just visiting the area and not requiring
accommodation or other services can call in for daily weather and site
information, free of charge! We have the weather updates by 09.00hrs
each day.
Tel. 0450545963 or Dennis' mobile 0610634558
The 'Alpine Flying Centre' has a small shop, some hang
gliding spares, a repair workshop and indoor glider storage for visiting
pilots.
Unfortunately we do not offer beginner training for
hang gliding, though we can make a number of recommendations here in
Europe.
Glider Rentals..
We
have hang gliders for rent to qualified and experienced pilots!
As hang gliding is a very personal sport you need to
bring your own harness and flying gear.
The rental charges are for pilots staying with us at
the lodge and using our 'fly guiding' service. The cost is made at 25
Euros per flight, plus the guiding cost of 70 Euros a day or 40 Euros
for half day.
The person renting the glider will be totally
responsible for the glider and all pieces connected, and will be liable
for all costs, parts and labour.