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 paragliding!

Paragliding has been established in this area since the late 80's and the many local sites have easy access either by road, (4X4) or cable car! The area is massive and the well organised flying sites all have wind socks and information boards.

There are a number of launch sites ranging from 700 - 3700m above the valley floor and from January to October 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! The daily thermic flying window especially in spring and summer is long, and unlike ridge flying we don't have to wait for the wind to be just right before launching. Thermals start to rise as soon as the sun heats the valley and continue until sunset allowing long flights.

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 by road or 4x4. These purely thermic sites 750m, 1050m and 1250m above the valley floor cover most eventualities as regards to thermic and wind conditions. The bonus: in the heart of the valley there are three landing sites!

Close by is Chamonix 'PlanPraz' accessible only by 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! The adjacent site of 'La Flegere' will be open during the summer.

Also found in Chamonix Valley and accessible only by cable car are 'Les Grands Montets' launch site 3200m asl and the famous 'Aiguille du Midi' launch sites at 3700m asl. Flights from both these sites are absolutely spectacular!

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. For details of these and others please see the 'Sites Guide' on this website.

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

  Glider Rentals.. 

We have paragliders for rent to qualified and experienced pilots!

Gliders are supplied with harness, reserve parachute, vario and helmet if required.

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.