Winter paragliding in Chamonix: what to expect

Can you go paragliding in Chamonix in winter?

Yes. Tandem flights take off as soon as the lifts are open and the weather allows. You need no experience and you don't need to ski: the pilot, a state-qualified instructor, flies the wing from behind you. Lift opening dates are published each season by the Compagnie du Mont-Blanc.

For the basics (how a flight works, weight, age), read our guide Tandem paragliding in Chamonix: everything you need to know before you book.

Where do you take off for winter paragliding in Chamonix?

• Planpraz (2,050 m), on the Brévent ski area, facing Mont-Blanc. It is the most used take-off, reached by gondola from the centre of Chamonix.

• The Plan de l'Aiguille (2,300 m), above the Bossons glacier, reached by the Aiguille du Midi cable car.

You land at the Bois du Bouchet, right next to the centre of Chamonix.

What changes in flight in winter?

• Calmer air. Thermals, the columns of warm air that lift the wings, are rarer in winter. The flight is often smooth and peaceful.

• A flight of about twenty minutes. With the lift up and the preparation, allow about an hour in total.

• Superb light. The snow reflects the light: the glaciers and peaks shine beneath you.

• A valley sometimes misty in the morning. On calm days, cold air sometimes stays at the bottom of the valley with a little fog: this is a temperature inversion. The pilot simply waits for the valley to clear before taking off.

What should you wear for winter paragliding?

Dress as for a day of skiing, bearing in mind that you will sit in the wind for about twenty minutes:

• a ski jacket and ski trousers, with a technical base layer and a fleece;

• waterproof walking boots, to walk on the snow at take-off;

• warm gloves, a neck warmer and a thin hat that fits under the helmet;

• sunglasses and sun cream.

The pilot provides the helmet, the wing and the harness.

What time of day is best for winter paragliding?

Late morning and the afternoon, once the air has warmed up a little and the valley is clear. Winter days are short: suggest a time slot to the pilot, then keep a little flexibility. The pilot sets the time, depending on the weather and the wind of the day.

What if the weather doesn't allow you to fly?

The pilot decides on the day. If there is strong wind, snow or low cloud, they move the flight to later in the day or offer you another day. Plan your flight early in your stay: you will have some margin to pick the most beautiful day. And if the sky stays grey, here are our ideas for things to do in Chamonix when it rains.

Fly with David on PEAKED

David was born in Chamonix and has been flying for more than 20 years. His diplomas, professional card and insurance are checked by PEAKED, and he flies in French, English and Spanish. He offers, among others, the tandem flight facing Mont-Blanc and the flight from the Plan de l'Aiguille. Message him from his profile to find out whether he flies on your dates.

All the flights offered on PEAKED are on our Paragliding page.

Key points

• Season: as soon as the lifts are open and the weather allows.

• Take-off: Planpraz (2,050 m) and the Plan de l'Aiguille (2,300 m).

• Duration: about twenty minutes in the air, about an hour in total.

• What to wear: full ski clothing, waterproof walking boots, warm gloves, a thin hat.

• Time of day: late morning and the afternoon.