What better way is there to experience the natural wonders of the Chamonix Valley than being 1,000m+ above the valley floor in a “parapente”?
“It’s the role of the pilot to understand a passengers fears, desires and motivation so as to offer the very best possible flight adapted to your requirements”.
Our flights
Planpraz (Brevent area) - 20mins 1000m vertical descent - 100 €
Le Plan de l’Aiguille -25mins 1300m vertical descent - 110 €
Les Houches Prarion (north) - 15mins 850m vertical descent - 80 €
Les Grand Montets - 30mins 2200m vertical descent - 160 €
L’Aiguille du Midi - 40mins 2550m vertical descent - 220 €
- Planpraz is the site that offers the most reliable weather conditions & thus the most likelihood of flying.
- Gift Vouchers arranged upon request.
- Groups (4 pers +) : Please contact us for customised service and rates.
- Lift tickets are not included. (10€50 adult Planpraz)
A typical tandem flight:
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Launching requires a short sustained run along a gentle slope , the wing the lifts us off the ground – there is no sensation of falling , a good launch feels similar to an airplane taking off.
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Once airborne you are comfortably seated in a harness and have your hands free to take photographs or to try your hand at piloting the wing. Perhaps surprisingly, there is a feeling of being completely supported by the wing and even sufferers of vertigo generally feel at ease: the difference of looking out of the window of an aircraft rather than standing on the edge of a cliff.
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The beauty of the Mont Blanc massif, Europe’s highest mountain offers fantastic panorama to any flight in the Chamonix Valley.
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Touchdown is generally gentle and necessitates a short run for no more than 5 metres.
Tandem Flight FAQ’s
Is it cold , what to wear?
Basically we fly at the same speed as a good skier so in the winter , ski gear is perfect and we do not feel the cold any more than the skier!
Winter: Ski gear, sunglasses (or goggles), camera, walking boots or soft snowboard boots.
Summer. long trousers , windproof top & supportive grippy footwear.
Summer, Grands Montets & Aiguille du Midi: warm clothing, gloves, boots for walking in snow.
Age limits?
No limits! Children as young as four years frequently fly but we will only accept such young children if we can see that they really do want to fly. Children generally fly in the early morning when the winds are usually light. The current age record for tandem paragliding is held by a spritely 104 year old French lady! Basically if you can manage a gentle run for around 20 meters then you are well suited to paragliding. For the less agile or heavier passengers we arrange to fly when the wind can help us a little, usually later in the morning.
Flight durations?
Depends upon weather conditions, we aim to fly 20 mins per flight for Planpraz – sometimes its more – sometimes it’s less! An ideal duration, particularly for a first flight and most passengers are so bombarded by sensations that time becomes irrelevant!
The overall activity for the Planpraz flight takes around one hour ; from meeting, riding the lift , walking to launch area, briefing, flying, packing up, returning to the bottom of the lift.
Flying at the same time as friends?
With a little prior notice we can arrange for numerous instructors so that you may fly at the same time as your friends, it’s usually possible to fly in close formation allowing for great close up in flight photos. Conversely, two friends flying separately allows one passenger to film the other take off and first part of the flight and then for the first passenger to film the second persons flight & landing.
Instructor Qualifications?
All our instructors are French Government qualified and have a minimum of five years of flying in the Chamonix valley. They speak English and look forward to sharing a special moment sharing their passion of paragliding with you. All understand your stress of making a first flight and will do their best to put you at ease and to prepare you for an experience that will bring a smile to your face for many days ahead.
