Suitability – confident paragliding Club Pilot or confident XC pilot, capable of flying in thermic conditions.
Also – all qualified speed flying pilots! The conditions are normally ideal for speed flying descents in the mornings, followed by paragliding or other activities later in the day.
THE LOCATION
The French Alps are the perfect playground for all types of adventurous pursuits – including speed flying. All the popular flying sites are served with efficient lift systems or there is opportunity for ‘hike and fly’. This year we will be based in Grand Bornand.
THE FLYING
Le Grand Bornand is a world class speed flying site. It offers a huge top to bottom descent into a large landing field and is served by a cable car for repeat flights. There are also many paragliding sites in the local area, including the famous Annecy, Chamonix and Samoens. Typically the group will speed fly in the morning (whilst conditions are benign) and paraglide or mountain bike, kayak, hike or sightsee etc in the afternoon. We may also visit Morzine for the challenge of a different speed flying area.
LOCAL FEES AND RULES
There may be some small fees to pay to the local club to fly (not included in the trip price), but generally sites are free to use for qualified pilots. Lift passes to takeoff, or for other activities are not included in the package. Multi- day passes can be obtained and some options cover mountain bike transfer up the hill (there are hundreds of kilometres of marked downhill tracks). Mountain bikes and equipment can be rented locally.
Expert speed flying coaching and paragliding guiding will be provided throughout the week. Transport will be provided to shuttle the group to the flying area and some XC retrieves will be available. The group will move on to other activity areas when conditions dictate. Speed flying generally only takes place from when the cable car opens at 0900 until late morning as the thermals build and the valley breeze kicks in.
ACCOMMODATION
We will be based in a clean and bright apartment near the flying area (currently for 2022 provisionally booked in Le Grand Bornand). Accommodation will be on a ‘self catering’ basis. Clients can make their own meals in the apartment or eat out in one of the many excellent restaurants nearby. Usually groups put a little money together to buy the basics for the week – tea / coffee / milk / cereal / plus beer and wine of course! Local supermarkets are very good and have a great range of food and drink products.
GETTING THERE
The guides usually take a minibus from the UK (via Eurotunnel) to the French Alps. There are (free!) places available on this transport, simply arrange to meet the minibus en- route and pay for one night in a budget hotel (details available on request). This is a cost effective method to travel with bulky items (paraglider / mountain bike etc) which can be taken with ease. Be prepared for a journey time of about a day and a half. Alternatively, clients can fly to Geneva airport and will be collected in the group minibus on arrival.
