If you’ve never tried paragliding before (…..or maybe you’re not entirely sure what it is!) then you would be hard pushed to find a more spectacular backdrop to launch yourself into it, than in Chamonix. A veritable paradise for outdoor sports enthusiasts, Chamonix first began to feature on the paragliding map in the mid to late 80’s when flying clubs began to appear across the Mont Blanc region. Known as “parapenting” in France, today there are a great number of clubs and organisations in the area whose sole purpose is to get you flying. So, if it is something that you have always fancied trying, or if you would just like to know a bit more about what it involves and who can do it...
Videos from Chamonix - Paragliding in the Chamonix Valley
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Flying like a bird. It’s one of those things that almost everyone has wished for but unless you were born in a nest it is unlikely that you will ever beat gravity. Unless, you go paragliding! The views of the Chamonix Valley are even more beautiful from the air and with a number of reputable paragliding schools in Chamonix you could be soaring above the peaks tomorrow. Paragliding is open to all ages and you don't need to be physically fit to fly. A few short steps at take-off and landing and the rest is simply sitting in the harness and enjoying the ride. See Paragliding Schools in Chamonix for more details.
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What is paragliding?
Paragliding in Chamonix
Often described as the "purest and simplest form of aviation", stemming from man’s long term ambition to be able to fly, others simply call it "a pure joy"! Either way, it is currently one of the fastest growing air sports in the world with much of its attraction being in the portability of the equipment; a canopy that weighs relatively little, fits in a rucksack & can be taken all over the world!
Flights can be undertaken solo (but only with prior training from a qualified instructor) or in tandem with a qualified paragliding pilot, therefore opening up the experience to pretty much anyone. Pilots (and passengers!) wear a comfortable “seated” harness that is securely attached to the paraglider (and also to each other, with the pilot behind in the case of tandem flights). The paraglider itself is laid out flat on the ground of the take-off area and the pilot then fully inflates the wing by moving forward when a gentle gust of wind blows. Once inflated, both pilot and passenger run forward a few steps on a downward incline and, with a little manoeuvre from the pilot, you’re airborne!
The science...
So how do they stay up there?
Aerofoil shape
Paragliders originally developed from parachuting canopies, although it soon became apparent that the two required very different design criteria. Whilst a parachute has to withstand the incredible stresses of opening in free-fall and enable the pilot to descend at a fairly rapid rate; a paraglider is fully inflated before take-off, launched from the ground and requires a good gliding performance and a slow rate of descent. Once this realisation was made, paragliders began to take on more of the design features of the hang glider with a high-lift aerofoil shape and long slender wings.
Now for the science bit……when a paraglider is fully inflated it forms a solid “wing” which creates lift in the same way as that of a conventional aircraft. In order to fly it must create enough lift to carry its own weight and that of the pilot and any passengers, and it achieves this with “gliding flight”. This means that the wing is constantly flying forwards and downwards through the air and in doing so provides a flow over the aerofoil section.
The pilot controls the wing with a series of suspension lines that are thin, but very strong, in order to minimise drag and weight. These lines converge into “risers” (usually 25mm webbing straps) that are attached to the harness and spread the weight load evenly over the wing. They also provide the pilot with a convenient single point to hold when launching, and channel the control lines down to the pilots’ hands so that he/she can steer. The controls are the equivalent of the brakes and steering wheel of a car and so by turning left and right and into and out of the wind or thermals, the pilot is able to speed up, slow down and gain or lose height. Modern paragliders are made out of super lightweight nylon meaning they can soar effortlessly through the air for hours on end in the right conditions.
Who can do it & what to wear
Flying Tandem
Pretty much anyone can paraglide from little nippers to your granny, as long as they can run approximately 10m. Flying itself does not require much physical effort, (especially if you’re the passenger!), hence why people of all ages and occupations can experience the delights of soaring above the mountain tops with only the birds for company! In Chamonix, all of the main take off areas can be accessed by one of the valley lifts, and from the top, it is usually just a short walk to the take off area.
Clothing is an important factor when flying so you want to wear something that offers a degree of protection from sun/wind/cold etc, even if the weather is hot. Long trousers, a wind proof top, sunglasses and sun cream are essentials, as are good sturdy footwear such as walking boots (with ankle support), which will reduce the chance of slipping on take off or landing.
If this is catching your interest so far, then let us explain the different flying opportunities available in the Chamonix Valley...
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