Chamonix Paragliding – Everything You Need to Know
Paragliding through the French Alps is a dream come true for adventure sport lovers, and Chamonix is the perfect place to do it. Read on for everything you need to know before booking this experience of a lifetime.
Nestled in a valley surrounded by the French Alps on all sides, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc (Chamonix) is an exceptional place for paragliding. The mountains scale rapidly from the valley floor, which, paired with an extensive ski-season infrastructure, makes getting to a high altitude fast and easy. There are ample paragliding companies in business, which makes it possible to book a session even at the last minute. And, best of all, it is absolutely, jaw-droppingly, stunningly beautiful. Whether in the clear blue skies and warm weather of the summer or in winter temps that feel no colder than skiing, you’ll be treated with 360º views of the mountains all the way down. Plus, paragliding was invented in the French Alps in Mieussy, France, just an hour from Chamonix, so where better to enjoy this experience!
In this post, we’ll share our experience paragliding in Chamonix, giving you all the tips and tricks we learned along the way to ensure that your Chamonix paragliding experience goes off without a hitch. Looking for more help planning your trip to Chamonix? Check out our post The Top Things to Do in Chamonix in the Summer.
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Who Can Paraglide, and Is It Safe?
Who can paraglide? Pretty much anyone! From children to the elderly, paragliding is something nearly everybody can do. It’s a low-impact activity that requires almost no physical fitness – you just need to be able to run up to 30 m (90 ft) for takeoff. Chamonix paragliding companies typically allow children as young as 4 or 5 to fly, as well as elderly up to 95 or even 99 years old. Weight limitations can be a factor, so it’s best to check with your provider directly, but most can accommodate up to 90-120 kg (~200-265 lbs), as long as you can fit in the harness. On the other hand, kids should weigh at least 25 kg (55 lbs) and will need to fly in the mornings, when conditions are calmer.
Although it may seem scary at first glance, it’s actually very safe. And with an incredibly easy takeoff and gentle descent, even those (like us) with a fear of heights don’t need to worry. Before being able to take passengers on tandem flights, paragliding pilots undergo extensive training and certification, and many of them have been flying for 10 years or more. You won’t leave for your flight if weather conditions aren’t optimal, and you’ll be securely fastened in a harness with a helmet. Equipment is regularly inspected, and thorough pre-flight checks will also be performed to make sure everything is in working condition before flight. Rest assured, you’ll be as safe as can be in the hands of your instructor!
Types of Paraglides and Their Cost
There are several types of paraglides you can book in the Chamonix Valley, depending on your level of experience.
Im a Beginner or Hobbyist
For most people, you’ll be flying tandem with a pilot, as getting certified to fly solo takes several days to weeks of training. In Chamonix, there are a few typical types of tandem paraglides you can purchase:
- Introductory/Discovery Flight (~$130-$165) – this is the most popular option and includes a 15-30 min flight from either Planpraz at 2,000 m (6,562 ft) with a 1,000 m (3,281 ft) descent or Plan de l’Aiguille at 2,317 m (7,602 ft) with a 1,300 m (4,265 ft) descent.
- Freestyle/Adrenaline Flight (~$190) – this may be listed separately or offered as an upgrade to the Discovery Flight. It’s the same flight as above, but they up the ante by adding in adrenaline-pumping maneuvers like weightless dives, wingovers (a 360º flip), and spirals that can reach up to 3G of centrifugal force!
- XXL/Extra Long Flight (~$275-$290) – also launching from Planpraz or Plan de l’Aiguille, this flight takes advantage of thermals to extend your time in the air to 45-60 min. The altitude is the same, but you spend more time flying before descending.
- Aiguille du Midi (~$400) – only available in the shoulder season (February-June and September-October), this is the ultimate Chamonix paragliding experience. Depart from the Mer de Glace glacier at the Aiguille du Midi station at 3,842 m (12,605 ft) and descend for 2,840m (9,318 ft), for a total time in the air of 30-50 min.
It’s important to note that these prices do not include your lift ticket, which you’ll need to purchase separately at the cable car station or in advance. We’ve included the prices for these in the next section.
I'm a Licensed Pro
If you’re a seasoned flier and have your own certifications, you can paraglide solo from one of the many launch points in the valley (more on this below). Just make sure to check in with the local flying community for any need-to-know information, and read posted signs to make sure you’re taking off and landing in approved locations, as some flight paths are closed at certain times of the year due to weather or local wildlife needs.
Chamonix Paragliding Launch and Landing Sites
As discussed above, most tandem flights will depart from Planpraz, Plan de l’Aiguille, or Aiguille du Midi. Depending on your flight provider, you may meet at their office or at the base of the cable car station, and from there you’ll ride up together. However, especially for the licensed pros, there are several other approved launch sites in the valley, including Grand Montets, Flégère and Index, Merlet – Les Houches, Grand Prarion – Les Houches, and Prarion North Easterly. If you’re a tandem rider and interested in any of these flight paths in particular, you’ll need to seek them out with a bit more scrutiny, or inquire with your provider if they offer these routes. Solo flyers can learn more about these launch points and their designated landing points here.
One-way tickets to Planpraz cost ~$20, to Plan de l’Aiguille cost ~$24, and to Aiguille du Midi cost ~$63, with a small discount on all lines for children aged 5-14 and seniors aged 65 and older. Children under 5 years old ride free. If you’ve bought the Mont Blanc Multipass, each of these lift tickets is included – learn more about the Mont Blanc Multipass in our Chamonix city guide.
For landing, tandem riders will nearly always land in Bois du Bouchet, at the foot of Brévent. From here, it’s an easy 15-20 min walk back to downtown Chamonix. If you have happened to launch from one of the non-primary sites mentioned above, your landing site may differ – see this link for more information.
Important Tips for Booking Your Tickets
The most important thing to keep in mind when booking your Chamonix paragliding experience is that you’ll need to be flexible. Paragliding is highly dependent on the weather, and it’s very possible and even likely that you will need to reschedule your flight. As such, we encourage you to book your paraglide as early in your trip as possible so that you don’t risk missing out entirely if you run out of time.
Pro tip:Â Paraglides often need to be rescheduled due to weather, so book your experience as early in your trip as possible to allow room for flexibility.
There are several reputable companies in the valley to paraglide with, including Wing Over Chamonix (who we flew with – more on our experience below), Kailash Parapente, Ascendance Parapente, Chamonix Paragliding, Absolute Chamonix, and Air Sports Tandem Flights. Having so many companies is great news, because this will give you lots of options if you choose to wait for the right weather to book. But if booking at the last minute stresses you out, don’t worry! Just choose a company that’s highly rated (you’ll be safe with this list) and offers the flight path you want – they will gladly work with you to find a weather window that’s optimal. You can book your tickets directly with the vendors online, in person at their storefronts throughout Chamonix, or in advance on Get Your Guide or Viator.
How to Prepare for Flight - What to Wear and Bring
There are a few things you’ll want to make sure you wear or bring with you to make sure your experience is safe and enjoyable:
- Closed-toed shoes – you’ll need to run a bit to take off, and you don’t want to trip or lose a sandal along the way.
- Windbreaker – even in the summer, the wind at altitude can cut right through you. Wearing a windbreaker will make sure you stay comfortable during flight.
- Sunglasses – though I wouldn’t bring your pricey ones, just in case they fall off!
- Sunblock – you’ll be flying at a higher altitude where the UV rays are stronger, so make sure to wear protection, especially if you’re fair-skinned.
- Camera or Go Pro – this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and you won’t want to go home empty-handed. If you’re nervous of dropping your phone or want your hands free, you can also pay your pilot to take some Go Pro footage – this typically costs about $30, so make sure to bring some cash if you’re interested in this.
- Dramamine – a must for anyone who suffers from motion sickness.
Pro tip: If you’re prone to motion sickness, the most important thing to bring is Dramamine, especially if you’re interested in the Freestyle/Adrenaline Flight. While vertigo isn’t normally an issue with paragliding, motion sickness can be, and as someone who struggles with this myself, it took me a while after landing back on solid ground before my stomach settled.
What to Expect on Your Chamonix Paragliding Experience - Wing Over Chamonix Discovery Flight
We booked the Planpraz tandem flight with Wing Over Chamonix during our visit to the valley in August 2024 and had an amazing experience. We purchased our tickets at their information booth near the Aiguille du Midi cable car for 140 EUR (~$155) each. From the very beginning, their team was helpful, friendly, and communicative, checking in with us as our flight date neared to update us on the weather and send reminders about what to wear and when to arrive. Due to high winds, we did need to reschedule our flight by a few days, so we were glad we booked it early in our trip.
The Journey to Take-Off
Once our new flight date arrived, we met our flight instructors at the ticket office of the Planpraz-Brévent cable car, where we purchased our one way tickets to Planpraz for 18.5 EUR (~$20) each. They hefted their backpacks containing the paragliding equipment into the gondola and we chatted amiably during the short ride while we tried to keep our nerves at bay.
Once we reached the top, we walked about five minutes to the crest of the gentle slope from which we would take off – thankfully, for those afraid of heights, you’re not leaping off a cliff. Our pilots spent a few minutes laying out the wings and then getting us situated in our harnesses and helmets. We stood in our tandem harnesses with our pilots at our backs for a few minutes, battling our fear while the pilots waited for the right breeze. Once we got the green light, it was time to run! Strapped together like a strange, four-legged potato sack race, we each ran with our pilots as fast as our equipment would allow us down the hill. We had a couple of false starts when the wind didn’t cooperate, but by the third run we were airborne!
The Flight Experience
Lift-off was far gentler than I expected, just a gentle pressure as we settled into the seated harness. But I barely even noticed it, as I was immediately captivated by the breathtaking views. Over the next 20 minutes, we glided easily around the valley, getting to see the mountains from every angle. My pilot explained to me how the wind patterns moved through the valley and impacted the wing, and showed me how each of the handles moved the wing – and us – through the air. He even let me steer for a bit, though I was happy to pass back control and just soak in the views. Colby flew nearby, and we were able to wave to each other and snap some action shots from the air. Colby also worked with his pilot to get some incredible Go Pro footage that we purchased at the end of the flight.
Unfortunately, I did get a little motion sick, but my pilot was so kind and helpful, checking in on me and ensuring as smooth of a flight as possible. Meanwhile, Colby was enjoying a more adventurous ride as he and his pilot played around with catching the thermals and taking some tight turns. He didn’t go for the full Freestyle experience this time, but he’d definitely recommend it to any thrill-seekers taking flight in Chamonix.
Sticking the Landing
Before we knew it, we were back on solid ground with an easy and gentle landing. We disentangled from our pilots and thanked them for an amazing experience, and we were back in town again in no time. From start to finish, the whole experience took about an hour. Though we were scared going into it, we were so glad we did it, and would definitely recommend it to anyone visiting the Chamonix Valley.
Paragliding in Chamonix was one of our most memorable experiences from our first year of full-time travel. The views are unparalleled and the sensation of flying is unmatched. Don’t miss your chance to enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the Chamonix Valley from this vantage point on your next visit! We hope this guide shares everything you need to know to feel confident in booking this experience for yourself. Share your favorite memory from your own Chamonix paragliding tour below!
Wondering what else to do in Chamonix during your visit? Check out our full guide here. We’ve also got in-depth guide on visiting Aiguille du Midi, Grotte de Glace, and a mini-Tour du Mont Blanc trek.
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