Flight durations ?

Depends upon weather conditions, we aim to fly 20 mins per flight (Planpraz) – sometimes its more – sometimes its less ! I find that this is 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.

I suffer from vertigo, is it for me ?
Surprisingly, even people who feel the need to hold on tightly in the gondola feel comfortable once in the air ! Like looking out if the window of an aeroplane, one feels quite removed from the void below.

Is it scary?

Passengers usually feel quite apprehensive at the launch area and then surprised at just how easy it was to launch once airborne. The launch is a gentle run down a slight slope – not at all a plunge off a cliff ! In flight we really feel supported by the wing and comfortably seated in the harness . We can make the flight smooth and relaxing or liven it up with some aerobatics depending upon the passengers desires.

What to wear (summer) ?

Long trousers & long sleeved top, sunglasses, camera, walking boots or grippy training shoes. As we need to run across slightly uneven ground it is recommended to wear boots that offer some ankle support. By prior arrangement we may be able to lend you boots in certain sizes.

What to wear (winter) ?

Basically we fly at the same speed as a good skier so ski gear is perfect and we do not feel the cold any more than the skier! Feel free to bring a camera – the views are stunning, its best to have a retaining strap for the camera. For selected flights it is possible to launch on skis (see below). Whilst you may see some passengers launching wearing ski boots we strongly advise against this as it adversely hampers the launch & landing as you cannot flex properly & thus cannot run effectively. Certain ski rental shops may rent walking boots & with prior arrangement we may be able to lend boots for certain sizes.

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.

Can I take a camera ?

Yes, its almost a shame not to ! If the camera has a short wrist strap we can fasten it on to your harness so as to protect people below and your camera. It is preferable to take more compact cameras rather than very bulky ones. We cannot accept responsibility for your camera.

Meeting points ?

Generally the meeting point is at the foot of the ski area in front of the ticket desk. We can arrange to meet at the take off if you are skiing or sightseeing & do not wish to come down for the meeting. For skiers in the winter months, we can recommend a place to leave your ski boots, skis & poles but do not forget to take your walking shoes up the mountain in the morning!

If the weather is adverse ?

We will contact you by text message to tell you if it is not possible to fly because of bad weather. In this event the flight will be postponed or cancelled & you will be refunded immediately if you cannot postpone. If you do not receive any text message please go to the prearranged meeting point at the planned time – we will be there .We regret that we cannot refund any lift tickets that may have been used.

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.

Insurance , “my travel insurance excludes paragliding” ?

In accordance with French law all instructors hold full airsports professional liability insurance cover (FFVL instructors: 4 600 000 € – 2008, some instructors have a slightly lower liability cover). All mountain guides are UIAGM guides with appropriate professional liability insurance cover. Most instructors have a basic additional passenger medical cover.

When do I pay ?

You should be pay in cash or French cheque immediately after the flight. As the pilot may have other flights after yours he will not be able to accompany you to an ATM so please come prepared with adequate funds. Do not forget to allow for the cost of your lift ticket.

When should I book ?

Please reserve your flight at least one day in advance and avoid leaving the flight to the last day of your holiday as adverse weather would mean that we could not postpone – you are statistically far more likely to hurt yourself skiing or mountain biking than tandem paragliding!

What if I have to cancel ?

Providing that you forewarn us 24 hours in advance or that you can supply a doctors certificate we will refund you any deposit that you may have paid in advance.
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Enquiries and bookings:
Contact us by e.mail (info@fly-chamonix.com) at least the day before.
or
For same day flights: Telephone or text message: 0033 6 10 28 20 77