Paragliding in the Chamonix valley is an unforgettable experience, summer or winter. Imagine hovering above the well-known glaciers of Chamonix at an insane altitude, soaring over iconic peaks. We help you dive into this world of weightlessness.
Paragliding translates to parapente in French, so when you are here, look out for the parapente signs to help you book. But we recommend booking early, as the parapente companies fill up quickly.
And, as the adventurer you are, you will enjoy this experience!
Here’s a complete guide to help you get started safely in paragliding in Chamonix so you can see those stunning views. Find our insider tips (yup, we’ve done it), and direct links to top schools and courses.
Why Chamonix is a Paragliding Paradise
Paragliding in the Chamonix mountain range is a serene yet thrilling experience, beginning with a smooth take-off from scenic alpine slopes such as Planpraz, Plan de l’Aiguille, or Col de Balme, where the pilot effortlessly guides the glider into the air.
Once airborne, passengers enjoy panoramic views of the Mont Blanc range and the Chamonix valley before descending gently to land in vast grassy fields such as the Bois du Bouchet. Both take-off and landing are calm, controlled, and led by an expert pilot, making mountain paragliding in Chamonix a safe, unforgettable way to experience the Alps from above.
Chamonix is legendary in the free-flight community. Nestled around the Mont‑Blanc massif, it offers strong thermals, reliable valley winds, and launch sites at various altitudes, from Brevent at 2,000 m to Aiguille du Midi at 3,800 m.
Local flight experts say the valley’s natural lift makes “Chamonix valley one of the best flying areas in the world”.
Every takeoff spot—from mid‑valley slopes to glaciers—offers a unique aerial playground.
Tandem Paragliding Chamonix
For someone who comes to Chamonix on holiday, a Tandem flight are the ideal entry point: no experience needed, fully guided by a qualified instructor, letting you feel what real flight is like.
What is Tandem Paragliding?
Tandem paragliding is a way to fly with a qualified pilot in a special two-person paraglider. The passenger is safely harnessed in front of the pilot, who manages everything, including flying and landing.
You, as the passenger, can relax and enjoy the view, and if you want, can sometimes take control for a short time during the flight.
What is Tandem Paragliding Like in Chamonix?
You would take off from a mountain (usually Planpraz or Plan de l’Aiguille) with breathtaking views of Mont Blanc, Aiguille du Midi, and the Chamonix valley.
Flights typically last 15 to 30 minutes, depending on conditions.
You’ll glide silently above forests, glaciers, and alpine meadows — an unforgettable way to see the Alps.
The landing is smooth, usually in the Bois du Bouchet landing field near Chamonix town.
Your Paragliding Pilot in Chamonix
Tandem pilots are fully certified by the French Free Flight Federation (FFVL). They handle everything: weather checks, safety briefings, and flight control. Before take-off, they’ll give you a short run-through as you usually take a few steps or a brief run down a slope to lift off gently.
What to Bring on Your Paragliding Experience
Warm layers because temperatures drop quickly at altitude. If you are paragliding in the winter, your winter ski outfit will be perfect.
- Sunglasses and gloves
- Sturdy shoes or light boots
- Camera or GoPro (some pilots offer in-flight photos/videos)
Typical Tandem Paragliding Prices in Chamonix
A paragliding experience averages at around €120–€180 for a standard tandem flight (Planpraz).
High-altitude or longer thermal flights, such as those from Aiguille du Midi or Grands Montets, are more like €200-€300.
Remember that video and photo packages are usually an additional €20–€30.
Tandem Paragliding Chamonix Companies with Prices
Please remember that you need to purchase lift tickets separately; lift passes are not included in the flight price.
Air Sports Chamonix
Air Sports Chamonix provides year-round tandem paragliding flights in the Mont Blanc valley with qualified instructors, offering everything from introductory “discovery” flights to sensation/acro style flights and high-altitude launches up to 3,800 m from the summit of the Aiguille du Midi.
The school highlights safety, professional guidance, and the dramatic alpine setting as key parts of the experience.
Tandem flights are offered for ages 7 to 77, launching from Brevent or Plan de l’Aiguille. Each flight includes a short run, comfortable soaring, landing, and the chance to take control in mid-air. Flights are available year-round.
Chamonix Parapente (Chamonix Hand-gliding School)
The Chamonix Paragliding School offers tandem paragliding flights for all ages and occasions — whether it’s a first flight, a gift, or simply for the thrill of it. Each flight is tailored to suit the best weather and flying conditions for a safe and memorable experience.
They offer several take-off options around Chamonix:
- Planpraz (2000 m) – Ideal for beginners, with smooth take-off.
- Children: €120
- Adults (15+): €150
- Long duration: €280
- Thrill flight: €170
- Aiguille du Midi (3800 m) – the highest-altitude flight, offering spectacular views: €380.
- Plan de l’Aiguille (2300 m) – mid-altitude adventure: €170.
- Grands Montets (3100 m) – on request.
The school operates daily (8.00 – 19.00) and is based in central Chamonix at 11 Avenue du Savoy.
Wingover Tandem Parapente
The tandem paragliding options offered by Wing Over Chamonix in the Chamonix Valley for different experience levels:
A classic flight from the 2,000 m take-off at Planpraz (above Chamonix) lasts about 15-30 minutes and costs around €130.
A flight from the “Plan de l’Aiguille” launch (about 2,317 m altitude) takes you over the Glacier des Bossons and beneath impressive peaks. The flight time is also 15-30 minutes, starting at around €150.
They offer extra-long flights lasting 45-60 minutes for €280 and more advanced high-altitude flights for experienced paragliders, such as those from Aiguille du Midi at 3,842 m, starting at €390.
They note that flights are available for a wide age range (from 4 to 99 years old for many flights). Safety is essential, with qualified pilots ensuring a safe experience. You can enjoy spectacular views of the Mont Blanc massif.
Kailash Tandem Parapente
Experience accessible tandem paragliding flights suitable for all ages! We primarily launch from the Planpraz/Brévent area at an altitude of 2,050 meters, with flights lasting between 20 to 30 minutes. Prices start at €140.
For those seeking a longer flight, we offer a 30-minute option for €180. Additionally, we have higher-altitude flights available during specific seasons, launching from the mid-station of the Aiguille du Midi lift at 2,318 meters, offering breathtaking glacier views, priced at €150.
All flights come with a qualified instructor, safety equipment, and insurance. An optional photo and video service is available for €30.
Evolution 2 Tandem Paragliding
Experience the thrill of paragliding in Chamonix, where you can soar above the stunning Chamonix Valley and enjoy breathtaking views of Mont-Blanc. You’ll embark on an unforgettable tandem flight with professional pilots, choosing from two take-off locations depending on the weather.
The first option is from Planpraz in the Brévent mountain range, offering a 20-minute flight with a 1,000 metre height difference, departing from the Planpraz cable car base.
The second option is from Plan de l’Aiguille (not available in July and August), featuring a similar 20-minute flight but with a height difference of 1300 metres, meeting at the Aiguille du Midi cable car base.
Evolution 2 offers several flight packages:
Discovery flights from Planpraz for €140 (20–30 minutes)
XL 30-minute flights for €180
Glacier and Aiguille-based flights range from €150 to €180.
Paragliding Take-off and Landing Spots, Chamonix
For your information, here are the take-off and landing spots for paragliding in Chamonix, so you can make an informed choice of where you would like to go and who to choose to take you or train you in paragliding.
There are several official take-off sites (décollages) in and around the valley, each offering a different perspective of Mont Blanc and the surrounding peaks.
Here’s a breakdown of the main paragliding take-off spots in Chamonix:
Planpraz (Brevent area)
- Altitude: 2,000 m
- Access: By the Planpraz cable car from Chamonix centre.
- Flight direction: South / South-West.
- Landing: Official landing field in Bois du Bouchet (near the sports centre, north of Chamonix).
- Highlights: The most popular and classic take-off in Chamonix — perfect views of Mont Blanc, Aiguille du Midi, and the Chamonix valley.
Aiguille du Midi
Altitude: 3,842 m
Access: Via the Aiguille du Midi cable car (2-stage lift).
Flight direction: Variable; often East or South-East.
Landing: Bois du Bouchet or Les Bois.
Highlights: One of the highest legal take-offs in Europe — launching among glaciers and 4,000 m peaks.
Note: For experienced pilots only; high altitude, thin air, and technical take-off on snow/ice.
Plan de l’Aiguille
Altitude: 2,200 m
Access: Mid-station of the Aiguille du Midi cable car.
Flight direction: South / South-East.
Landing: Bois du Bouchet.
Highlights: Offers a stunning flight right above Chamonix with close views of the Glacier des Bossons.
Les Grands Montets (Argentière)
Altitude: ~3,300 m (top station)
Access: Grands Montets lift system (partially rebuilt after the 2018 fire).
Flight direction: South / South-West.
Landing: Near Argentière village.
Highlights: Wild alpine panorama — glacier scenery and views of the Aiguille Verte.
Note: For advanced pilots, due to the high altitude and glacier take-off zone.
Le Tour / Col de Balme
Altitude: 2,200 m
Access: Charamillon or Col de Balme lifts (from Le Tour village).
Flight direction: South / South-West.
Landing: Le Tour or Vallorcine.
Highlights: Gentle take-off and excellent thermals — perfect for beginners and tandem flights.
Plaine Joux (Passy)
Altitude: 1,350 m
Access: Road from Servoz (~25 minutes from Chamonix).
Flight direction: South / South-West.
Landing: Chedde (Passy valley).
Highlights: More stable weather and reliable take-off when Chamonix valley winds are too strong.
Note: Very popular with schools and tandem companies — fantastic view of Mont Blanc across the valley.
Official Paragliding Landing Zones in the Chamonix Valley
When a member of your group or family goes paragliding, it’s an exhilarating moment when they land, filled with excitement and joy.
The paragliding company will inform you of the landing location, but here are some of the most likely places where they may land.
There are three official paragliding landing zones in the Chamonix valley:
Bois du Bouchet (on Google Maps)
The main landing site in Chamonix – a well-signposted, grassy area near the sports centre.
Les Bois (on Google Maps)
Secondary landing zone north of town, used in some conditions.
Vallon de l’Arve / Argentière (on Google Maps)
Used for flights from Grands Montets or Le Tour.
We hope you enjoy your tandem paragliding experience in Chamonix as much as we did. Let’s also look at learning to paraglide in the area.
Learn to Paraglide in Chamonix
So, you feel ready to take control of your own paraglider?
Learning to paraglide in Chamonix is more than just an activity; it’s a life-changing experience.
Join guided introductory flights, hands-on courses, and stunning alpine flights from Brevent to Aiguille du Midi. You will conquer heights and gain confidence while soaring through the skies with stunning views of the Chamonix valley.
Before diving into paragliding courses, we recommend trying a tandem paragliding flight with one of the companies we mentioned above.
Once you’re ready, choose a course that fits your pace, pack the necessary gear, connect with new friends, and follow the thermals upwards.
May your first take-off feel like freedom, and may your first solo glide become the start of a lifelong journey through the alpine skies!
Air Sports Chamonix Paragliding Courses
Air Sports Chamonix offers a 5-day initiation course designed for those looking to fly solo after 3-4 days. This course covers take-offs, flight planning, safe landings, and theoretical knowledge. Gear and local transport are included, while cable car tickets and meals are extra.
Chamonix Parapente (Chamonix Hand-gliding School)
Chamonix Paragliding School offers a full range of courses and paragliding trips for all levels — from complete beginners to advanced pilots — as well as travel experiences abroad.
Training options include:
Beginners Group Course – 5 days, €165/day, leading to your first solo flight.
One-to-One Basic Tuition – 4 days, €400/day for personal instruction.
Freedom Day Pass – 1-day intensive practice, €165.
Intermediate Course – 5 days, €165/day, focusing on using thermals.
Cross Course – 2–5 days, from €110/day, for long-distance flying.
High-Altitude Flight – 1 day, from €120/person, launching from higher elevations.
Hike & Fly – 1 day, €130/day, combining mountain hiking with flight.
Chamonix Parapente also organises paragliding travel adventures in Spain (Andalusia) – 8 days of flying, culture, and tapas- and in Morocco, where 8 days are spent exploring the mountain and desert skies.
Wingover Paragliding Coaching
The Wing Over Chamonix “Flight Improvement for Cross Country in Tandem Flight” is an advanced educational paragliding experience designed to help pilots understand thermals, air positioning, and cross-country techniques.
Participants fly in a two-seater (tandem) configuration with an experienced instructor who provides in-flight coaching and a post-flight debriefing. Together, you assess the day’s weather and aerology, set realistic flight objectives, and review GPS tracks afterwards to identify strengths and areas for improvement.
2-hour coaching flight – €390
Full-day cross-country experience – price on request (examples: Chamonix–Annecy round trip, Mont Blanc tour, or flights over Switzerland’s glaciers). All equipment and a GoPro video are included, along with detailed post-flight analysis. The meeting point is Skiset Wingover, 451 Avenue de l’Aiguille du Midi, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc.
Kailash Beginner Paragliding Courses
The Kailash Parapente Beginner Course in Chamonix is a five-day introduction to paragliding, designed to take students from learning the basics on the ground to completing their first solo flights.
Learn to take off, fly, and land safely with full instructor guidance.
Structure of the Paragliding Course with Kailash
Day 1: Intro to equipment, ground handling on the training hill, theory on flight mechanics.
Day 2: Practice take-offs and landings, theory on flight planning and approach.
Day 3: Educational tandem flight, final slope training, and weather theory.
Day 4: First solo flights, theory on air regulations.
Day 5: More flights, final debrief, and progression planning.
Paragliding Course Details
Supervision: Two certified instructors per group (max 6 people).
Equipment: All modern paragliding gear included (EN-A glider, harness, rescue, radio, helmet).
Transport: Shuttle service to training and flight sites.
Cost: €700 per person or €140/day.
Extras: FFVL insurance and ski lift tickets not included.
Flexibility: Custom weekend sessions available for those with limited time.
Most courses are conducted from Monday to Friday, with small groups led by certified instructors.
All necessary equipment is provided, and clear progression milestones will help you track your development.
Please ensure you wear suitable gear, including boots and windproof layers. After 3 to 5 days, you will be able to glide independently in calm conditions.
Paragliding in Chamonix: Progression
When you are flying comfortably in calm or easy thermal conditions, it’s time to improve your skills with progression and cross-country courses.
Air Sports offers 5-day progression programs for €749, or €189 per day. These programs help you refine your inflation techniques, piloting skills, and solo flights. You will also learn how to use instruments and land more precisely.
Chamonix Parapente offers cross-country training for €110-€130 per day. Their Level 1 to Level 3 courses run from April to July. This training focuses on reading the weather, using thermals, planning flights, and developing tactics.
These courses are important for pilots who want to gain control and challenge themselves beyond the valley. You will learn how to use thermals, understand wind patterns, and navigate longer flights.
Chamonix High-Alpine & Thermal Flying
Grands Montets & Aiguille du Midi offer incredible launches above glaciers and towering mountain walls. Chamonix Sport Aventure offers half-day programs featuring 30–60-minute flights over the Mer de Glace or the Vallée Blanche, priced from €260 to €380.
Alpwind School emphasises eco-friendly hike-and-fly adventures and bivouac flying, focusing on light, minimal-transport mountain flights.
High-altitude flights require robust gear, such as mountaineering boots and warm clothing, and often involve glacier hiking. However, the rewards are unmatched, including flight times of up to one hour and stunning views across the Alps.
Gear for Paragliding in Chamonix
Equipment is often included in courses, but investing in your own gear sooner can be beneficial.
AirSports operates a shop in Chamonix called Paragliding Pro Shop, which sells paragliders, harnesses, reserve chutes, and instruments. Instructors are available to provide advice on gear purchases.
Be sure to wear high-ankle hiking shoes, a windbreaker, gloves, and a helmet (which is usually provided). If you want footage of your experience, you can rent a GoPro for an additional €30.
Here are the main types of paragliding equipment available from Parapente Pro Shop:
Paragliders (wings): These include beginner (EN-A), progression (EN-B), performance (EN-C), light/hike-&-fly, tandem and second-hand models, suited to various pilot levels.
Harnesses (sellettes): Offering beginner comfort models, progression/advanced versions, ultra-light string harnesses, reversible travel models, tandem-specific harnesses.
Reserve parachutes (“rescue”): Emergency back-up parachutes available in classic, steerable, lightweight and tandem-specific versions.
Tandem-specific paragliding gear: For two-person flights, the shop carries tandem wings, pilot & passenger harnesses, spreaders and reserves rated for tandem use.
Paragliding accessories & hardware: including carabiners, links, spreader bars, speed bars and foot rests, front containers, flight instruments (GPS, variometers), radios, bags, and textiles.
Complete paragliding packs: Bundled packages that combine wing, harness and reserve — designed for ready-to-fly setups at a better value and with size/config options.
Certificates and Insurance for Paragliding
In France, paragliding requires membership in the FFVL (Fédération Française de Vol Libre) and third-party insurance coverage. A full pilot license is not necessary.
Paragliding Community in Chamonix
The paragliding community in Chamonix is friendly and welcoming. With stunning views of Mont Blanc and great flying spots like Planpraz, Plan de l’Aiguille, and Les Grands Montets, it attracts pilots from around the world, from beginners to experienced flyers. The community is special because everyone shares a love for flying. Pilots meet early in the morning to check the weather, discuss flight plans, and go up the lifts together. After flying, you can often find them relaxing in cafés in Chamonix Sud or at landing fields, sharing stories and tips.
To connect with local pilots, head to the landing zone at Bois du Bouchet. It’s a social hub where paragliders pack up, talk about flying conditions, and plan the next day’s flights. Don’t be shy to start a conversation — everyone is friendly, speaks different languages, and is eager to help visitors. Asking about launch sites, thermal conditions, or where to rent equipment can lead to great discussions.
You can also meet people through local paragliding schools and clubs, such as Kailash Parapente, Wing Over Chamonix, Air Sports Chamonix, or Chamonix Paragliding School.
Groups often organise flights, workshops, or debriefs, which are great opportunities to socialise. If you’re staying longer, consider joining the Club de Vol Libre de Chamonix (CVLC) to connect with more pilots and access club briefings.
Online, the community stays active on Facebook groups, WhatsApp chats, and local forums. Pilots share weather updates, organise rides, or post flight photos. Searching for “Parapente Chamonix” or “Chamonix Paragliding” will help you find several active groups.
Whether you need flying advice or just want to meet others who love the skies, the Chamonix paragliding community is open and ready to welcome new flyers.
Where to Stay When Paragliding in Chamonix
Chamonix Holidays is the perfect base for paragliding enthusiasts visiting the Chamonix Valley. Whether you’re planning your first tandem flight or you’re an experienced pilot chasing thermals around Mont Blanc, Chamonix Holidays offers the ideal blend of comfort, location, and local expertise.
Our chalets and apartments are strategically located near the main paragliding take-off points such as Planpraz, Plan de l’Aiguille, and Les Grands Montets, making early starts and spontaneous flight days easy. Many properties feature panoramic views of the valley and the launch sites, so you can watch pilots soaring above the peaks right from your balcony.
Founded and run by mountain sports lovers who have lived in Chamonix for decades, we know the valley’s flying conditions, schools, and guides inside out. We’re always happy to recommend trusted paragliding schools and instructors for both tandem flights and training courses, as well as the best après-flight spots to relax after your adventure.
With fully equipped kitchens, hot tubs, secure gear storage, and easy access to the Aiguille du Midi, Brévent, and Flégère lift systems, our accommodation is designed for active travellers.
Whether you come for a thrilling tandem experience, a week-long course, or a cross-country flying holiday, Chamonix Holidays provides everything you need to make the most of your time in the air and on the ground.
Best Time to Paraglide in Chamonix
Optimal flying conditions are found from March to October, spring and summer provide strong thermals, while cooler crests aid in launching. High-altitude spots are accessible, but June to September is the peak season.
Remember to book in advance, as paragliding courses fill up quickly.
Paragliding Safety & Final Advice
Paragliding involves certain risks, but proper training can greatly reduce them. In France, the fatality rate for paragliding is approximately 0.02% over a 21-day period.
It’s crucial to use appropriate equipment, including a helmet and a reserve parachute, and to have a coach while maintaining a risk-aware attitude.
Don’t hesitate to progress in your skills: practice inflation and landings in calm weather before attempting higher altitudes.
