thermals flight
Your safety briefing is given in French or simple English.
Discover Paragliding on a Thermals Flight: 35 to 40 Minutes of Sensations and Escape
Thermals Paragliding Flight in Serre Chevalier: Explore the Valley and Gain Height!
Enjoy 35 to 40 minutes of pure emotion on a thermals flight. This flight is part of our tandem paragliding flights, open to everyone, and it is made for those who dream of freedom, sensations and spectacular views. Share an unforgettable airborne adventure with us in the heart of the Alps.
We meet you in Saint-Chaffrey, a stone’s throw from the landing area. Then it’s off to the Col du Granon by 4×4! This exceptional take-off site offers a superb panoramic view of the Serre Chevalier valley. Once there, we explain the safety instructions and get everything ready for take-off.
A few steps are all it takes to fly. Carried by the thermals, you quickly and gently gain height.
How do we use thermals?
Thermals are columns of warm air rising from the ground. In flight, we find them through experience, by reading the movement of the air and sometimes by spotting birds. Once inside, we fly in circles (called “thermal turns”) to stay in the column of warm air and gain altitude, much like birds of prey. This play with the elements makes every flight unique and keeps you in the air for longer.
If you like, you can even take the controls and get your first taste of piloting a paraglider.
The landing is very gentle, with simple instructions so you can arrive with confidence: standing or sliding, depending on the conditions.
In short, this thermals flight offers total immersion in the world of free flight: a wonderful opportunity to discover or rediscover the region from the sky, between grand scenery and airborne emotions.
THERMALS FLiGHT DETAiLS
Duration
The flight lasts 35 to 40 minutes, but allow 1 hour 15 minutes, including the 4×4 ride up to take-off, the preparation and of course the flight itself. It is a longer experience to fully enjoy the unique sensations of flying.
who is it for?
Our adult flights are open to anyone up to 95 kg (about 209 lb). Whether you are a beginner or more experienced, this guided flight will give you an unforgettable adventure in the air.
Payment
We accept French cheques, cash and A.N.C.V. holiday vouchers. However, we do not accept cards, so most international visitors will need to bring cash in euros.
Take-off Site
Flights mainly take off from the Col du Granon. You will be told the exact meeting point the day before the flight. It is usually the Carines car park in Saint-Chaffrey, but it may change depending on the weather.
What to Wear
For comfort in the air, we recommend clothing suited to the weather, such as a sweatshirt, a windproof jacket, comfortable trousers and closed shoes. Don’t forget sunglasses to protect your eyes at altitude.
How It Works
Meet us at the time given the day before the flight. We will drive you for about 20 minutes to the take-off site. After 10 minutes of preparation and safety instructions, you will be ready for take-off. The landing is in Saint-Chaffrey, near the meeting point.
ANSWERS TO YOUR QUESTiONS
Who can go on a Thermals paragliding flight?
This flight is open to anyone weighing between 50 and 95 kg (about 110 to 209 lb). A first paragliding experience is recommended but not compulsory. You should not be prone to motion sickness in order to fully enjoy the experience. You need to be fit enough to run a few steps at take-off.
How high can I go?
Thanks to the thermals, you can reach impressive altitudes, sometimes more than 3,000 metres (about 9,840 ft) above sea level, with a spectacular view of the valley and the surrounding mountains.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Safety comes first, so flights may be postponed or cancelled if the weather conditions are not suitable. In that case, we will offer you a new date if possible.