Parapenting in Meribel

Paragliding (Parapente in French)

From the heights of the mountain tops one can glide down to the bottom of the valley on a tandem paraglider controlled by the instructor. He manoeuvres the parachute while the passenger enjoys the ride and fantastic views. Taking off is the only scary moment; once you have been equipped with a helmet and strapped to the instructor behind you in a rather intimate way, both of you simply point your skis (or board) downhill, and carry on getting faster and faster until the parachute lifts you into the air.

An early intermediate skier can manage the take-off, but for boarders a good technical level is needed. In summer one simply runs down a slope until you take off; no particular level of fitness is required, just the ability to sit back and enjoy the view! One then peacefully glides above the pistes for ten to twenty minutes, aiming to catch thermals to keep you up for longer. Landing is very gentle and no more of an impact than jumping off a step. Top tip: go on a sunny, warm day when the thermals will keep your airborne for longer.

Who can I paraglide with in Meribel?

As mentioned earlier, there are quite a number of flight schools based in and around the area that offer tandem flights and many also run the “Learn to Fly” courses during the summer.

Paragliding/ Parapenting in Meribel

Want to fly over Meribel? Then try paragliding.

The mountains look stunning from the air and the quietest and most peaceful way to see them is on a paragliding wing. This video was shot in Chamonix in the summer but paragliding is a very popular winter sport too and it's available in nearly every ski resort in the Alps. You don't need to be very fit to try it either. If you can ski or jog for 10 meters then you can fly. Just be sure to wrap up warm!