Winter Paragliding in Les Arcs: Take Off with Your Skis On

Looking for unforgettable things to do in Les Arcs during your winter holiday? Paragliding offers a completely different way to experience the mountains. With your skis still on, you glide down a snowy slope before gently lifting into the air above Peisey-Vallandry and Les Arcs.

One moment, you are standing on the mountain surrounded by skiers. The next, the sound of the pistes disappears and you are floating above snow-covered forests, villages and Alpine peaks.

How do you take off with skis?

No previous paragliding experience is needed for a tandem flight. You are securely attached to a qualified instructor who controls the paraglider and guides you through the take-off, flight and landing.

After a short briefing, you and the pilot begin sliding down a gentle snow-covered slope. As the paraglider fills with air, you pick up speed. Your skis then leave the snow naturally and the flight begins.

There is no need to jump from the mountain. The transition from skiing to flying is smooth and often much calmer than people expect. Depending on the conditions, it may also be possible to take off with a snowboard.

Flying with experienced local instructors

YourMountainLife offers this experience through our partnership with Fly Tandem. Their team includes some of the most experienced instructors in the area.

These local pilots have known these mountains since childhood and have been flying here for many years. They understand the slopes, weather and air currents around Peisey-Vallandry and Les Arcs. Their local knowledge allows them to introduce you to this fantastic sport in a relaxed and reassuring way.

Every flight is adapted to both the weather and the passenger. You can enjoy a peaceful panoramic flight or, if conditions allow and you would like more excitement, ask the pilot for a more dynamic experience.

A different view of Les Arcs and Paradiski

Les Arcs and Peisey-Vallandry form part of Paradiski, one of the largest linked ski areas in the French Alps. From the air, you get a real sense of the scale and beauty of the landscape.

Depending on the take-off point, route and weather, you may see the pistes and forests of Peisey-Vallandry, the villages of Les Arcs, the valley towards Bourg-Saint-Maurice and the surrounding Alpine peaks. On a clear day, the views can stretch towards the Vanoise and Mont Blanc.

The exact take-off and landing locations are chosen by the instructor according to the wind, snow and flying conditions.

Peaceful or adventurous?

Paragliding might sound like an extreme activity, but a tandem flight can be remarkably peaceful. Once you are in the air, you sit comfortably in the harness and simply enjoy the silence and scenery.

For anyone looking for more adrenaline, the flight can sometimes include faster turns or acrobatic manoeuvres. This always depends on the conditions and your personal preference.

It makes paragliding suitable for many different guests, from adventurous families and groups of friends to couples looking for a memorable addition to their ski holiday in Les Arcs.

What should you wear?

Dress as you would for a normal day on the mountain. Because you move very little during the flight, it can feel colder in the air than it does on the piste.

We recommend wearing:

• Warm ski or snowboard clothing
• Gloves
• Ski goggles or sunglasses
• Warm ski socks
• Sunscreen
• Your ski or snowboard equipment for the take-off

The specialist flying equipment is provided by the instructor. You will receive information about the meeting point and preparations before your flight.

Flying depends on the weather

Paragliding is always dependent on suitable wind and weather conditions. Even on a sunny ski day, the air may not be right for flying.

It is best to plan the activity near the beginning of your stay. If your flight needs to be postponed, there may then be another opportunity later in the week.

Whether you are staying in a Chalet Les Arcs, a ski chalet in Les Arcs or a Peisey-Vallandry chalet, this experience is an unforgettable way to see the area from a new perspective.

Ready to fly?

Discover the full experience on the YourMountainLife Paragliding Adventure page. Claim your discount code and book your winter paragliding flight above Peisey-Vallandry and Les Arcs.