Parapenting in Chamonix
By Chalet la Foret • Sep 12th, 2009 • Category: Lead storyFor years now, we’ve wanted to try parapenting, and a group of friends arriving when there was a good forecast was the perfect catalyst. We called Evolution 2 and asked them to book six of us in for tandem flights. We decided to go from the Plan de ‘lAiguille, which is the midstation of the Aiguille du Midi lift, as it meant those not flying could go to the top of the Midi instead.
I always forget that the Aigulle du Midi is one of France's biggest tourist attractions! We should have booked really. There were long lines as it was a gorgeous Saturday, but we'd allowed plenty of time, and before too long, we were up.
It was a dramatically beautiful day with clouds swirling around the Midi
You could feel a September freshness in the air, even with the sun, and there was a dusting of snow on the Blaitiere not too far above us
Some mental preparation as we watched people run, take off and float, incredibly, upwards.
Nick and I trussed up and ready to go.
Take-off!!! Run run run run!!!!!
What a fantastic feeling! There was no time to be scared, we just lifted up and then the sound of everyone cheering behind us faded instantly and was replaced with rushing wind. I was amazed at the speed and steep curves of the movement. I had been expecting a gentle float down rather than this exhilarating swooping motion.
To my surprise, we didn't head straight for the landing field, but began to move over the forest heading towards the Bossons glacier. Patric pointed out chamois leaping down through the trees, or lying in patches of myrtille bushes, and then we flew low over a spectacular waterfall which can only be seen from the air, turning just before the seracs of the Bossons glacier began.
He also pointed out the Pierre Pointue, where there's the remains of a chalet that used to be a resting place for 18th centrury Mont Blanc ascensionists - really interesting to see the last crumbling remains....
After everyone had formed a group, we headed out into the centre. Chamonix is laid out far far below
I got a bit worried while we were out in the middle of the valley, over the town, but Patric was very reassuring and told me exactly what he was doing all the time, and it wasn't long before I began to feel more confident. He let me try out the feeling of steering it with the handles, speeding up, slowing down and turning. It was amazing to look down and see the chalet, and then glance across to see Nick and Tigi floating close by
Paul and Caroline in front of Mont Blanc.
Just a few weeks ago, Caroline had set a world record as the first woman to land on top of Mont Blanc – she told us that the best thing about the day had been the wonderful time that she’d had doing the Tour du Mont Blanc with friends. There’s a video of it here.
Paul and Caroline come in to land.
Tim & Frank coming into view over the ridge
Paul & Patric touch down. They'd been doing some twirls in the air before landing which we did too - it was great fun! Like being on a giant waltzer with beautiful views and, instead of lights, the flashing colours of the sky and the wing.
The smiles say it all...
Caroline and Patric unbuckle a beaming Paul
Tigi and Paul celebrating
Tigi and Frank
Six happy parapenters, newly hooked!
I would recommend it 1000% to anyone visiting Chamonix – it was a truly wonderful experience and we all absolutely loved it. Thanks again to Evolution 2 Orane and Tim who organised everything, and especially to the pilots: Frank, Patric and Caroline whose enthusiasm and knowledge made the whole day really special. I’m already planning my next time – I’d like to try going from the Grands Montets around the Dru, which looks amazing. We often see them circling the summit when we’re at the Rochers des Mottets
Until next time! The full set of photos is here on Flickr
Chalet la Forêt is a beautiful mountain home, close to the Flegere ski lift in Chamonix.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/chaletlaforet/
Email this author | All posts by Chalet la Foret
Wow, great photos and vids. You’re so right, the tandem parapente trip is just too much fun and I recommend it to all my friends as well. One option is to go to the top of the Midi first, have your look around, then descend to the mid-station for the flight down.
Thanks for the nice story. Looking forward to more!