**Pilot** at altitude: tandem paragliding piloting experience from Plan de l'Aiguille
Description
The piloting experience from Plan de l'Aiguille puts you in command in a stunning alpine setting. At 2317m altitude, surrounded by the great glacial faces of Mont Blanc. This piloting experience at Plan de l'Aiguille is designed for those who want to go beyond simply being a passenger. Under the supervision of your state-certified instructor, you take the controls of the paraglider and learn the basics of steering. A unique experience that gives you a taste of total freedom.
This initiation flight of 15 to 25 minutes at 2317m familiarises you with the sensations of piloting while enjoying the exceptional view over the Mont Blanc massif and its glaciers.
Accessible by cable car, the activity lasts approximately 1h30.
Practical information
Accessibility
Accessible to adults and children from age 5. Ideal weight between 30 and 90 kg. Other weights — please contact us.
Normal physical fitness is required.
Flight period
Summer: May, June, September, October
This site is prohibited in July and August.
Equipment
In summer: windbreaker, trousers, sports shoes, sunglasses.
In winter: ankle boots or après-ski boots, warm clothing, gloves, sunglasses or ski goggles.
Bring your phone so we can find each other easily and to transfer your photos and videos.
No helmet or backpack needed.
Meeting point
Meet at the foot of the Aiguille du Midi cable car. Accessible from the centre of Chamonix. Please purchase your cable car ticket before meeting us.
Our qualified instructors
Lionel Pouzadoux
Lionel is a high mountain guide and paragliding instructor. A seasoned alpinist, excellent climber and exceptional paragliding pilot, he leads all our extraordinary expeditions — including the paragliding landing on the summit of Mont Blanc in 2009. He is the expert of the Mont Blanc massif. He will share his passion for paragliding and his mountains with warmth and good humour.
Gérald
Paragliding instructor with 25 years of experience. In love with wide open spaces and freedom, he sailed extensively in the tropics before making a home on Réunion Island. Flying, kitesurfing, sailing — he always has a little wind in his sails. He dropped anchor in Chamonix to enjoy wild nature and share his passion for paragliding. He radiates calm and serenity. Pleasure, kindness and safety are his values.
Caroline Brille
Caroline has 34 years of experience in paragliding. She is a high-level competitive athlete with an exceptional track record: 15 podiums in the Paragliding World Cup, French Champion 5 consecutive years and World Vice-Champion in team paragliding. She is the first woman to have landed by paraglider on the summit of Mont Blanc. She takes care of you like family, and loves sharing her knowledge of the Chamonix valley and its wildlife. She is passionate about showing that flying is easy, gentle and accessible — just like the birds.
Arnaud
36 years of experience, sports teacher, instructor trainer, youth team coach for the French national team and league. Former French team member. Mental performance coach. Highly skilled, but what drives him is sharing his passion with kindness and pedagogy. You will have an excellent time in his company.
Florian
The sky has been his playground since the age of 12. Multiple French champion and international acrobatics competitor, he lives paragliding to the fullest. In his company, every flight becomes a unique experience. Looking for thrills? He will show you flight from a completely different angle… literally — including flying upside down. Want something gentle? He also knows how to offer a fluid, contemplative moment facing the scenery. Precise, attentive and pedagogical, he will adapt every flight to your wishes to give you far more than a simple experience: an unforgettable memory.
Gaby
Gaby... always with an infectious good mood. Paragliding and ski instructor. Yoga teacher. French speed riding champion. Always in the mountains — flying, skiing or climbing… but not only: there is also water… and yoga, her guiding thread. Original, caring and relaxed — she is the best person to get nervous passengers into the air.
Nicolas
Nicolas is a ski instructor in winter and paragliding instructor in summer. A Chamonix native of Corsican origin, there isn't a corner of the valley he hasn't explored on skis or in the air. The eternal rider of everything that glides! The most experienced member of our team, he flies as naturally as he breathes. Nobody is better at building confidence.
Sandie
Sandie is the most decorated champion. World, European and French champion. Over 36 years of experience around the world and in the Mont Blanc massif. Teaching is one of her greatest qualities. Between excellence, passion and kindness, you will be in excellent company.
What they thought
Frequently asked questions
Is tandem paragliding in Chamonix accessible to beginners?
Absolutely! The tandem paragliding experience is designed for beginners!
No special skills required!
With tandem flights supervised by qualified instructors, no prior experience is needed.
We just need your help at take-off — a short run and within a few steps you feel yourself lifted off the ground.
During the flight, you are seated very comfortably and can chat with your instructor. Every time, it is a pleasant surprise for our passengers — they never expect it to be such a relaxing and enjoyable activity!
What should I bring?
Bring your phone so we can find each other at the meeting point... and to transfer the photos and videos from your flight.
In summer, dress as if you were going for a short mountain hike: a windbreaker, trousers, sports shoes and sunglasses.
In winter, dress as if you were going skiing. Wear ankle boots, après-ski boots, or snowboard boots. Ski boots are not recommended. Don't forget your gloves, sunglasses or ski goggles.
Don't bring a helmet — we have a certified helmet for you.
Don't bring a backpack — there is no room to take it on the flight.
What is the weight limit?
Depending on the site chosen and the conditions, weight matters.
For Planpraz and Plan de l'Aiguille, we can fly passengers under 45 kg and over 90 kg if informed in advance. We will choose a suitable time slot.
For high-altitude and long-distance flights, it is preferable to weigh less than 90 kg, with exceptions.
Flights with our female champions are limited to 85 kg
The maximum authorised weight is 120 kg fully dressed — the certification limit for our harnesses and insurance.
Weight is not the only factor — we also take the passenger's fitness level into account. For example, it is quite manageable to take off with a 110 kg rugby player at Planpraz.
When should I book?
Planning your stay or weekend: as soon as you know your availability or the dates of your stay in Chamonix, you can book. Keep in mind the weather uncertainty — it is best to book at the beginning of your stay so you can reschedule if the weather is unpredictable.
Already in Chamonix: call us as soon as possible and don't wait until the last day to book. Weather conditions change… and we depend on the weather and the wind!
The forecast may look beautiful and yet we sometimes cannot fly if the wind is too strong or turbulent. We will advise you on the best days to fly.
Last-minute bookings are also possible. We often have availability on the same day, but it is not guaranteed!
