Intermediate Paragliding Course in the French Alps

Maybe you've done our beginner paragliding course in the Alps and you feel like it is now time to get even better and go further? Or, maybe you have learnt to fly elsewhere and would like to explore the skies above one of the most dramatic mountain ranges in the world! Whatever the reason, this brand new paragliding improvers course is the perfect holiday for improving your paragliding skills in a world renowned paragliding destination!

Why the Southern French Alps?

The region around Gap, the main city in the Southern French Alps, is renowned in the whole world for its unique conditions. Its topography and the strong thermal currents navigating in the area allow for long, safe flights and stable conditions. Its fantastic weather (300+ days of sunshine a year) makes it an unmissable destination for all the aficionados of gliding related activities. Among these, paragliding gains on popularity year after year, thanks to its simplicity and great sensations. 

Our intermediate paragliding course is based in the ski resort of Orcières, which benefits from this 'Southern French Alps' microclimate with reliable thermals generated each day by the ever present sunshine and mountain geography. The ski resort is also high with possible take of points accessible by 4x4 at between 2000 and 2600m.

Last but not least, the amazing views over the snow-capped summits of the Ecrins National Park which you'll be able to enjoy on each of your flights will make the adventure even more sensational. 

The intermediate paragliding course is available from May to September. Please note that in May, the first half of June and September, the resort is in 'off season' so most restaurants and commerces are closed. The resort starts to open up properly from mid June to the beginning of September. So if you like the idea of having the place to yourself, come in off season, but if you want to party after your course, then the summer months are best.

The Paragliding

This course is aimed at people who have a minimum of one week intensive paragliding experience but is tailored to suit you, depending on your skills, previous experience and what you want to learn. The course follows the French Federation of Paragliding levels which are colour coded for reference. Please have a look at our learn to paraglide booklet  for full details of what you can learn on this course. The blue and green levels are to gain the skills for independent flying in standard conditions and are the next step after a beginners course. The process of becoming fully independent can take up to a month of intensive flying but differs from person to person. Once you have achieved autonomy and can gain experience by yourself, the next level is the brown level which focuses on competition training and fine tuning skills for longer flights, cross country and tricks. 

Safety and Quality

Our instructors for this course are true experts of the area. We have been working with them for over 15 years, and they are the ones who organise and supervise all our paragliding courses and holidays. They are fully qualified and licensed by the  French Paragliding Federation, the FFVL (Fédération Française de Vol Libre). 

We design this course with an à la carte approach in mind, meaning it is completely tailor made for you. The instructors' number one aim is for you to be safe and improve your skills and knowledge of the environment and its phenomenons throughout the week. 

Holiday Highlights

• Fully tailor made instruction adapted to your ability
• A series of sensational solo flights
• Amazing mountain views all week long
• A unique micro climate with perfect conditions for paragliding
• A friendly and professional learning environment
• Fully qualified and highly experienced staff with safety as their top priority

Itinerary

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We will collect you from the town of Gap to take you to your chosen accommodation base for this holiday and once you are there you can either walk to your paragliding course each day or our instructors will pick you up. 

The drive takes about 45 minutes from Gap. We will let you know the time of your transfer nearer your holiday dates as we will group you together with other arrivals. If you have a wait in Gap, it is a beautiful town to explore and we'll give you tips on where to go. 

You can also choose to self drive if you prefer to have the flexibility to explore the area by yourself around your paragliding sessions. Check out our partner's hire car rates.

Getting to Gap by Train:

Gap has rail links to the main TGV train stations of Valence, Grenoble or Aix-en-Provence which you can link up with from most of the major European capital cities. 

From Paris there is also a very convenient overnight sleeper train that goes directly to Paris. You can plan your train journey using the Oui SNCF website

Getting to Gap by Plane:

The nearest airports are Marseilles, Grenoble and Lyon. From Marseilles, there are up to 5 shuttles a day to Gap, making it the most convenient airport to fly to if you're not driving.

Please ask us about getting here when you enquire - we have all the local knowledge to help you plan your journey!