La Clusaz is not just a mountain village nestled in the heart of the Aravis. It is also a natural balcony opening onto breathtaking landscapes… best admired from the sky. Here, paragliding is more than just a sport : it’s an experience, almost a rite of passage for anyone who truly wants to discover the mountains from a new perspective.
And believe me, as a local, seeing “your” village from the air completely changes the way you look at it.
You might think it’s a recent activity, but the first enthusiasts were already spreading their wings here back in the 1980s. The gentle slopes of the Aravis, their grassy take-off areas, and generous thermal breezes make it a naturally ideal spot. Even today, La Clusaz remains a reference point in the world of free flight.
As the seasons change, so do the colors :
In winter, you soar over snow-covered forests and lively ski slopes, with a bonus view of Mont Blanc on clear days.
In spring, the mountains brighten with fresh green tones and alpine flowers.
In summer, the alpine pastures are painted in countless shades, with colorful paragliders blending into the blue sky.
In autumn, the low light and golden hues give flights a unique charm.
When it comes to talking about paragliding in La Clusaz, who better than one of our own team members? Jimmy, part of the ATHERAC team, has been flying for a year. Born and raised in La Clusaz, he knows the mountains like the back of his hand… and the sky that stretches above them.
His favorite take-off ? Le Crêt du Loup, the official launch site recognized by the French Free Flight Federation (FFVL). Managed and approved for safe practice, it offers a secure environment for both beginners and experienced pilots. Easily accessible via the ski lifts, it provides a spectacular view from the very first moments of flight.
“What I love most is flying early in the morning, when everything is still calm, or in the evening after work. The light is magnificent, and it feels like you have the mountains all to yourself,” he says.
Jimmy perfectly embodies what paragliding here is all about : a blend of passion, freedom, and local life, practiced with respect for the rules that ensure safety and harmony with the environment.
It’s a common misconception that you need to be an experienced athlete to go paragliding. Here, a tandem flight allows everyone to enjoy the experience — from children (around 6–7 years old, depending on the school) to seniors.
The instructor takes care of everything : briefing you, preparing the equipment, and guiding the flight. Your only mission ? Take a few steps… and enjoy.
For the truly passionate, it’s possible to take beginner courses and even earn a license. Several schools in the village welcome trainees every year, some coming from far away to learn to fly in the Aravis.
Want to add a touch of adrenaline and magic to your stay in La Clusaz ? Treat yourself to a paragliding flight. From the mountain peaks, professional pilots offer gentle or thrill-filled flights, always tailored to your preferences and the day’s conditions. Open your eyes wide and take in the exceptional panorama of the Aravis, the Tournette, and, on clear days, Mont Blanc.
Three local operators are at your service : Aravis Parapente, S en Ciel, and Les Ailes des Aravis.
Paragliding is possible all year round in La Clusaz, but the experience varies with the seasons :
In winter : take off on skis or on foot from the summits. The landscapes are magical.
From May to September : thermal flights allow you to gain even more altitude and play with the rising air currents.
In autumn : calmer weather offers gentle, peaceful flights, perfect for those who prefer a contemplative experience.
In the morning, the air is often calmer, making it ideal for a first flight. In the afternoon, thermals develop, offering more opportunities to stay in the air longer.
La Clusaz is easy to reach : about 30 minutes from Annecy and 1 hour 15 minutes from Geneva. Depending on the season, the take-off sites can be accessed on foot, by shuttle, or via the ski lifts. A tandem flight generally lasts between 10 and 30 minutes, but allow about an hour on site for preparation and return. Prices range from €80 to €140 for a discovery flight, with longer or acrobatic options for thrill-seekers.
To make the most of the experience, choose your season carefully : spring and summer offer long days, colorful landscapes, and gentle thermals — perfect for a first flight. In winter, the snow-covered panoramas are spectacular but require warm clothing.
As for equipment, opt for closed-toe shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, sunglasses, and in winter, a pair of gloves.
Book early, especially for morning slots when the air is more stable and the light is exceptional. A paragliding flight also makes for an original gift: many providers offer personalized vouchers to surprise a loved one during a mountain stay.
Finally, extend the adventure : in winter, follow your flight with lunch at a mountain restaurant; in summer, set off hiking along the trails you flew over just hours before.
Want to keep the magic going? After soaring over the Aravis peaks, enjoy the comfort of an ideal rental with ATHERAC Location.
Stay in our carefully selected chalets and apartments, all located close to the iconic take-off sites — the perfect base to get your feet back on the ground… while keeping your head in the clouds just a little longer.
In La Clusaz, Reblochon is not just a cheese — it’s a local pride, a symbol of the land, and a know-how passed down through generations.
