Briançon Paragliding Sites

Altitude 2186m

Easy take-off with a headwind. Beware of tree-related turbulence in crosswinds (east or west). The roofs of the hamlet of Tronchets are not far away, so you can clear the terrain quickly. There's a nice training slope/inflating area just above, so there's plenty of room to practice or keep playing once the conditions get too rough. Breeze from the Durance rising from Briançon mid/late morning, or light southerly wind. To be avoided in the afternoon from late spring to late summer (strong to very strong breeze). Avoid N or Lombardy (E) winds. Natura 2000 zone: explanations on display. In summer, hitchhiking is the most efficient way up, thanks to the large number of hikers (bus stop at the foot of the Col du Granon). Between seasons, you'll need to organize a shuttle bus or walk up. The road is not cleared of snow in winter; it closes in November/December and only reopens once everything has melted in April/May. Parking in plain view 300m after the hamlet of Tronchets. Footpath from Chantemerle landing stage to Col du Granon 580m D+. Airspaces R196, R221A and R221B activated by NOTAM Beware of the wetland above the site! Natura 2000 zone. 1- and 2-seater 1- and 2-seater http://www.aventureparapente.com/siva.htm Altitude 1920m

To be considered as an emergency landing when the valley wind is strong. Beginners abstain. Deco more like a school slope. Light breezes or winds natura 2000 zone; info on notice board Path from the parking lot along the Granon road prohibited if grazing on site Altitude 1960m

School slope not suitable for take-off, but can be used as an emergency landing area Breezes or light southerly winds Route du Granon Altitude 1950m

The highest of the decos, and also the most exposed to the weather wind. Morning breeze or S wind. To be avoided in the afternoon from late spring to late summer (strong to very strong breeze). Avoid N or Lombardy (E) winds. Natura 2000 area From Col du Granon, follow the track towards Cristol/Gardiole. Prominent hillock just above the track. In summer, hitchhiking is the most efficient way up, thanks to the large number of hikers (bus stop at the foot of the Col du Granon). In the off-season, you'll need to organize a shuttle bus or climb on foot. The road is not cleared of snow in winter, closing in November/December and only reopening once the snow has melted in April/May. Footpaths from Chantemerle or Pontillas (Villeneuve) to Col du Granon 1100m D+. Airspaces R196, R221A and R221B activated by NOTAM Altitude 2450m

Aerology : - Morning or early afternoon (due to the SE orientation of the sites). Thermals can set in quite early (from 9:30 sometimes!) in all seasons. - Well protected from NW winds by the Ecrins. - Beware of strong westerly, northerly and easterly winds (rare), which are often tricky and can blow in all at once. Dangerous areas : - West faces: The sector between Tête d'Amont and Condamine) is downwind of the breeze when it's strong. You need to fly high! - The Entraygues valley: A must if you want to get to Les Bans. It's a narrow valley, windy in breezes, and no comfortable landing option... - Fournel valley: For cross-country pilots only, the crossing between Puy-Saint-Vincent and Fressinières should be flown at a very high altitude to avoid having to land in this narrow and often turbulent valley. The landing area is farmland. It is essential to land only on the official landing area, to reach the packing area and to leave via the campsite. Resting at the deco or in the fields above the village It is possible to rest at the deco or in the village BUT : - do not rest in the village when the hay is high - landing in the village is often downwind of the breeze due to the "break" in the relief at village level, and really downwind of the ridge to the west when this tendency is present in the air, so be wary! - the healthiest place to rest is at the new take-off point, but the landing is technical, so don't try it if you're not familiar with this advanced practice. In short, if you have the slightest doubt about your ability to rest up there or to land "downwind", it's better to land down below and avoid a silly accident to make logistics easier. About the evening flight: Very infrequent, due to the orientation of the site. Nevertheless, sometimes conditions can be good at the end of the day for a flight in conditions that are often still relatively active, so for pilots with a minimum of experience. Beware of westerly flows, which very often return in the evening via the Bans (right crosswind to the landing site) and always from the north. https://www.chocard-airlines.fr/topo-du-secteur https://www.ecrins-parcnational.fr/les-survols-non-motorises Three periods for flying in the core zone of the Ecrins National Park: - July 1 to October 31 = take-off, flight and landing authorized - November 1 to April 30 = take-off, flight and landing prohibited - May 1 to June 30 = take-offs from certain peaks are restricted. 15-minute drive to Puy Aillaud and 10-minute walk (please observe parking regulations indicated on signs). 1h approximately on foot, about 500D+ from Vallouise landing. It's often possible to hitch a ride or arrange a shuttle with local pilots. 1- and 2-seater 1- and 2-seater https://www.pollenparapente.com/ Altitude 1670m

Speedriding site. Off-piste only, South zone for beginners to experts, rocky bars below. North zone, known as the Combe du loup, reserved for experts, difficult itinerary. No wind weather Departure from the top of the Pelvoux-Vallouise lifts. Access by chairlift and ski lift, not suitable for beginners as it is difficult and there is no pedestrian access. Altitude 2171m