Basic Mountain Paragliding Course
Paragliding Mountain Course – Basics 🏔️🪂
Are you a soaring pilot ready for your first steps into mountain paragliding? This comprehensive two-week course is designed to bridge the gap between coastal soaring and flying the French Alps. We will guide you through the essential techniques and meteorology needed to fly safely and confidently in mountainous terrain.
🗓️ Dates: April 19 – May 2, 2026
🇫🇷 Location: French Alps (Variable basecamp)
📈 Level: Beginner (Focus on mountain transition)
💶 Price: €1,500 (Intensive 14-day course, excl. bus rental)
Course description
Basic Mountain Course: From Coastal Control to Alpine Mastery
Do you already have experience soaring the dunes or mastering your wing on the ground, but are you dreaming of those high-altitude mountain flights? If so, this is the course for you. Because you already possess solid glider control, we can fast-track your progression and focus on the unique challenges of flying in the mountains.
During this intensive 14-day program, we will expose you to a wide variety of Alpine conditions. Our mission is to guide you through these experiences safely, providing you with the skills, judgment, and confidence to continue your paragliding journey independently.
What You Will Learn
Our ultimate goal is to help you become a competent, licensed pilot who can make safe decisions on your own. Throughout the two weeks, we cover a comprehensive curriculum, including:
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Advanced Launch Techniques: Perfecting forward, reverse, asymmetric, and cobra launches.
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Mountain Meteorology: Understanding complex weather patterns and Alpine winds.
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Risk Management: Learning the most important skill—knowing when not to fly.
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Precision Landings: How to approach and land safely in different terrains.
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Thermal Basics: Finding and using your first thermals.
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License Maneuvers: Master all required exercises, such as Big Ears, collapses, and figure-8s.
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Site Analysis: How to arrive at a new flying site and safely prepare for your flight.
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Flight Analysis: Detailed debriefings to learn from every minute spent in the air.
Instructors
Olivier Lenten
A passionate paragliding pilot flying the French Alps since the age of 5. By combining my passion for nature and knowledge of paragliding with my background in psychology, it is my goal to help you fly better.
Simon Doornenbal
Everything in my life revolves around paragliding. I enjoy being outside pretending to be a bird. I look forward to being able to share my passion with you!
Why This Course Stands Out
This isn't your average "ground zero" beginner course. This course is for pilots who have already learned the basics at the coast, allowing us to skip the basics and dive straight into the art of mountain flying.
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Fast-Track Progression: Since we don't need to explain what risers are or how to inflate a wing, we can focus entirely on the skills that make mountain flying unique. Your previous soaring experience means we can progress much faster than traditional schools.
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Total Flexibility: We aren't tied to a single valley. The French Alps are vast, and if the weather is better three hours away, we pack up and go. We chase the best conditions to maximize our time in the air. Potential sites include Annecy, St. Hilaire, Lac de Serre Ponçon, and St. André les Alpes.
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Small Groups, Big Results: With a maximum of 8 participants, you are never just a number. You’ll receive constant personal coaching and feedback tailored to your specific level.
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Expert Local Knowledge: With both Olivier and Simon's extensive experience in the French Alps, you’ll benefit from a deep understanding of the local terrain and micro-meteorology. We are looking forward to showing you around in the beautiful French Alps!
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A Solid Foundation: Our goal isn't just to get you in the air, but to give you the tools and judgment to continue flying safely long after the course is over.
Who is this course for?
We believe the coast is the absolute best place for mastering wing control. That is why this course is specifically designed for pilots who have already learned the basics of soaring or are willing to join us for a coastal training session prior to the trip.
To participate, you will need your own certified equipment: an EN-A or EN-B wing suitable for your level, a harness with a reserve parachute, a helmet, and a properly functioning radio. Not sure about your gear? We are here to help!
Practical Information
What’s Included:
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Two full weeks of expert guidance from two experienced instructors.
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Intensive personal coaching thanks to our 4:1 student-to-instructor ratio—the highest level of attention you’ll find.
What’s Not Included:
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Van Rental: To keep our group mobile and flexible, we will rent a shared van and split the costs equally among all participants.
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Travel & Stay: Transport to the Alps, accommodation, and food.
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Equipment: Your personal flying gear (rental and purchase advice available).
