Introduction to Vol Bivouac
In this course, our goal is to explore the magic of "vol-biv": discovering the French Alps by foot, paraglider, and lightweight camping gear! We will journey through the mountains, camp under the stars, and enjoy the pure simplicity that nature has to offer.
This course is held in both English & Dutch!
€150 a day
French Alps
Licensed Pilots
Learn everything about flying vol biv and the best gear!
Available on request (running from June 1st – Sept 18th)
Course description
Vol-Bivouac, or simply Vol-Biv, is the ultimate way to explore the mountains: flying by day and camping by night. It is the purest form of paragliding adventure. During this 3-day course, my goal is to introduce you to this incredible way of traveling by completing a guided one-night adventure together.
The Course Experience
Our mission is to spend at least one night on top of a mountain, Vol-Biv style. While the mountains and the weather always have the final say, our journey typically looks like this:
Day 1: Preparation & Gear Mastery We start with a thorough gear check. I will show you how to pack efficiently for both hiking and flying, sharing tips on how to optimize your kit for weight and comfort. We’ll spend the rest of the day flying to get used to the feel of your equipment, with a focus on thermalling and mastering top-landings.
Day 2: The Journey Up Today, our goal is to finish on a summit. Once the conditions are right, we launch and fly together toward our pre-decided mountain camp. We aim to arrive early, giving everyone plenty of time for a relaxed landing. Once we’ve all landed safely, we’ll find the perfect spot to set up camp and spend an unforgettable night under the stars.
Day 3: The Return Flight After waking up to a mountain sunrise, we slowly pack our gear and wait for the thermals to "turn on." Once the air is ready, we take off for our final flight, attempting to fly back to our starting point to complete the circle.
To make sure you are fully prepared, this course also includes personal gear advice in advance, helping you select the best equipment for your specific needs!
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!
Course Details & Practical Information
Where & When
Our playground is the French Alps. To ensure we have the best possible conditions for our adventure, the exact location is determined by the weather. Potential flying sites include Lac de Serre-Ponçon, Saint-André-les-Alpes, Annecy, and Saint-Hilaire, though we are always open to exploring other hidden gems.
Because of the personal nature of this course, the dates are flexible and determined by demand. If you're interested, please contact me so we can plan the perfect window together.
Is this for you?
This course is designed for licensed pilots who already have basic thermalling skills and are ready to take their flying to the next level.
