Planfait Paragliding Site

Near Annecy,

this free flying site at 960m altitude is set up for the greatest enjoyment of local and visiting paragliding pilots alike.

More intimate than the La Forclaz site, this small site drops you right into the action: lush forest and summits within wing's reach, it offers a wild, varied panorama. Open your eyes, nature surrounds you! Eagles and chamois are watching you too :)

Site info:

- Orientation: West
- Very well equipped launch, area covered in artificial turf.
- Thermal flying, cross country starting point.

Flying conditions at Planfait:

Wind conditions for flying at Planfait vary widely: overall the valley breeze is very often dominant and allows flying regardless of the weather wind direction. However, close attention should be paid to the following conditions:

• Northeast wind: A northeast "bise" wind can bring very turbulent, even dangerous flying conditions at Planfait, while people may still be flying at Col de la Forclaz. Indeed, in this direction the wind flows into the Col de Bluffy and the launch ends up leeward. We then see periods of tailwind on the launch and sometimes headwind. In these conditions, it's often best to fly in the morning up until noon, or 1pm at the latest. As soon as signs of a northeast wind appear (tailwind at launch, strong lift above the village but not in front of the launch) you should give up on flying. In these wind conditions, as well as in a strong north wind, extra caution is needed at landing, which can be turbulent.
• East wind: In these wind conditions, the launch is often more comfortable and workable than in a northeast wind. However, when climbing in lift, extra caution is needed near the Dents de Lanfon and the Col des Frêtes. At that altitude, we're much more exposed to the east wind and turbulence is much stronger.
• South wind: In a south wind, the Planfait site is often very well sheltered thanks to the Bauges range, and especially the Semnoz. Flying is often possible, but if the wind is strong, it can pick up in a surprising way. It's important to keep a close eye on the lake for signs of increasing wind.

Access to the Planfait launch:

The launch is easily accessible:

• By car: allow about 15 minutes to drive up. Follow the Col de la Forclaz road. Once you reach Vérel, turn left toward the AcroAventure park. You'll arrive at a natural site, deep in the forest, watched over by the Dents de Lanfon. There you'll find: a quiet car park (though paid in summer), a snack bar, a prep area for your gear, and a set-up launch (turf, windsock)... all that's left to do is fly!
• By bus: in summer, a free eco-shuttle runs up several times a day, between July and September.
• On foot: for the sportier types, a trail from the landing zone gets you there in about 35 minutes. Come see us at the shop, we'll show you the way...

Since we're in Annecy, due to the crowds, it's essential to prepare your gear in the dedicated areas before moving forward, wing bundled up, onto the launch (see diagram).

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