Paragliding - Grand-Montets (Argentière) Launch Site

ACCESS
Access is by the Lognan and then Grands Montets cable cars. The launch site is 10mins walk down from the lift station, across a glacier.

SKILL LEVEL
This is a high mountain launch on a glacier. As such it is suitable only for skilled pilots. Glacial experience and equipment are absolutely essential. It is advised to be roped together along this route as there are many crevasses, and the glacier is unmarked. If you are a skilled pilot but do not have the relevant mountaineering experience and equipment, you must take a qualified mountain guide.

ORIENTATION AND CONDITIONS
West, this site is suitable for afternoon flight, and best in anticyclonic or light westerly winds.
Altitude: 3100m. Vertical drop: 2100m. GPS: N 45° 56' 52" E 006° 57' 36"

CAUTIONS
High mountain aerology. Be aware that winds can increase very quickly. Clouds often form just in front of the take off. Good physical condition is essential. This launch is on a glacier and is not for the vertiginous. Check the time of the last cable car down and ensure that you have enough time to catch it if you are unable to take off.

LANDING SITE
Bois du Bouchet. The landing site is upwind of the launch and therefore it can be difficult or impossible in certain conditions such as strong valley wind. Please note that landing anywhere in Argentière is strictly forbidden.


Click on the links below for guides to specific sites:



Launch sites:
  • Aiguille du Midi (Chamonix)
  • Flégère/Index (Chamonix)
  • Grand-Montets (Chamonix)
  • Grand Prarion (les Houches)
  • Merlet (les Houches)
  • Mont Blanc Summit
  • Passy-Plaine Joux (Passy)
  • Plan de l’Aiguille (Chamonix)
  • Planpraz (Chamonix)
  • Prarion N/E (les Houches)



  • Landing sites:
  • Bois du Bouchet (Chamonix)
  • Les Chavants (les Houches)
  • Passy-Chedde (Passy)
  • Passy-Marlioz (Passy)
  • Savoy (Chamonix)
  • The Cachet Gravel Pits (Chamonix)