Paragliding - Merlet (les Houches) Launch Site
From les Houches train station, the site is a 2hr walk. By car from les Houches, follow the signs to Coupeau, then for the Merlet animal park. Once in the car park, look for the signs to Aiguillette des Houches – the site is 10mins walk.
SKILL LEVEL
Autonomous to XC Pilots.
ORIENTATION AND CONDITIONS
South – South West, this site is suitable in the later part of the afternoon. Light winds present excellent conditions for thermals. The site is really only big enough for one glider, and is quite stony. The western shoulder of the park – to the left of take off – offers excellent soaring conditions.
Altitude: 1600m. Vertical drop: 600m. GPS: N 45° 54' 41" E 006° 49' 09"
CAUTIONS
The site is on the edge of a large rotor, caused by the plateau of Coupeau to the right of the take off – you should avoid this zone. The whole area is subject to fairly unusual thermodynamic conditions and is therefore unsuitable for less experienced pilots. Respect the animal park and do not fly over it, so as to avoid scaring the animals and bringing the clubs into conflict with the owners.
LANDING SITE
Cachet Gravel Pits.
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