Top Paragliding Jumps: The Best Paragliding Destinations

Article Highlights

• Best Paragliding Spots: From Bir Billing to Interlaken, these are the best spots depending on difficulty levels and seasons.
• Tandem Paragliding: The safest way for beginners to experience paragliding.
• Cross-Country Adventures: Sun Valley, Golden, Col de Bleyne, and more for long-distance flights.
• Paragliding Safety: Common injuries, emergency response, and medical evacuation options.

Paragliding is a thrilling sport that allows adventurers to soar through the sky and take in breathtaking views from a bird’s-eye perspective. This aerial experience is made possible by a lightweight, free-flying glider aircraft, where the pilot sits securely in a harness attached to a fabric wing. Pilots can extend their flight duration by skillfully navigating wind currents and thermals, making each flight an exhilarating and scenic adventure.

The origins of paragliding date back to the 1960s, when modified military parachutes were used for controlled gliding instead of rapid descent. Over the decades, advancements in material technology and aerodynamic design have transformed it into a globally recognized adventure sport. For those eager to experience paragliding without prior training, tandem paragliding offers an ideal solution. In this setup, a professional pilot manages the controls. At the same time, the passenger enjoys a stress-free, awe-inspiring glide through the skies, making it a perfect introduction to the world of free flight.

To ensure safety and performance, paragliding requires specialized equipment. The paraglider wing is the primary structure enabling flight, while the harness offers a secure and comfortable seating arrangement for solo and tandem flights. A reserve parachute is a crucial safety measure in emergencies, while a helmet provides essential head protection during takeoff and landing. Additionally, a variometer helps pilots detect rising air currents, allowing for better navigation and prolonged flight time. With the right gear and proper training, paragliding becomes an accessible and rewarding experience for enthusiasts worldwide.

Best Paragliding Destinations in South Asia

Bir Billing

Nestled in the Himalayas, Bir Billing, India, is a world-renowned paragliding destination suited for intermediate to advanced pilots. With Kangra Airport just 70 kilometers away, it is easily accessible for adventurers. The best season to glide through the skies here is from October to June, while the monsoon season from July to September is best avoided due to heavy rainfall. No special permits are required, making it an attractive spot for thrill-seekers looking to experience India’s stunning landscapes from above.

Mussoorie

Another excellent destination in India is Mussoorie, a prime spot for beginners and intermediate pilots. Located just an hour’s drive from Dehradun Airport, it offers favorable conditions from September to June. However, the monsoon season from July to August brings heavy rains and strong winds, making it unsuitable for flights. No special permits are needed, but foreign visitors require a tourist visa.

Pokhara

Pokhara, Nepal, is another top paragliding destination, famous for its stunning views of the Annapurna range. A short 30-minute flight from Kathmandu makes it a convenient spot for adventurers. With a visa on arrival available for most nationalities and no permit requirements, it is an easily accessible haven for beginners and experienced pilots. The best season to take to the skies is September to April, while monsoon rains from June to August can make conditions hazardous.

Best Paragliding Destinations in Europe

Chamonix

For those seeking a European paragliding paradise, Chamonix, France, offers breathtaking alpine views and is accessible via Geneva Airport, just an hour’s drive away. Suitable for all skill levels, from beginners to experts, this location provides smooth summer flights between June and September, while winter brings high winds and snowstorms, making it less ideal. No special permits are necessary, but travelers from non-EU countries will need a Schengen visa.

Interlaken

For those looking to glide over pristine lakes and valleys, Interlaken, Switzerland, is an unparalleled choice. This destination is open to pilots of all levels and is just a two-hour train ride from Zurich Airport. The best conditions for flying occur between March and October, with winter months bringing harsher weather. While no permits are required, non-EU visitors will need a Schengen visa.

Algodonales

Algodonales is a sought-after paragliding location in Spain, particularly for those who prefer reliable flying conditions. With the closest major airport in Seville, it is an accessible destination for beginners and intermediate pilots. While no permits are required, a Schengen visa is necessary for non-EU travelers. The best flying season spans from September to May, with summer temperatures often becoming too intense for optimal thermals.

Best Paragliding Destinations Elsewhere

Queenstown

In the Southern Hemisphere, Queenstown, New Zealand, provides an extraordinary year-round paragliding experience, with summer (December to March) offering the best conditions. Direct flights to Queenstown Airport make access easy and require no special permits. However, winter (July to August) can bring extreme cold and challenging conditions.

Oludeniz

For those drawn to coastal paragliding, Oludeniz, Turkey, is a must-visit. The turquoise waters below provide an unparalleled backdrop for intermediate and advanced pilots. Easily accessible via Dalaman Airport, this spot offers ideal conditions from April to October. While winter storms and strong winds make paragliding difficult, no special permits are required, and most nationalities can enter with a visa-free or eVisa option.

Antsirabe

Lastly, for advanced pilots seeking a more remote adventure, Antsirabe, Madagascar, provides a unique paragliding experience. Located three hours from Antananarivo, it offers breathtaking views and strong thermals from May to November. However, the rainy season from December to April poses significant challenges. Travelers can obtain a visa on arrival; no special permits are needed to enjoy this exotic paragliding haven.

Paragliding Injuries, Safety, and Cross-Country

Common injuries in paragliding include fractures, dislocations, and concussions due to rough landings. Emergency response varies by location:

• Colombia Incident: A U.S. paraglider in Colombia suffered a tibial malleolus fracture. Due to delayed local treatment, Global Rescue arranged for a medical evacuation to Washington, where she underwent surgery.
• Emergency Response at Destinations: Switzerland and France offer world-class medical care, while Nepal and Madagascar have limited facilities, requiring evacuation in severe cases.

Top Cross-Country Paragliding Destinations

• Sun Valley, Idaho, USA: Vast wilderness with long-distance flight potential.
• Golden, Canada: Ideal thermals and scenic flights.
• Col de Bleyne, France: Home to record-breaking flights.
• Quixada, Brazil: Best for experienced cross-country pilots.
• Ager, Spain: Consistent flying conditions.
• Kruševo, Macedonia: Suitable for all levels.

The Global Rescue Connection for Paragliders

Global Rescue’s Field Rescue service gets members from the point of injury or illness to medical treatment in life-threatening situations when the member is out of reach of conventional rescue resources. Global Rescue field rescue service is not a substitute for conventional rescue resources like ambulances or other vehicles activated by public services agencies dispatched by contacting 911 (or the equivalent in different countries).

Paragliders who sustain injuries during their activity and receive emergency services from local/state/provincial/regional government providers should be aware that they may be charged for emergency transport. Typically, the patient or their insurance company is billed for the service.

Global Rescue is a service provider, not an insurance company, and is legally not allowed to reimburse members for the costs of rescue or any transportation services provided by government emergency responders. Most insurance policies cover emergency transport costs; however, insurance companies may deny reimbursement if the transport is medically unnecessary.

Post-Rescue Member Benefits/Services: Contacting Global Rescue immediately after the 911 call (or equivalent emergency services number in other destinations) will help Global Rescue members by coordinating and navigating the medical system, communicating with loved ones, and providing additional medical transport services as medically required.

While every case is different, in this example, Global Rescue would provide medical advisory and medical evacuation to an appropriate hospital (if medically required) as part of the paraglider’s membership. Any costs associated with the initial transport by the local emergency service provider would be the responsibility of the paraglider (or their insurance provider).