Feel like taking a good dose of adrenaline this winter? Taste the pleasure of sliding and speed on skis, combined with the thrill of free flight? The sound of crunching snow, flying away from the marked slopes of the ski resorts... In short, speed-riding makes your eyes pop and you wonder how to get started in this increasingly popular discipline! We explain everything to you.
Prerequisites to start speed-riding
Even if it's known as an extreme sport, speed-riding remains relatively accessible.
Among the prerequisites, there is of course your mastery of skiing... It's without a doubt the one and only imperative! You must be an excellent skier, able to evolve everywhere, including (and especially) off-piste. Therefore, a level 3 is mandatory in order not to put you in danger.
On the paragliding side, as curious as it may seem, you don't need to already have a first experience of solo sailing. Speed-riding wings, by their small size, are quite different from those used in paragliding and are not handled in the same way. You can also read our tips for paragliding in the mountains.
The equipment for speed-riding
Do you feel up to it and ready to hit the slopes? Then, let's get the gear:
- To ski : your usual pair of skis will do the job perfectly. On the other hand, leave your poles in the closet, you won't need them!
- To fly : most of the wings used by speedriders are between 8 and 14 m² (compared to 25/28 m² for paragliders). Brands and models depend on your preferences (in terms of speed and thrills). Of course, you will also need a harness.
- To stay safe: like all air sports, a helmet is an essential. To this, you can add a ski mask and back protection, frequently used in speed-riding.
Here you are, ready to go... But you still have to find THE perfect spot!
The ski resorts to be tested urgently
Zoom on 7 ski resorts particularly recognized for their exceptional environment. You will also find there schools to take your first steps, or rather, your first ski flight, such as Adrénaline Parapente of course!
Valfréjus is at the top of this mini-class... And with good reason, it is here, in the heart of Savoie, that speed-riding was born!
We also find paragliding in Méribel and its extraordinary horizons to discover, as well as Grand Bornand, absolutely perfect for an initiation.
Next to the Italian border, Tignes, Val d'Isère and Les Arcs are also resorts to explore from the sky.
And of course, we couldn't leave out Courchevel, known for its sublime forests and breathtaking panoramas.
So, ready to take off?