La Flégère - l'Index

Specific Regulations

• Beyond the summit ridge and towards the North-East, overflight is prohibited at less than 300 m above ground, Aiguilles-Rouges nature reserve.

• This area becomes a ski slope in winter & is strictly prohibited for paragliding (It is possible to take off from the off-piste area slightly below the old ski lift/refreshment bar during winter months).

• Helicopter alert in this area.

• Be aware that Chamonix ski areas are often used for one-off events through out the year and you should make sure there is no conflict with flying here.  (The warnings are put up at professional schools, at the start of the ski lifts, on the club's small shed at Le Bois du Bouchet landing field).

Flight Conditions

Interesting site from 8 a.m. until late morning. An excellent starting point, uncrowded, on days with light wind or great stability when Planpraz is in the stable layer. The takeoff is a bit wild and generally without a windsock.

Dangers & Difficulties

• Cables of the Index chairlift on the right, south of the takeoff exit.

• As soon as the conditions are thermal, good experience is necessary.

• Be careful in west and north weather winds greater than 20 km/h at 2000 m: you are flying downwind, turbulent conditions.

• Horizontal cables connecting the cable car between the Brévent and Flégère stations in the Lachenal valley between 1700 and 1800 m.

• Path facing the rising valley breeze to return to landing: pay attention to managing your autonomy cone.

Variant

• Index : Around 100 m lower, it's possible to take off on an east, south-east shoulder at the bend in the ski slope (often the breeze can be better when the thermal weather is picking up and the take-off can be clear of clouds. this is true even when the top of the lift has no visibility.)

• Flegère : At 1950m, located ten minutes on foot, following the path, above the Flégère intermediate station. Oriented East, operates early in the morning but as soon as the valley wind develops (generally around 11 a.m.) the takeoff is downwind and becomes turbulent and is not reccomended. Landing at Bois du Bouchet can also become problematic once the valley wind increases, pushing pilots away from the landing field. This area becomes a ski slope in winter & is strictly prohibited for paragliding.

Level

Beginner supervised - cross

Landing

Bois du Bouchet - Landing is far from takeoff: remember to locate it before going up to fly

Layout

Windsock.

Access

• Les Praz SNCF station + 5 min. walk. Bus near the Bois du Bouchet landing.

• Flégère cable car and Index chairlift and 5 min walk downstream from the arrival station (under the old Index arrival station or on the ski slope in summer)

• Summer: paragliding prices (day).