Introduction
Picture yourself standing on a sunlit mountain ridge, the valley stretching out below. A warm breeze lifts your wing as you take a few running steps forward—then suddenly, you’re airborne. You carve through the air just meters above the terrain, skimming treetops and cliffs, before touching down softly in an alpine meadow. This is speedflying, a high-adrenaline sport that blends elements of paragliding and skydiving into one fast-paced, gravity-fueled adventure.
Unlike traditional paragliding, which prioritizes soaring and long-distance flights, speedflying focuses on rapid descents and precision flying close to the terrain. Over the past two decades, it has evolved from an underground passion into one of the most thrilling airsports, attracting adventurers seeking the ultimate mix of speed, skill, and freedom. In this guide, we’ll explore speedflying’s origins, the different styles of flying, where you can do it, and how the community is navigating regulations in an effort to keep the sport alive and growing.
A Brief History of Speedflying
Speedflying originated in the late 1970s when French mountaineers began launching parachutes from steep mountainsides, blending elements of paragliding and parachuting. Over the decades, wing design and technique evolved, and in 2001, pioneers like Frédéric Fugen and his team experimented with skiing and parachuting, leading to the development of speedriding—a winter sport combining skiing and flying. By 2005, specialized speed wings were introduced, marking the formal inception of speedflying as a distinct discipline. The sport quickly gained traction, especially in alpine regions, attracting thrill-seekers eager for a new kind of aerial adventure.
The Current State of Speedflying
Today, speedflying has matured into a well-recognized airsport with a dedicated global community. Its growth is attributed to advancements in equipment, making the sport more accessible and safer for newcomers. Pilots come from diverse backgrounds, including paragliding, skydiving, and skiing, as well as complete beginners drawn to the sport’s unique blend of skills. Modern speed wings are lighter and more responsive, allowing for precise control during rapid descents. Training programs have become more structured, emphasizing safety and skill development to accommodate the sport’s increasing popularity.
Speedflying vs. Speedriding
What is the difference between speedflying and speedriding? While both disciplines involve small, high-performance wings, the key distinction lies in the terrain and technique. Speedriding integrates skiing and flight, while speedflying focuses on foot-launched descents. Each style offers unique thrills and challenges, making them appealing to different types of pilots.
Speedriding (Winter)
Speedriding combines skiing with flying, allowing pilots to alternate between carving down slopes and soaring above them. Pilots launch by skiing down steep terrains, using the wing to control speed and lift. This seamless blend of skiing and flight enables access to untouched snowfields and challenging terrains that are otherwise hard to reach.
Notable speedriding destinations:
- Val d’Isère, France – A top choice for its expansive alpine landscapes and ideal conditions.
- Chamonix, France – A legendary location for extreme mountain sports, offering steep runs and technical flying.
- La Grave, France – Known for its rugged, backcountry terrain and breathtaking speedriding routes.
- St. Anton, Austria – Offers a mix of technical lines and open slopes for dynamic flying.
- Verbier, Switzerland – A popular speedriding hub with excellent snow conditions and a strong flying community.
Speedflying (Summer)
In warmer months, speedflying shifts to “hike and fly” or chairlift-assisted launches. Pilots hike up mountains or use ski lifts to reach takeoff points, then perform running launches to become airborne. The experience involves soaring over varied terrains, from cliffs to open fields, offering a unique perspective of the landscape. If you’re wondering where you can speedfly in the summer, here are some of the most popular destinations.
Notable speedflying destinations:
- Lake Garda, Italy – Stunning coastal cliffs and smooth summer conditions make this a prime speedflying destination.
- Chamonix, France – A year-round airsports hub, offering breathtaking terrain for summer flights.
- Cairngorm Mountain, Scotland – A challenging and scenic location in the UK’s largest national park.
- Bernese Alps, Switzerland – Known for picturesque landscapes and ideal wind conditions.
- Kronplatz, Italy – A well-known speedflying spot with dramatic descents and great lift access.
The Challenges: Regulations and Community Efforts
As speedflying has grown, certain regions have imposed restrictions due to safety concerns and environmental impact. For example, Les Deux Alpes in France has banned speedflying during the summer months, citing overcrowding and safety risks. In response, the speedflying community has proactively engaged with local authorities to advocate for the sport. Pilots and organizations continue to work toward reopening sites under mutually agreeable conditions.
Staying informed about regulations and supporting community efforts is essential for the longevity of the sport. Many pilots work closely with local authorities to ensure responsible flying and to preserve access to prime speedflying locations.
Who is Speedflying For?
Aspiring speedflyers often have questions about the sport’s prerequisites and challenges:
- Do I need prior experience? While having a background in paragliding, skydiving, or skiing can be beneficial, it’s not mandatory. Many schools offer beginner courses tailored to those new to airsports.
- Is speedflying hard to learn? Speedflying requires developing specific skills, including wing handling and terrain awareness. With proper instruction and dedication, beginners can progress steadily.
- Is speedflying dangerous? As with any extreme sport, speedflying carries inherent risks. However, advancements in equipment and training have improved safety. Engaging in comprehensive training and adhering to safety protocols are crucial. For best practices and risk mitigation strategies, check out this Speedflying Best Practices Guide.
- Where can I learn to speedfly? Numerous training programs and schools worldwide offer structured courses, guiding novices through controlled progression to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Pro Speedflying is one such resource offering training and information for those looking to enter the sport.
Conclusion
Speedflying offers an exhilarating fusion of flight and alpine sports, providing a unique perspective of the mountains. Whether you’re drawn to the swift descents of speedriding or the scenic flights of summer speedflying, the sport caters to various adventure seekers. As you consider embarking on this journey, remember that proper training and respect for safety are paramount. Staying connected with the community, keeping up with regulations, and practicing responsible flying will help ensure the sport’s continued growth and accessibility for future pilots.
