Paragliding
Activities
AkèneFly, the Oisans paragliding school founded by Guillaume, Mathieu and Nico, takes you on a tandem flight from the high pastures of Alpe d'Huez down to the Bourg-d'Oisans plain, more than 1,000 m below, landing a stone's throw from Le Cosy Lodge. No experience needed: the state-qualified instructor takes care of everything, you run a few steps at take-off, then sit back and enjoy the view over the Grandes Rousses and the valley. In winter you take off on skis from the slopes, meeting at the foot of the Pic Blanc gondola.
- Summer
- Flights daily from late spring until around 10 October, by booking (phone 8am-8pm).
- Winter
- Closed in winter · reopens in May
- Prices
- Winter discovery flight (Le Signal 2,100 m → resort, 250 m descent) from €50; summer high-altitude flight (2,700 m → resort, 850 m) €90; Grand vol Alpe d'Huez → Bourg-d'Oisans (over 1,000 m descent, flying over the village of Huez) €130; Vol kid (15-40 kg) €130; soaring / thermal flight (2,700 m → 1,800 m) €130; tailor-made prestige flight (e.g. take-off from the Pic Blanc at 3,300 m) from €190. Group rate for 10 or more. Onboard video optional. Ages 7 to 77, 25 to 95 kg. 2025-2026 prices, to be confirmed when booking.
- Duration
- Allow 45 min to 1 hr on site for the winter discovery flight, 75 min for the Grand vol and the Vol kid (welcome and shuttle to take-off included), 60 min for the soaring flight and up to 90 min for the prestige flight. The flight itself usually lasts 15 to 25 min depending on the option.
Online booking at akenefly.fr (“Choisir un vol” button) or at reservation.oisans.com, by phone or WhatsApp on +33 6 22 51 00 79 (8am-8pm), or by email. Book a few days ahead in high season. If the weather doesn't allow flying (strong wind, rain, mist), your flight is rescheduled subject to availability or refunded free of charge. Gift vouchers available. Payment by card, contactless, cash, cheque or Chèques-Vacances.
School based in Le Bourg-d'Oisans (38520); flights take off from Alpe d'Huez, 38750 Huez (winter: meet at the foot of the Pic Blanc gondola, by the pink AkèneFly flags; summer: meeting point given when you book)
Wear closed shoes and warm clothes (it's much cooler up in the air than in the resort) and bring sunglasses, and aim for an early morning slot for the Grand vol: that's when the air is calmest and flights are least often postponed.