Page 68 - Cross Country Travel Guide 2019

ACRO WORLD

Organyà, Spain
Organyà is well known as the magic
mountain, or the world’s best acro site, so

in any list of the world’s best acro spots you
have to include it. The best period is usually
from the beginning of June to the end of
August. Although earlier in the spring also
works it is also really unstable, so you can
get a lot of thunderstorms. September can
also be good but the famous restitution is
often missing.
Pilots tend to think Organyà is only for
acro pilots, but it is actually a really nice spot
for beginner and intermediate pilots as well.
A typical day starts at around noon with

strong thermals and usually slightly turbulent
and windy conditions. But at around 4pm the
restitution starts and this is then as smooth a
place as you could find, with lift everywhere.
Accommodation is easy: camp or rent an
apartment. It is usually quite cheap and you
can expect to spend really little money there.
parapentorganya.net
Photos: Laurent Merle

Chamonix, France

If you are planning a flying trip in France
Chamonix definitely should be on your
bucket list. Who would not dream of flying
in front of Europe’s highest peak?
Chamonix rarely disappoints. It is pretty
easy to fly here, although you have to take
care: the valley breeze can be strong and
storms can develop quickly. For acro you also
have to take care of your acro box, which is

sometimes not so easy to find.
Mornings are usually calm and good for
beginners while afternoons offer generous
thermals. For acro the Brevent cable car is
extremely efficient; sometimes we do 20
flights a day. Chamonix is flyable all year long
although the cable car closes in November.
Accommodation is easy but can be

expensive; try the lower valleys for a much
cheaper stay. Look out for the free bus called
Le Mulet that passes the landing and can
drop you at the cable cars. Pretty useful.
chamonix.com/parapente,38,fr.html
Photo: Théo de Blic

68 CROSS COUNTRY TRAVEL GUIDE 2019 ACRO SITES