The Best Glaciers for Paragliding Launches
Paragliding from a glacier surface or a moraine ridge directly above ice is a niche specialty. Wind, slope and snow conditions all need to align, and most flights are guided tandem with bookable operators. Here are the ten classics.
1. Plan Praz / Brevent, Chamonix
A grassy launch, but with the Mer de Glace and Argentiere glaciers in the descent picture. The standard tandem starting point.
2. Aiguille du Midi north flank, France
Advanced launch from snow at 3 842 m, gliding over the Vallee Blanche glacier. Pilots only — book through Chamonix guide companies.
3. Furka Pass, Switzerland
Roadside launch with the Rhone glacier as backdrop. Easy access in summer; thermals build by late morning.
4. Mt Cook tandem, New Zealand
Helicopter-deposited launches above the Tasman valley, with descent over the proglacial lake. Mt Cook Heliplay operates the standard package.
5. El Calafate, Argentina
Paragliding from coastal hills with views over Lago Argentino and distant icebergs. Year-round operation, weather permitting.
6. El Chalten ridge launches, Argentina
Higher and harder than El Calafate, with views toward Fitz Roy and the Marconi glacier. Pilots with intermediate skills required.
7. Hahnenkamm, Austria
Not strictly glacial but with views over the Hintertux ski glaciers when flying west. A reliable training site with glacier scenery.
8. Bossons launch, France
Heli-drop launches on the lateral moraine. Only by experienced pilots; thermal patterns are complex.
9. Jungfraujoch, Switzerland
The world's highest-altitude tourist tandem available from Jungfraujoch hotels in summer.
10. Wanaka, New Zealand
Treble Cone area, with views over Mount Aspiring glaciers in the distance. Accessible tandem launch with full-day options.
Safety
Glacier paragliding adds altitude, cold and rapid weather change to normal flying risks. Always fly with certified operators and consider oxygen at high-altitude launches. Layer for descent — temperatures drop fast.
See them all in one view
Filter to "paragliding" on the interactive map for legal launches, operator details and seasonal closures.