A Guide to New Year Adventures
South America
Argentina
Bariloche - Fly the Andes and fly with condors. The XC possibilities will take you to wild, remote, and scenic places. It is best from December - March
Brazil
Caçapava do Sul - XC flying is best November - January and record flights happen here. Bonus - check out Sapiranga too! There are some extremely long days and flying here is easier as the conditions are mellower than the northeast part of the country.
Rio de Janeiro - Take off in a tropical forest, land on the beach, and if conditions align then fly XC to the famous statue of Christ. This is a place you can go anytime of the year to fly but it’s best in spring and summer.
Governador Valadares - offers smooth and reliable thermals from January to April, making it ideal for flying in shorts and T-shirts at cloudbase over its lush, rolling green hills. With a well-equipped launch site at Pico do Ibituruna and a variety of XC routes, it's a perfect destination for honing skills or enjoying scenic free flying adventures.
Colombia
Roldanillo - a world-renowned paragliding destination offering consistent thermals, flatland flying, and stunning tropical mountain scenery, with the best conditions from December to March and July to September. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and reliable weather, it’s ideal for both new pilots and seasoned competitors, with accessible logistics and plenty of XC opportunities.
Bucaramanga - Year-round, reliable flying perfect for new pilots looking to hone their thermalling skills and log airtime. With The Nest hostel just two minutes from launch, pilots can enjoy a laid-back atmosphere and convenient access to scenic ridge soaring and consistent thermals throughout the day.
Peru
Lima - Unique urban flying from a grassy cliffside park in Miraflores, with soaring opportunities above the Pacific Ocean and the city's bustling streets. Best for scenic coastal flights, pilots can enjoy views of Lima's sprawling skyline.
Venezuela
Placivel - spectacular paragliding opportunities with consistent thermals, stunning mountain vistas, and a welcoming local community, making it an ideal destination for both XC enthusiasts and recreational pilots.
Merida - combines breathtaking Andean landscapes with reliable thermals, hosting the Andes Open Paragliding Event January 3-7 making it a must-visit destination for pilots seeking adventure and competition.
North America
USA
Salt Lake City, Utah - The peaks may be covered in snow but the famous Point of the Mountain and some lower elevation hike and flys are consistent for flying this time of year.
Mexico
Valle de Bravo - This is the most consistent flying site in the world while in season November - February. It includes mountain, flatland and convergence lift flying. Known for its paragliding competitions and thermal perfection.
Zaachila - It's known as one of the best flying sites in Mexico, with a top-drivable launch, a large grassy take off and a lush semi-tropical landscape.
Zaachila, Mexico
Central America
Guatemala
Chiquimula - BRING THE WHOLE FAMILY! - Experience paragliding, hiking, ziplines, camel rides, mountain biking, canopy tours, and camel rides at a mountain adventure park, complete with luxurious bungalows, restaurant, and a heated pool for relaxation.
Australia
Bright - One of Australia’s best and most accessible flying sites. House thermals set you up for interesting XC routes from October to April and the southern winter flying is good too! Outlandings and retrieves are easy here.
Manilla - Safe, easy and relaxing XC for all levels of pilot. Astroturfed launches for every wind direction. The weather is reliable and there are XC routes in all directions. October - April are most consistent.
Sydney - Several paragliding sites dot the northern beaches and western hills around Sydney, but it is Stanwell Park in the south that is most famous. Stanwell Park offers world class coastal flying along “a beautiful stretch” of coast between Sydney and Wollongong
Europe
France
Chamonix - Europe’s winter paragliding haven, offers reliable weather, easy access via cable car, affordable daily tickets, and the thrill of flying from the Aiguille du Midi at 3,800m.
Gourdon - home to top paragliding test teams, offers reliable thermic conditions near the sea, accessible launch sites, and exciting XC routes to Courmette, Vence, and Gréolières, making it a winter favorite for international pilots.
Greolieres - A charming Provençal village less than an hour from Nice, offers year-round flying with a sunny microclimate and take-offs ranging from 300m to 1,740m. With stunning views of the Cheiron mountain and nearby XC opportunities in Gourdon and Col de Bleyne, it’s a must-visit for pilots of all abilities.
Saint Victoire - Inspired by Paul Cézanne, the imposing mountain near Aix-en-Provence offers breathtaking views, summer XC potential with booming thermals, smoother soaring in winter, and a rewarding 45-minute hike to launch from the south face.
Saint Victoire, France
Italy
Ospedaletti - A picturesque Italian seaside resort near San Remo, offers paragliders smooth coastal soaring above villas, with XC opportunities into the hills for the adventurous. Pilots can launch from Pianoro or Monte Nero, with beach landings available—though it's advisable to consult locals for current landing spots due to ongoing works. After flying, indulge in local cuisine at nearby restaurants or explore the vibrant nightlife of San Remo.
Monaco
Roquebrune - This is the final checkpoint for the famous XALPS race. You can soar with possible XC flying above the Mediterranean villas of the super-rich and then land on a beautiful beach. Then put some money on red like James Bond in the famous Casino Monte Carlo.
Roquebrune, Monaco
Portugal
Madeira - An island in the Atlantic, offers year-round coastal soaring with breathtaking views and a warm subtropical climate. Best flown at Arco da Calheta, the island's premier site, it’s perfect for experienced pilots looking for dynamic or relaxed flying and beach landings.
Nazare - Discover the paragliding-friendly coastline, where smooth winds meet accessible sites and timeless Portuguese charm. Make sure you book some coaching with Leonardo Jesus (the local ninja)!
Spain
Algodonales - Sitting beneath the Sierra de Lijar in southern Spain, is a paragliding hotspot perfect for beginners and XC addicts alike. Best flown from March to May or September to October for big flights, it’s also ideal year-round for training and progression.
Andalucia - Year-round flying with diverse sites ranging from the Sierra Nevada mountains to coastal locations like Almuñécar, where big XC flights often end at the sea. It features over 20 established sites, good thermals and a mix of desert-like plains and olive-covered hills. With excellent infrastructure and a vibrant flying community, it’s a top destination for pilots of all levels.
Canary Islands - Enjoy year-round flying conditions on these volcanic islands but October to April is best.
La Palma - With fewer tourists and excellent local guiding services, it’s an ideal destination for pilots seeking variety and peace.
Switzerland
Mürren - Located in the Lauterbrunnen valley providing incredibly scenic flights with views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks while descending massive cliffs into the beautiful Lauterbrunnen valley.
Salève - Just 30 minutes from Geneva, offers scenic flying with views of Jura, the alps, and lake Geneva.
Africa
Kenya
Kerio Valley - The Elgeyo Escarpment forms part of the western wall of Africa’s Great Rift Valley, and overlooks the 80 km-long Kerio Valley over 1,000m below. The result is a perfect flying ridge with consistent flying from December to February. This should be for intermediate pilots and above as bombing out can mean long, hot walks out with very minimal search and rescue.
Morocco
Aguergour, Ait Ourir - ideal winter retreats for free fliers, offering gentle thermals, breathtaking XC routes, and easy access to Marrakesh’s culture. Soar the Atlas mountains by day and immerse yourself in souks and ancient streets by night.
Morocco
South Africa
Cape Town - Stunning coastal flying with iconic launches like Lion’s Head, panoramic views of the Atlantic, and the chance to soar near Table Mountain and the Twelve Apostles. Best flown from November to March.
Porterville - A premier XC destination with strong thermals, expansive flatlands, and a 100km ridge offering big flights from November to March. With well-established launches, reliable weather, and guiding services, it’s perfect for pilots seeking big distances and challenging desert flying.
Asia and Oceania
India
Kamshet - nestled in India’s Western Ghats, offers a welcoming flying scene for new and seasoned pilots, with ideal conditions for soaring, thermalling, and XC from November to April, complemented by cozy pilot-friendly guesthouses.
Nepal
Bandipur - Ridge-soaring with daily reliable winds and stunning views of the Himalayas, including 8,000m Makalu. Best flown from October to April, it’s perfect for big flights over lush jungles and as a peaceful stopover between Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Manaslu - Go solo or book the ultimate paragliding adventure with Babu Sunuwar, featuring a 16-day journey through Nepal’s stunning landscapes, culminating in high-altitude flights near the 8,163m peak and a rafting escape down the Marysangadi River.
Sirkot - Escape the crowds of Pokhara and explore this hidden gem southwest of the city, developed by Everest adventurer Babu Sunuwar, offering a resort and a spacious grassy launch. Best flown from October to December or February to May, it features thermic conditions, safe valley flying, and the unforgettable experience of soaring above misty Himalayan valleys at sunrise.
New Zealand
Queenstown - New Zealand's Queenstown Lakes region offers world-class paragliding with stunning alpine scenery, XC routes, and diverse flying experiences from accessible sites like Coronet Peak and Treble Cone. Best flown from November to March, it’s a must-visit for pilots seeking mountain adventures, reliable thermals, and a welcoming flying community.
Wanaka - Mountain flying with strong thermals, stunning views of glacier country, and XC potential to iconic peaks like Mount Cook. Best flown from January to March for consistent weather or October to November for more dynamic skies, it’s a must-visit for adventurous pilots seeking alpine flying.
Ready to plan your flying adventure? Let me know if you'd like help with itineraries, gear suggestions, or local flying conditions! Stay tuned for the February edition of our month-by-month guide to the best places to fly around the world.
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