Paragliding · Lake Serre Ponçon
How to choose
Both offers are operated by Activ-serreponcon and priced at 90 €, so budget isn't the deciding factor here. The difference is timing and launch point. The winter paragliding session departs from Réallon at the ski pass desk, built for cold-season conditions with snow-covered terrain below. The first paragliding experience runs from Chorges and is framed as a classic flight over Lake Serre Ponçon, with a 1h duration. Both welcome complete beginners. Pick the winter session for the off-season mountain feel, or the Chorges flight for the iconic turquoise lake backdrop during the May to September season.
Compare · 2 offers
Our picks
Winter paragliding experience near Lake Serre-Ponçon
A 1h first flight departing from Chorges with the full panorama of Lake Serre Ponçon below, rated 5/5 by verified flyers.
First Paragliding Experience over Lake Serre-Ponçon
The winter launch from Réallon puts you above snow-covered alpine terrain for 1h at the same 90 € rate, no crowds, sharper air.
Frequently asked questions
What's the most intense moment of a tandem paragliding flight?
The launch is the sharpest transition: you run a few steps down the slope, and within seconds your feet leave the ground. The thermal lift that follows can be sudden and steep depending on conditions over Lake Serre Ponçon.
Do you need to be afraid of heights to enjoy this?
Fear of heights on the ground doesn't always translate to paragliding. Once airborne, there's no ledge beneath you, and the sensation is closer to floating than falling. Most first-timers describe the fear disappearing at takeoff.
How high do you actually fly above the lake?
Altitude above the lake depends on thermals and launch conditions on the day. Your pilot adjusts in real time. The flights depart from elevated launch zones above Réallon or Chorges, so the views over the reservoir are significant.
Is there a physical requirement to fly?
Both tours list “Everybody welcome” as the physical level. No athletic ability is required. Weight or health restrictions may apply at booking, so confirm directly with Activ-serreponcon before reserving.
Is the winter flight less intense than the summer one?
Winter air over the Alps tends to be more stable with fewer thermals, which often means a smoother ride. The summer flight over Lake Serre Ponçon can involve stronger thermal activity and more dynamic sensations.
Guides & Resources
Our guide to choosing well before you book.
Best time to go
| Month | Temperature | Rainfall | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 0.5 °C | 75.2 mm | Possible |
| February | 1.9 °C | 93.9 mm | Possible |
| March | 2.4 °C | 102.3 mm | Poor |
| April | 6.8 °C | 98.9 mm | Possible |
| May | 10.6 °C | 85 mm | Good |
| June | 16.5 °C | 68.5 mm | Good |
| July | 20.8 °C | 43.3 mm | Peak |
| August | 21.1 °C | 47.3 mm | Peak |
| September | 16.7 °C | 72.1 mm | Good |
| October | 11.1 °C | 104.6 mm | Possible |
| November | 4.5 °C | 111.3 mm | Poor |
| December | 1.1 °C | 38.6 mm | Possible |
Practical info
Equipment
Wear warm, close-fitting layers and sturdy lace-up shoes: even in summer, temperatures at altitude above Lake Serre Ponçon drop noticeably. For the winter session departing from Réallon, add a windproof outer layer and gloves. Your pilot provides the harness and helmet.
Getting there
The winter session meets in front of the ski pass cash register in Réallon (05160), and the summer flight meets at Pré de la gare in Chorges (05230), roughly 10 km apart on the northern shore of the lake.
See also
Paragliding elsewhere
Other activities in Lake Serre Ponçon
Updated September 2026