Paragliding

Paragliders, originally developed from parachutes, can be packed up and carried in a rucksack. Over the last twenty years spectacular progress has been made in terms of performance and safety. Experienced pilots can now do flights of several hours, using thermals to gain altitude, travelling long distances cross-country by "playing with" the relief and the wind. Typical air speeds range from 25 to 50 k/hr.

Hang-gliding 

Hang-gliders are triangular wings made from aluminium tubes and nylon. The pilot, who is suspended in a harness below the wing, uses body movements to control the hang-glider - a precise touch is needed to pilot the wing smoothly and efficiently. Typical air speeds range from 35 to 80 km/hr.
Despite being extremely spectacular, hang-gliding is declining in popularity and hang-gliding schools are quite rare.

Gliding

Flying in tandem with an instructor, you can learn to pilot a sailplane in only a few lessons. Every flight has four components: take off, gliding, using thermals to gain height and, of course, landing.

Fly solo:  Possible from the age of 15. After several lessons flying tandem, your instructor will allow you to make your first solo flight.
In order to fly solo without the presence of an instructor on the ground, pilots must obtain a licence. This is done by successfully completing a theoretical and practical examination that is open to pilots from the age of 16.

Savoie Mont Blanc has two gliding schools:

- Léman Mont-Blanc gliding school (+ link) at Les Moises, at the heart of the Vallée Verte. This site is renowned for its technical flying and outstanding views.

- Chambery gliding school.

[+] more info about gliding.

Hot air ballooning

Techniques have improved somewhat since the days of Jules Verne! Burners now use smokeless propane gas, balloon envelopes are made from polyurethane-reinforced nylon and baskets are made from woven cane and rattan. The burner is opened and closed to adjust the lift and a valve can be opened to release air from the balloon and thereby control its descent.

A hot air balloon flight is a unique experience that is best enjoyed with family or friends, and in the safe hands of an experienced pilot. Drifting through the skies of Savoie Mont Blanc, following the winds, is a truly magical experience.

There are three main ballooning centres: Praz sur Arly, Les Carroz d'Arâches, Les Saisies 

Kitesports

Inspired by kiting, traction kiting is an extremely "acrobatic" sport in which the rider is towed over land, snow or water, on a landboard, skis or surfboard. It can be enjoyed in many of Savoie Mont Blanc's resorts or on one of the area's four large lakes.