Speed riding: How to get started in this aerial sport?

Half bird, half skier, the speed rider hurtles down snow-covered slopes before soaring into the air, carried by a compact wing. If you’ve ever felt a thrill watching someone skim along a ridge and then take off as if it were nothing, you know exactly what we’re talking about. Speed riding is a hybrid sport that combines skiing and paragliding into a one-of-a-kind adrenaline rush. But how do you get started? Is it accessible to everyone? Where can you try it? We’ll tell you everything you need to know to make your first flights in complete safety!

Key Takeaways

A hybrid sport born in the Alps: a combination of skiing and paragliding using a compact wing ranging from 8 to 16 m².
Prerequisites: good skiing ability (red runs, off-piste), good physical condition; basic paragliding experience is a plus.
Mandatory introductory course: 3 to 5 days with a certified instructor, between €300 and €500, equipment included.
Les Menuires, the ideal spot to get started: a varied ski area and specialized schools on-site.
Safety is non-negotiable: never go alone, check the weather, stick to authorized areas, and proceed gradually.

What exactly is speed riding?

Speed riding originated in the French Alps in the early 2000s, when some adventurous paragliders and skiers came up with the idea of combining their two passions. The concept is simple on paper: you ski with a small paragliding wing above your head, allowing you to alternate between gliding on the ground and flying. Unlike traditional paragliding, the wing used is much smaller (between 8 and 16 m²), making it faster and more maneuverable.

The reward: a feeling of total freedom. You can race down a couloir, soar over a rocky ridge, glide gently down the next slope, and then take off again at full speed. It’s pretty much every winter sports enthusiast’s dream when they’re looking to push their limits. And of all the types of skiing you can do at a resort, this one is clearly the most spectacular !

What you need to get started

Good skiing ability

essential skills to master before taking the plunge (literally). A good level of skiing is the number one requirement. You must:

be comfortable on red and black runs;
know how to control your speed;
be able to ski confidently in all snow conditions.

Also, don’t be afraid of off-piste skiing, since that’s where most speed riding takes place. If you’re still a beginner, focus on that first.

Some experience with paragliding is a real plus

It’s not strictly required, but having some experience with a paraglider will give you a significant head start. This will help you understand the wing’s behavior, brake control, and the effects of the wind more quickly. If you’ve never done it before, don’t worry: speed riding courses usually include a ground session.

Good physical condition

In short, between the weight of the equipment, the intense skiing, and the constant concentration, speed riding works your entire body. Arms, legs, core—every muscle gets a workout! So you need to be in good shape to fully enjoy the experience.

What does a beginner’s course involve?

Groundwork

The best way to get started is therefore to take a supervised course with a certified instructor: after all, this is an aerial sport where mistakes can be costly. It all starts with mastering the sail on the ground, without skis. You’ll learn to inflate the sail and understand how it reacts to the wind. It’s the least glamorous phase, but it’s the most important. Expect to spend a few hours going back and forth across a snowfield.

First flights on a gentle slope

Next, you’ll get down to business with your skis on, on gentle, open slopes. The goal is to learn how to take off, handle short, low-altitude jumps, and land smoothly. Don’t worry—you won’t be jumping off rocky outcrops on your very first day.

Progressing toward independence

with confidence. Keep in mind that a full course typically lasts between 3 and 5 days, depending on the school and your starting level. By the end, you’ll have the basics you need to continue improving on your own.

Where can you go speed riding in France?

La France est le berceau du speed riding et les spots ne manquent pas. Les grandes stations des Alpes offrent des terrains de jeu exceptionnels, avec des dénivelés importants et des paysages à couper le souffle.

If you’re looking for the perfect setting to get started, Les Menuires in the 3 Vallées checks all the boxes. The ski area is vast, with varied terrain, and you’ll find specialized schools right there. Plus, it’s the perfect opportunity to spend your winter vacation in the mountains while discovering a new sport. Wondering what to do in Les Menuires off the beaten path? Speed riding is definitely an out-of-the-ordinary option!

When planning your trip, be sure to book a hotel in Les Menuires so you can relax and unwind after a day on the slopes. And after a day spent enjoying the snow and the open sky, there’s nothing quite like a delicious meal at a restaurant in Les Menuires to recharge your batteries.

Some practical tips for continuing to improve after the workshop

What You’ll Need

As for equipment, here’s what you’ll need:

A speed riding wing: smaller than a traditional paragliding wing, it is chosen based on your weight and skill level. For beginners, the instructors will provide you with the appropriate equipment.
A harness: lightweight and designed specifically for speed riding, it is worn like a backpack.
A helmet: required, of course! Choose a ski helmet with a visor or a full-face helmet.
Skis: Classic freeride skis work just fine (no need to invest in special gear right away).

For beginners, most schools provide the paraglider and harness. Expect to pay For beginners, most schools provide the paraglider and harness. Expect to pay between 300 and 500 euros for a full course, including equipment. If you later decide to purchase your own gear, budget approximately 2,000 to 3,500 euros for a new paraglider and harness.

Safety rules you should never forget

Speed riding remains a challenging sport that demands respect, and there are a few golden rules to follow:

Never practice alone when you’re just starting out: this is non-negotiable.
Check the weather: the wind is either your best friend or your worst enemy. Here, conditions that are too windy can make the activity dangerous.
Stick to authorized areas: not all resorts allow speed riding, and some areas are off-limits. Always check in advance.
Progress at your own pace: the temptation to go all out quickly is strong. Resist it. Progress in speed riding should be gradual and supervised.

As you can see, speed riding is one of those sports that will completely change the way you see the mountains. Once you’ve experienced that unique sensation of gliding between earth and sky, you’ll find it hard to give it up. So, are you ready to spread your wings?