Vol & Ski Challenge 2019: here we go

Vol & Ski 2019, kick-off in Courchevel!

It is said that this sport was born here in Courchevel in the 1990s, at the very dawn of paragliding. Today it is a challenge organised by the French Free Flight Federation (FFVL), with several events held in different resorts in the Alps. The first event of the 2019 FFVL Fly & Ski challenge took place this weekend of 5 and 6 January in Courchevel, under the leadership of Jean-Claude Benintende , vice-president of the FFVL and of the Courchevel Sport Outdoor Free Flight club. The competition brings together about forty participants of all ages, from very high-level pilots (aerobatic flying champions) to pilots discovering the activity.

Competitors must complete a course combining skiing and paraglider piloting. Take-off from the summit of the Bouc Blanc, then a series of 8 workshops: several poles to touch in flight, a line to cut on the ground, a ground-gliding zone, a throw into the tower of the ski jump and, on landing, a target and a pole to touch while sliding. Of course, all this must be done while keeping the wing inflated above your head… the volunteer marshals are uncompromising!

Four rounds were run over the two days of Saturday and Sunday. The very technical course led to a few wings caught in the fir trees and a rescue intervention for an accident that was fortunately not serious. First place in the solo category went to Eliot et Renaud Nochez , followed by Tim Alongi, Jean-Yves Seveno and Pascal Piazzalunga. Tim Alongi was first in the tandem category while Kti Devos was first woman.

After the competition, on Saturday afternoon, a group flight was organised to Bozel at the bottom of the valley. During this long flight, you can enjoy the magnificent scenery of the Vanoise peaks while others take the opportunity to do a few more “touch” manoeuvres on the closed pistes and practise their piloting. The return to the resort is by ski bus, free for all.

Congratulations to the organisers from the Courchevel Sports Outdoor Free Flight club and to all the volunteers. Thanks to the various sponsors for the prizes they offered, in particular Dynastar, Niviuk, Turbulence (T-shirts), Altitude (sunglasses), Sup’Air, Parapente Mag and the FFVL.

See you next weekend in Les Saisies for the second event of the challenge.