ILLUSTRATION
ADAM HOWLING
don’t be alarmed
if you spot skiers falling
through the skies this winter. Chances are,
it’s just another flashy ski junkie launching
themselves into the most recent snowsport
trend. Speed flying, or speed riding, is
a hybrid sport that combines skiing and paragliding,
offering participants a quirky mix of adrenalin and
serenity as they swoosh down empty mountains before
gathering speed to take off into the clouds.
It’s taking off in other ways too. “In the past five
years, our school has seen a 20% increase in pupils,” says
François Bon, head teacher at the sport’s birthplace, Les
Arcs Speed Riding School. Although speed flying started
in 2005, it’s seeing a much wider appeal these days. “We
now coach around 6,000 people annually,” he says.
It’s still most popular in France (it’s actually forbidden
in Austria and Germany) and in the past three years
schools have opened in La Clusaz, La Rosière,
Val d’Isère and la Toussuire, with the
biggest in Valfréjus.
While it may look pretty, with
colourful wings floating over the slopes,
this is one sport that shouldn’t be taken
on lightly. Speeds of up to 145km/h mean there have
been fatalities and last year one Londoner was rescued
after three days lost on the slopes. It also requires
specialist training, while the kit list – including helmet,
back protection, avalanche transceiver – is both
exhaustive and exhausting to carry.
“Getting to your start point away from the main
ski areas involves a bit of trudging with your skis and
canopy [wing],” advises Brit enthusiast Kate Corney,
who tried it for the first time four years ago. “You’ll need
to be fit – and don’t expect to be flying down mountains
until you’re very experienced.” Just to have a go, she
explains, takes “a high-flying personality” and the
courage to make that first run.
If you’re brave (some might say foolhardy) enough
though, the positives are many. “I like to climb
mountains and make wild lines [that is, tracks] down
Mont Blanc,” says Bon, giving a great example of
how it can push off-piste adventures to the
max – not to mention giving experienced
skiers some serious bragging rights.
Prices from €90 at Les Arcs Speed Riding
School.
speedriding-school.com
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“High-flyers only”
You’ll need more than just the ability to snowplough to take on the latest craze
in the Alps.
Lucy Fry
finds out more about speed flying
W I T N E S S
T H E F I T N E S S
L E S A R C S
The sport
combines skiing
and paragliding
for a quirky mix of
adrenalin and serenity
V I E W P O I N T S
