FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
A summary of the answers to the most frequently asked questions...
As paragliding is an outdoor activity, it is important to wear clothing suitable for the weather conditions. We recommend: gloves for comfort/protection and either sturdy shoes (hiking type) or simply your ski gear - take-off is done on foot or on skis. All flying equipment (helmet, harness, etc.) is provided by Ailo and the pilot.
You don't need to be particularly athletic, but you must be able to take a few steps for take-off and landing. Children are welcome from the age of 5 and there is no upper age limit. For safety reasons, please contact us if you weigh more than 100 kg (220 lbs).
The meeting point will be communicated when your flight is confirmed. We usually meet about a hundred metres below the Ruinettes cable car arrival point.
If travelling by car, park in the large (free) car park in Le Châble, at the foot of the cable car departure point. If travelling by train, note that Le Châble station is located right at the start of the cable cars. Buy your paragliding ticket at the Téléverbier ticket office, then take the Le Châble - Verbier - Les Ruinettes cable cars (the journey takes about 30 minutes).
You may take your own camera or phone provided they have a wrist strap. However, the use of selfie sticks is not permitted before and during a flight. You can bring it with you, but for safety reasons, it will be stored in a compartment during the flight.
Each pilot offers to take photos and videos in a secure manner - Full HD. At the end of the flight, these images will be made available to you: they are available either on a small memory card or via your smartphone.
Please let us know if you would like to leave your backpacks, handbags and personal belongings in our premises or vehicle in Le Châble. You can then collect them after landing. If your belongings are small, we can easily take them with us during the flight. If you are skiing, we will store your poles so that they do not get in the way during the flight.
At the take-off area, you will be greeted by the person responsible for the tandem flight. No previous experience is necessary: the pilot will explain everything you need to know before take-off and you will have the opportunity to ask questions if anything is unclear. You will then be fitted with a harness and helmet: once secured, you will head for a gentle slope to allow the wing to rise and you to take off.
After preparing the paraglider, the pilot checks that everything is in order... then it's time to take off. When taking off, stand up straight, then, as soon as the pilot tells you to, sit back and relax... it's time to enjoy the flight!
During the flight, you can enjoy the scenery and the indescribable sensation of gliding through the air. You can chat with the pilot, who will take pictures for you. During the flight, you can ask him to perform a few aerobatic manoeuvres, if you feel like it.
A few seconds before landing, your pilot will ask you to stand up in the harness (the name of the seat you sit in) before taking a few steps when your feet touch the ground.
No doubt, at that moment, you will be filled with emotion and will probably understand perfectly why birds are singing :)
You must have standard accident and health insurance valid in Switzerland. As we cover specific insurance for tandem paragliding flights, no other insurance is required for you. For the time being, we do not currently offer cancellation insurance.
That's a fair question! But no, paragliding is no more dangerous than crossing Verbier's central square. Of course, there's no such thing as zero risk, but we would never take any risks with you during our tandem flights. At Ailo, safety is a top priority. Our pilots, who are members of the Swiss Free Flight Federation (FSVL) and regulated by the Federal Office of Civil Aviation (OFAC), undergo rigorous training and continuous practice – they are recognised as some of the best in the world. All equipment is also new and regularly inspected and checked to ensure maximum active and passive safety.
This question actually covers two concepts: vertigo and air sickness. Vertigo is a reaction related to balance that only occurs when in contact with the ground; it therefore does not occur when paragliding. Even people who are very prone to vertigo (ladders, cliffs, terraces) do not experience it when flying. Air sickness occurs when the eyes and inner ear send conflicting signals, for example during acrobatics or turbulence. If you are concerned about this, please let us know and we will adapt the flight and take-off time to ensure that the experience remains enjoyable and the conditions are as calm as possible.
Credit card or cash payments (euros, pounds sterling, and US dollars at the day's exchange rate) are accepted. Except in exceptional cases, we cannot accept coins for the payment of a flight.
If the flight cannot take place due to weather conditions, we will try to find a new date with you. If this is not possible, you will receive a full refund. In the event of unforeseen circumstances, you may cancel up to 24 hours before your appointment (and receive a full refund if payments have been made). However, if you are late for your appointment, we will not issue a refund.
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