Paragliding is a mountain aviation activity where participants soar using ram-air canopy wings, taking off from elevated slopes either solo or accompanied by certified instructors on tandem flights. Mountain resorts support the discipline through local flying schools, introductory training courses, and organized passenger operations that showcase peaks, valleys, and regional landmarks. Operating schedules vary across regions: while summer and autumn are the most widespread flight seasons, numerous destinations also fly in spring, and select ski stations such as Courchevel and Les Arcs maintain flight operations during winter.
Flight conditions and panoramic routes depend on local topography and designated launch areas. In Switzerland, Fiesch is renowned for its favorable thermals and aerial launch points in Wallis, while Lauterbrunnen & Mürren hosts flight activity along the high cliffs around Stechelberg. In the Austrian Tyrol, Alpbach provides tandem flights departing directly from the Wiedersbergerhorn, whereas St. Wolfgang utilizes the Zwölferhorn mountain as a launch site for both paragliders and hang gliders. Across the Pyrenees, Saint-Lary-Soulan facilitates flights taking off from locations such as Pla d'Adet, and in France's Aravis Valley, La Clusaz features introductory training courses alongside local operators like Fly Aravis.