To help guide you on the right path with your all-important first steps into paragliding, I've provided free general advice on getting started—including tandem flights, license courses, FAQ and buying your own equipment, plus a whole lot more—below. On behalf of the whole paragliding community, WELCOME to the wonderful world of paragliding! 

Getting Started with Paragliding in Åre

Flying a paraglider is a thrilling experience, but it requires effort, time, and dedication to truly master it. Being fit and adventurous helps, but you don't have to be fearless! The most common way to get started is with a tandem flight.

After that, if you're still hooked, sign up for a full training course. Keep in mind that every paragliding school is different, so do your research and choose wisely. Don't base your decision solely on price, as the quality of instruction and equipment can make all the difference. As someone who has been through the process, I highly recommend Skysport Åre in Sweden for your paragliding license. They are top-notch and provide an incredible experience with a strong focus on safety.

Where to Stay in Åre

If you're planning to take a paragliding course in Åre, Sweden, you'll be glad to know that Skysport offers more than just top-notch training. They also provide excellent accommodation right next to the landing site called Draklanda. It's called LAKE LODGE and it's a picturesque place, situated on the beautiful shores of Åresjön. It's the perfect place to relax and unwind after an exciting day of flying.

Tandem Flights in Åre

Have you ever dreamed of flying like a bird? Tandem paragliding flights are the perfect way to experience the thrill of soaring through the air without having to learn the ins and outs of controlling the paraglider yourself. With an experienced tandem pilot taking care of everything from launch to landing, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the breathtaking aerial views. Trust me, I know from personal experience - I did my first tandem flight in Hawaii and was absolutely hooked!

Full Paragliding Courses for Beginners

Learning to paraglide in Åre is an unforgettable experience that could change your life forever! The course runs for a week and follows the guidelines of the Swedish Paragliding Association, SSFF. With the course, you can obtain a Student License and learn both back gliding and mountain flying. Low flights are done on a small hill with a 20-30 meter drop, while high-flying flights up to 1000 meters fall are from Åreskutan mountain, with eight different starting points available depending on wind direction and strength. The shape of the mountain means it's possible to start in all wind directions. Exciting, right?

If you've completed your student and mountain license, congrats! You can now fly solo on slopes that are up to 100 meters high. But if you want to go for those exhilarating high-altitude flights, you'll need to have a more experienced pilot with you, who holds either a Pilot 1 or Pilot 2 license. And if you're planning to fly abroad without an instructor, you'll need to take continuation flights and eventually get your Pilot 1 license. Just a heads up, before you start your Pilot 1 course, you'll need to have at least 50 high-altitude flights and a total time of 10 hours. But don't worry, it's all worth it! Starting with the basic course is a blast, and you'll have an unforgettable time. And if you're looking for the perfect place to kick off your paragliding journey, Åre is a great choice!

Paragliding in Sweden or abroad?

If you're looking to learn paragliding and you're in Sweden, then you're in the right place! Åre is the heart of paragliding in Sweden, offering the highest drop and an experience that's comparable to the Alps. Plus, it's always best to learn in the environment where you'll be doing most of your flying. However, if you're lucky with the weather, training abroad can offer you accelerated progression. So, why not combine your main training near your home with some additional training abroad? It's the perfect way to become a pro!

Buying Your Own Paragliding Equipment

Let's talk about something crucial when it comes to paragliding - equipment. You need to have the right gear that fits YOU personally to ensure your safety and make the most out of your flying experience. Trust me, investing in the best equipment can make all the difference between an incredible flight or a nightmare. But remember, what works for one person might not work for you, so take your time to choose the perfect gear that suits your needs. This is not the place to skimp on quality or rush your decision. Trust me, when it comes to paragliding, taking time to choose the right equipment for you is crucial.

My Paragliding Gear

When it comes to paragliding, it's important to have the right equipment for you. For me, I have an Ozone Geo 6 - which is a lightweight intermediate paraglider that's perfect for hike and fly adventures. It's rated as an EN B, which means it's safe and easy to fly. My harness is a Supair Altirando 3 - it's lightweight and comes with a pre-inflated airbag which gives me extra protection during take-off. And of course, safety is always my top priority, so I carry an Angel reserve parachute just in case. Finally, my helmet is an Icaro Nerv - it's lightweight and has a visor to protect me from the sun.

Oh, and if you're looking to add a pop of color to your gear, I highly recommend ordering custom colors - my glider is a neon pink and white combo, and it looks awesome!

If you're new to the sport and itching to buy your own gear, hold your horses and don't rush into it just yet. It may seem like a simple task, but trust me, there's a lot more to consider when it comes to buying paragliding gear. You don't want to make any costly mistakes that could jeopardize your safety or ruin your flying experience. Even for seasoned professionals, it takes careful consideration to find the perfect match of equipment for each individual. That's why I recommend checking out Skysport Åre, where you can rent top-quality equipment and receive expert advice on finding the right gear for you.

Personally, I was looking for lightweight equipment that would allow me to "hike & fly" while still maintaining maximum safety. So, trust me on this one and take your time finding the right gear before making any impulsive purchases.

Guided Paragliding Trips

One of the things I love about paragliding is the possibility to travel with my gear and fly in new and exciting locations. Whether it's in my own country or overseas, there are always new places to explore and friendly flying communities to connect with. Hiring a guide is a great way to get the most out of your trip, as they know the area inside out and can take you to the best spots. They'll also help you progress your skills in a safe and gradual way, so you don't end up feeling overwhelmed or scared. Remember, guides don't have to be licensed instructors, but they should be passionate and knowledgeable about the region they're operating in. So pack your wing and hit the road, there's a whole world of paragliding out there waiting to be discovered!

Paragliding Safety Training

Want to take your flying to the next level and master some extreme maneuvers? There are courses available that specialize in just that, and they take place over the beautiful waters of places like Annecy in France, Oludeniz in Turkey, and even in our very own Åre!

Don't worry, you won't be thrown into the deep end right away. Start with a "pilotage" course, which will teach you better wing control and active flying. Once you're ready, you can progress to the full-blown SIV course, which includes stalls, spins, and even reserve deployment.

Not only will these courses boost your confidence and improve your skills, but they'll also keep you safer in the air. So why not give it a try? The thrill is worth it!

Things to Do in Åre

Did you know that Åre isn't just for paragliding? There's a ton of other stuff to do too! Whether you're into skiing, mountain biking, hiking, golfing, climbing, rafting, kayaking or anything in between, you'll find it here. And if your family or friends aren't interested in taking part in the paragliding course, they can still tag along and enjoy other activities. So why not make it a group adventure? Everyone's sure to have a blast!

So, what's your take on it? Are you feeling inspired to give paragliding a try? At the very least, I recommend experiencing a tandem flight to get a taste of the thrill and beauty of flying. Trust me, it's an experience you won't forget!