Flight conditions: flyable throughout the day generally best in anticyclonic periods or with light North – North West winds or South winds. A worthwhile flight in winter months when access is slightly easier using the xed ropes placed for skiers (crampons still useful).
Dangers / Difficulties: high altitude take off requiring a good physical condition. Beware of the reduced lift at high altitude. High Mountain aerology (weather winds increasing quickly, etc). Launch on a glacier, exposed feeling to takes offs – particularly on the North. Crevasses beneath both launch areas.
Snow conditions can considerably complicate take off run in light / zero winds. Be aware of the timing of the last cable car down (& allow sufficient time to climb back up to the lift station) if unable to launch. Ability: autonomous pilot with excellent take off technique.
Landing area: Bois du Bouchet.
Specific rules: absolutely forbidden in July & August (see map pages 28 & 29).
Launch Site Aiguille du Midi
• GPS: N 45° 52’ 52” E 006° 53’ 50” (North take off).
• GPS: N45 52’ 51” E006 53’ 48” (South take off).
• Direction: North & South.
• Altitude: 3 700m.
• Vertical drop: 2 700m.
• Access: Aiguille du Midi cable car
(two stages). 30 min descent along a vertiginous knife-edge ridge necessitating use of crampons
& preferably a rope. The take
offs are both situated on high mountain glaciers with crevasses. Mountaineering experience or the presence of a Mountain Guide is absolutely essential.
• Site details / equipment: none.