Col de la Forclaz, Mountain pass and free flight site in Talloires-Montmin, France
Col de la Forclaz is a mountain pass at 1147 meters elevation that sits between the lake shore and the surrounding Alpine peaks. From here, you look out across the entire lake and the forested slopes that frame the landscape.
This pass was traditionally an important crossing route for people and animals moving between the valley sides. Since the 1970s, it evolved into a paragliding hub when pilots discovered the wind conditions here were ideal for flying.
The site draws paragliders from around the world who come to test their skills in the mountains. Visitors often gather to watch fliers take off and soar above the water and valleys below.
You can reach this location on foot via a marked trail, or use a shuttle-bus service from the landing area in Doussard. The morning hours offer the best conditions for flying activity and thermal stability.
The wind here is channeled by the shape of the mountains, creating reliable thermals that let pilots stay airborne for hours and climb to great heights. These thermal columns form from the sun heating the lake water and south-facing rock surfaces.
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