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le Chalvet (Saint Andre les Alpes)

DESCRIPTION

St Andre is a well-known flying site, having been used for international paragliding and hang gliding events for years. It is renowned for its strong thermals and good cross country potential, with routes to the north to Dormillouse, Briancon, Allos etc, and south to Col de Bleyne. The main (SW) launch tends to blow out for paragliders when conditions get really thermic and the valley breezes get strong, so cross country-seekers need to aim to be on launch for 11:30 to 13:00, ready for the sun to begin pulling thermals up the SW face. For those seeking gentler conditions, there are E and SE-facing launches for morning flights, and evening flying until sunset from the SW launch can be very rewarding. There is a good road to top, but it is often snowed in during the winter (Dec to Mar). Note: St Andre is not an FFVL flying site. Aerogliss administer the site, and ask that all visiting pilots contact them before flying. (Their base is in next to the lakeside landing field. Contact details given below).

ACTIVITIES

- paragliding
- hanggliding
- soaring
- thermals
- xc

weather

Lake landing can be turbulent in a rather strong N or NW meteo wind (Mistral). In fact, by light Mistral, no troubles by starting from the SW launch, but when conditions are getting only windy,we oftenly catch a microwave. with a light North, it is flyable too (North launch), but no real interest. Wind info (alos on FFVL frequency): http://www.balisemeteo.com/depart.php?dept=04 http://www.balisemeteo.com/balise.php?idBalise=109 For full access to all the Saint Andre weather including wind speed on launch etc on a single page visit: http://flystandre.com/webcam-weather/

access

There is a good (but narrow) paved road (The C30) up to Le Chalvet take-off from the NW side of the town, but this is often snowed in from December to March. For parking, there is a lay-by close to the S take-off, and places for several cars at the end of the road beneath the South-West launch. The Lakeside landing area / Aerogliss HQ is reached by taking the road to Nice out of St Andre, and turning left by the supermarket. This link takes you to a local map up to take off and intro about the site: http://flystandre.com/flying-services/chalvet-site-intro/ Normally shuttle buses operate from the LZ.