Ever got to a place and thought it is so beautiful that you would like a bird’s eye view of the area? Ever wondered what it would be like to be a bird soaring through the sky? Well I experienced this while paragliding in Lake Garda from a hilltop.
“Once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return” – Leonardo Da Vinci
The morning I started with meeting Yeti Extreme instructors, and we headed in their van up the hillside. After a short walk we entered the takeoff point. I was on Mount Belpo, San Zeno di Montagna overlooking Lake Garda. As the guys set up the parachute, I spent the time looking out at the amazing views over Lake Garda as we were between Mount Baldo and the Lake.
In no time at all, we were ready to fly and, after a brief lesson, I was attached by my harness to the instructor and given the best piece of advice. RUN! and don’t stop.
Looking for other things to do in and around Lake Garda? Check out my post about Via Ferrata
We waited till the wind lifted the parachute a little before we ran like the wind and very soon we were up in the air soaring through the sky. The thermals lifted us up each time we headed low, like a vulture circling in the sky. The views were incredible and, as an added bonus, I had control of a Go-Pro to film my entire flight.
Check out the film of me paragliding in Lake Garda here;
The landing was easy and, as the guys packed away the equipment, we were entertained by a gaggle of turkeys who answered our funny attempts to impersonate them. Soon our experience was over but one that I will always remember. I am one of few who saw this beautiful area from that view point today. And I have a certificate to prove it!
Please comment below if you have ever tried paragliding in Lake Garda or similar. If you have any other advice on fun activities to do in Italy, let me know. Don’t forget to subscribe (It’s free!) to my blog for more posts like this and interesting travel tips.
Tips on Paragliding in Lake Garda:
1/ I took flight with Yeti Extreme . They have a range of packages for tandem flights ranging from 80E – 155E. They also have a paragliding school where you can learn to fly.
2/ You should wear long trousers and sturdy shoes with good grips for when you run off the mountain and land.
3/ There are no age limits but you need your parents’ authorisation if under 18 years old.
4/ You need to have a reasonable fitness level as there is a short bit of running to do.
5/ You need to inform Yeti Extreme if you are outside the weight range of 40-100kg so that they can meet your needs.
6/ This route is good for all seasons and all times during the daylight.
Oh my!! What an experience! I enjoy watching other people do daring adventures like this but I’m pretty sure I would have an accident in my pants if I were to do this! Hahaha.
and we wouldn’t want that 🙂
Wooohhh!!! You had so much fun guys. Video is truly awesome. I love paragliding. Once I did it in Dubai. Its really awesome experience. I really enjoyed reading. Thanks for sharing.
This looks amazing but I am a huge CHICKEN! Now, my daughter might give this a try:) Beautiful scenery
The scenery really was amazing!
WOW! I so wish I was brave enough for this. I always thought I’d paraglide someday!
You have to do it!
That looks like an amazing experience. I have never tried paragliding as I am scared of heights but as I have done ziplining a few times I might now be tempted to give it a go. Italy is beautiful and I can see why you chose there 🙂
This does look super fun! I met a guide who did paragliding in the Dominican Republic, and he showed me some videos similar to what you have here. Even so, I think I will keep my feet planted on the ground. 😛
Awww I would really recommend it but it isn’t for everyone. The views from the launch place was amazing without the jump itself. That was an added bonus 🙂
This looks like it was an amaaaaazing experience and that you had a blast. Paragliding is definitely something I’d like to do one day
I really hope that you get to do it someday soon 🙂
Oh wow, this would be so amazing to do! I haven’t had the chance to do something like this yet.
I hope you get to do it soon