« Best Flying sites of The Alps » – Oliver Guenay

[vc_row][vc_column][imageeffect url= »http://paragliding.rocktheoutdoor.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Flying-Sites-Of-The-Alps-2-.jpg » width= »650″ height= »337″ lightbox= »yes » target= »_blank »][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width= »1/2″][vc_column_text]

• Complete coverage of 110 sites; including over 500 alternatives
• The most current information based on exhaustive research
• Illustrated maps showing the relevant free-flying details
• Official launch and landing areas; with GPS coordinates
• Expert guidance on flying; XC routes; cautions and tips
• Accommodation; directions; contact details and useful info
• Alternative sporting and cultural activities in every area
• Large format photos on art paper; beautifully bound in hardcover

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width= »1/2″][imageeffect url= »http://paragliding.rocktheoutdoor.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Flying-Sites-of-the-Alps-2.jpg » width= »650″ height= »423″ lightbox= »yes » target= »_blank »][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width= »1/3″][vc_column_text]Rigid cover – 300 pages

Dimensions : 24;5 x 21;5 x 2 cm – Poids : 1; 250 kg

Language : English[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width= »2/3″][imageeffect url= »http://paragliding.rocktheoutdoor.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Best-Flying-Sites-Of-The-Alps.jpg » width= »650″ height= »324″ lightbox= »yes » target= »_blank »][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Rewiew by Ed Ewing

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width= »1/2″][vc_column_text]The book looks great. It’s hardback; 300 pages; stitched together (no nasty glue-binding to collapse leaving a sheaf of loose pages); well printed with good colours and beautiful photographs. Many of the photographers will be familiar names to XCmag readers: Martin Scheel; Olivier Laugero; Andy Busslinger plus more than a dozen others.

The layout is simplicity itself. The first two pages display a map of the Alps with 110 dots on it. The sites are presented by country; and there is a good spread. There are 22 sites listed in France for example; although we know there are hundreds these are the main ones: Chamonix; Annecy; Laragne; St Andre etc.

Each site has at least two pages dedicated to it. All the basics are there: launch; landing; dangers; XC potential; getting there; getting to launch; flying schools; weather; tourism info. Alternative sites are also listed; with websites and phone numbers. Importantly; each site has its own map; too. These show wind directions for takeoffs; landings and important places like camping sites and supermarkets.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width= »1/2″][vc_column_text]What’s the info like? It’s all good. A general overview is followed with more detailed information. Looking at the sites I know gave me confidence and I nodded along to descriptions and recommendations.

Some of the language is a bit floral: ‘A flying holiday of freedom; sensory stimulation and indulgence’ is a bit much. But that doesn’t put you off – otherwise it is laid out properly and readable…

One other observation is it is fat and heavy. It’s not like a Lonely Planet guidebook; it’s more like a coffee table book or a full-colour textbook. The idea I suppose is you have this collector’s edition for your bookshelf; or the car; and you download the digital version to your smartphone; which you take with you.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]