Col de Forclaz Startplatz GS 2

Col de Forclaz Startplatz GS 2 is one of the best-known paragliding launches in the Lac d'Annecy region of the French Alps, sitting at about 1,172 meters and facing southwest to northwest. Once airborne, the flight over Lake Annecy is the reason pilots come from across the region: strong pilots work north along the ridge toward the narrowest point of the lake, then, with enough height, cross the water to pick up thermals again on the western shore. If a cross-country line doesn't come together, a straightforward glide down to the landing zone with the mountain scenery around you is still a very good day out. It's a popular launch, which means good-weather days can mean waiting your turn for space, but that popularity also reflects just how reliably scenic and flyable the site is. Between the lake-crossing option for stronger pilots and the simple sledge-ride option for everyone else, Col de Forclaz works for a wide range of flying goals on the same afternoon.

Launch & conditions

Launch is at about 1,172 m and faces southwest to northwest — one of the best-known takeoffs in the Lac d'Annecy region, and it gets busy in good conditions.

Getting there & local rules

Access to launch is normally by shuttle from the landing zone in Doussard, but shuttle service has been unreliable in recent seasons — confirm current availability locally rather than assuming it runs. The fallback is walking up from the second hairpin bend past the pass, about 10 minutes for a fit pilot; that walk isn't really practical for hang glider pilots given their gear.

Local rules & hazards

Launch order is typically managed by a marshal, with tandem flights given priority over solo pilots — expect to wait your turn on a busy day. Step up to launch only once you're fully clipped into your harness, as is standard practice at French sites.

Check conditions before you fly

A forecast for the valley is not a forecast for the launch. Before heading to Col de Forclaz Startplatz GS 2, read the wind and thermals for the site itself, confirm the day's rules with the local club, and remember the standing rule — when in doubt, don't launch. In the free OutDare app you can open Col de Forclaz Startplatz GS 2 with a 7-day forecast built from high-resolution weather models, see who else has been flying, and get there with offline maps.