Le Méruz

Le Méruz launches from above Ugine in the Savoie region of France, a compact site where only two or three wings can take off at once, though the field itself is wide enough for everyone to lay out and prep. Thanks to the valley breeze, the wind at takeoff is almost always coming in cleanly from the front, which makes for consistent, predictable launches. Tall trees sit right at the end of the takeoff run, so this isn't a forgiving site for anyone still building confidence in ground handling. The site is used mainly for cross-country flying rather than short sled runs, since neither of the two possible landing options — Marlens or Marthod — is easily reached on glide alone once the valley breeze picks up. Conditions are usable through most of the flyable day, but the site's full potential shows in the morning on its south-east face; as the day progresses and the breeze strengthens, thermals get harder to work. In a strong north wind, the upper crest turns into lee-side terrain and gets uncomfortable, though pilots can still fly safely by staying below crest height.

Launch & conditions

Space for only two or three wings to launch at once, though the field is wide enough to prep in; tall trees sit right at the end of the takeoff run.

Getting there & local rules

Reached from the town of Ugine.

Local rules & hazards

The valley breeze usually keeps the wind coming straight in at launch, and the site flies its best in the morning off the south-east face before the breeze strengthens through the day. In strong north winds the upper crest becomes lee side and turbulent — pilots can still fly lower down, but it's trickier. Landing at Ugine itself is discouraged, as local landowners have not been welcoming to paragliders there.

Check conditions before you fly

A forecast for the valley is not a forecast for the launch. Before heading to Le Méruz, 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 Le Méruz with a 7-day forecast built from high-resolution weather models, see who else has been flying, and get there with offline maps.