Plan de l'Aiguille (Chamonix)

Plan de l'Aiguille sits high above Chamonix in the French Alps, at an intermediate station on the Aiguille du Midi cable car line, with a west-facing launch that has been significantly improved over the years. Reaching it is straightforward if unglamorous: drive up to Chamonix, park at the cable car station, and ride up to the Plan de l'Aiguille stop; from the landing zone, it's about a 15-minute walk back down to the lower cable car station. Pilots need to watch for the electric line and the cable car's own cables near launch. This is proper mountain flying rather than a casual site — thermal conditions can turn very strong, and wind in the valley can build quickly once the sun gets to work. Flying is forbidden entirely in July and August, when the whole south side of Chamonix around Mont Blanc and the Aiguille du Midi becomes a no-fly zone, and a separate restricted zone stays active year-round regardless of season.

Launch & conditions

Launch faces west and has been significantly improved over the years, but watch closely for the electric line and the cable car's own cables running near the takeoff area.

Getting there & local rules

Drive to Chamonix and park at the cable car station, then ride up to the Plan de l'Aiguille stop. From the landing zone it's roughly a 15-minute walk back down to the lower cable car station.

Local rules & hazards

Flying is forbidden entirely in July and August, when the whole south side of Chamonix around Mont Blanc and the Aiguille du Midi becomes a no-fly zone; a separate restricted zone stays active year-round. Expect very strong thermal conditions, with wind that can build quickly as the valley heats up — this is proper mountain flying, not a casual site.

Check conditions before you fly

A forecast for the valley is not a forecast for the launch. Before heading to Plan de l'Aiguille (Chamonix), 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 Plan de l'Aiguille (Chamonix) with a 7-day forecast built from high-resolution weather models, see who else has been flying, and get there with offline maps.