Frequently Asked Questions
In this section you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions about paragliding. If you have any further questions, do not hesitate to contact us !
Tandem flights
Kymaya is, first and foremost, a paragliding school that has been training independent pilots for over 18 years, offering courses suitable for pilots of all levels.
The school is located in the heart of the Ariège Pyrenees Regional Nature Park and is deeply involved in the daily life of the region.
Choosing Kymaya also means receiving impeccable service, as we maintain a satisfaction rating of over 4.8/5 ⭐️
It goes without saying that this is the most important aspect for Kymaya. Our instructors have thousands of hours of flight time under their belts and will know how to put you at ease.
They are true professionals, holding state-issued certifications (similar to high-mountain guides and ski instructors) granted by the Ministry of Youth and Sports. They are very familiar with the chosen sites (Prat d’Albis and Port de Lers), the conditions they might encounter, and they master all flight techniques.
They will pass on their passion for flying to you in the exceptional setting of the Ariège Pyrenees Regional Nature Park.
No worries on that front. In fact, it’s impossible to feel vertigo once your feet leave the ground—it’s just like being in an airplane.
It’s important to emphasize that the feeling of vertigo is caused by the discrepancy between what your vision perceives as movement and what your inner ear perceives as stillness. Once you’re in flight, you’re no longer stationary, and your inner ear senses this accordingly.
It all depends on the experience you’re looking for. In paragliding, there’s something for everyone.
If you’re seeking a peaceful flight where you can admire the landscape as you gently glide through the air, we recommend our “Discovery” flights for adults or “Kids” flights for children ages 4 to 12.
Craving an adrenaline rush? If you love feeling the G-Force and experiencing spirals, choose an “Aerobatic” tandem flight. You’ll see that paragliding can also be a sport that packs plenty of thrills!
If you’re curious about how to pilot a paraglider, opt for the “Piloting” tandem flight, during which the instructor will let you take the controls mid-flight under their guidance.
Whether you’re coming as a pair or with your family, you can enjoy our discounted group rates.
The time given at the time of booking is only an estimate. The final schedule depends on weather forecasts and participants’ weights. We will select the best time slots for you.
You will receive confirmation of the exact time the evening before, around 8 p.m., after reviewing the latest aerological and meteorological data.
The flight duration depends on the current aerological conditions, the site’s elevation difference, and the season.
For children aged 4 to 12, thanks to their lighter weight, we take advantage of the calm morning conditions, and flights last about 10 minutes.
For adults, we schedule flights in the afternoon when thermal breezes are strengthened by the sun, allowing flight times to range from 10 to 20 minutes, depending on weather conditions and the season.
❗️These are general guidelines. Since we fly without an engine, we obviously cannot guarantee the exact flight duration.
Kymaya will provide all the necessary safety gear (including a helmet), but we recommend hiking-style attire with closed, comfortable shoes (preferably with non-slip soles), as well as a windbreaker and/or sweater and gloves—keep in mind it’s cooler in the air than on the ground. Make sure you have pockets that can be securely closed.
If you wear glasses, you can bring them along during the flight, and we even advise bringing sunglasses.
The maximum authorized weight per passenger is 100 kg / 220 pounds
Indeed, to stay within the weight limits set by the paraglider manufacturers, we cannot exceed this limit.
- From early April to late October at one of our two flight sites, both located in the heart of the Ariège Pyrenees Regional Nature Park:
- Prat d’Albis (in Foix, 45 minutes from Toulouse)
Our preferred site outside the high season (Winter, Spring, Autumn). - Port de Lers (near Vicdessos, about 1 hour from Toulouse)
A wonderful place to fly in the summer (from June to September).
- Prat d’Albis (in Foix, 45 minutes from Toulouse)
- Generally, children’s introductory flights take place in the morning, and adults fly in the afternoon, depending on weather conditions.
- We will always confirm the appointment the day before by phone, letting you know if it’s maintained (in which case we’ll confirm the time and meeting place) or if it needs to be postponed.
- See the introductory paragliding flight schedule.
Paragliding can cause motion sickness, which manifests as symptoms like nausea and dizziness. If you are prone to motion sickness, we recommend taking the same precautions you would normally take when traveling by car, train, boat, or airplane. Please feel free to contact us for more information.
Gift cards
- Here’s how to easily offer an introductory flight or a training course as a gift:
- Choose the gift you’d like to offer.
- Click on “Offer.
- Select whether you’d like the option with or without a video and how many people will participate.
- Fill in the recipient’s information: first name, last name, email (optional), and phone number (optional). (Note: We do not send an email to the recipient now; this information will be used later to confirm their booking.)
- Enter your own information: first name, last name, email, and phone number.
- Proceed with payment to confirm the purchase.
- You will immediately receive the gift voucher by email.
- The recipient can use this gift voucher online or scan the QR code to choose the date and time of the activity.
- Go to the Gift Vouchers page.
- Click on: “Use my gift card”.
- Enter the voucher reference code.
- Select the date that suits you.
- You can also scan the voucher’s QR code to schedule your flight.
- You will receive immediate confirmation of your appointment.
How long is my gift voucher valid?
A gift voucher is valid for one year from the date of purchase.
💡This means that the recipient must book their flight within that year, even if the chosen flight date occurs after the validity period.
Kymaya Gift Vouchers:
Your voucher is about to expire!
Consider opting for our extension program for one additional season.
The fee is €30 (request must be made by email).
Please note this offer is valid only for vouchers from the previous season.
Gift Vouchers from Funbooker, Adrenactive, Cap Adrénaline, Sport Découverte:
To request an extension of your gift voucher purchased through Funbooker, Adrenactive, Cap Adrénaline, or Sport Découverte, please contact the reseller directly. Kymaya only receives payment from these platforms when the service is recorded as completed.
In case you cancel on the day of your appointment, you will be offered an extension of your voucher for an additional €30 if you wish to reschedule.
If you have any other questions or need assistance, please contact our customer service at +33 6 25 79 16 51.
If for any reason you cannot use it, you can transfer it to someone you know.
Your voucher is sent to you automatically, immediately after purchase, to the email address you provided.
If you don’t see it, check your spam or junk mail folder.
Courses
Ariège’s premier paragliding sites are just an hour south of Toulouse, making them easily accessible for international travelers. Whether you arrive at Toulouse-Blagnac Airport or prefer public transport, discover the best routes to Prat d’Albis and Port de Lers. For detailed directions and helpful tips, follow the link to our complete travel guide.
Elementary Course:
Intended for those who want to discover the activity and make their first high flights solo, under their own canopy, guided by radio from their instructors. To become fully autonomous, you will then need to continue with the “Progression packs” program
Progression packs:
For those who have recently completed an elementary course and wish to progress at their own pace toward autonomy and obtaining their Club Pilot (CP).
For those who already have Club Pilot (CP) and want to advance toward the Pilot Level (P)
Club Pilot pack:
Designed for those who want to achieve autonomy starting from zero in a condensed format: Elementary Course followed by a Progression pack of 20 guided flights ta reach the Club Pilot (CP) level.
Thermal Course:
For those who have recently completed their elementary course with Kymaya and want to discover their first thermals.
For those who already have their Club Pilot (CP) and wish to learn how to utilize thermal lifts to extend their flights. You will also have the opportunity to take the Pilot (P) exam.
Cross-Country Course:
For those who already have their Pilot (P) and want to make their first distance flights. You will also have the opportunity to take the Advanced Pilot (AP) exam.
Reservations are made exclusively online:
Select the chosen course from the “Learn to fly” page, then click “Book”, fill out the form, and proceed to payment.
You have two payment options:
- Pay a 30% deposit online and settle the remaining amount on the first day of the course by check, ANCV (French holiday vouchers), or cash.
- Pay the full amount online by credit card.
You must obtain a Pilot license before attending the course.
Follow this guide to submit your application.
We will check these documents with you on the first day so you can fully enjoy your course.
The School slope training may take place at Port de Lers, Prat d’Albis, or Laroque d’Olmes, depending on weather conditions.
The flight portion primarily takes place at Port de Lers or Cazavet, with the site chosen according to weather conditions.
You can consult the course schedule, which indicates how many places are still available.
For the Progression packs and the second part of the Club Pilot Pack, this is managed through a dedicated WhatsApp group.
The elementary courses consist of 24 hours of training spread over 5 days.
The first two days of slope training take place in both the morning and afternoon sessions.
In the following days, we focus on flying in the mornings to benefit from calm aerological conditions before thermal breezes develop.
Every day, we meet in Vicdessos. There is a campsite on site: La Bexanelle.
If you’re traveling by camper van, you can easily stay overnight at the Port de Lers flight site.
Many holiday cottages (gîtes) and vacation rentals are available around Vicdessos.
Also, consider checking Booking.com and Airbnb.