Have you ever heard of speedriding? How does it combine skiing and paragliding?

Yes, I'm familiar with speedriding, an exhilarating sport that combines elements of skiing and paragliding. Speedriding is a high-adrenaline activity where participants descend snowy slopes on skis while simultaneously flying a small, specially designed paraglider wing.

In speedriding, the skier wears a lightweight paraglider wing that is much smaller than a traditional paraglider. These wings, typically ranging from 8 to 14 square meters, are specifically designed for the sport and allow for fast and agile flight. The wing is compact and easy to carry, making it suitable for quick transitions between skiing and flying.

To begin a speedriding descent, the participant skis down the slope, building up speed. Once they reach an appropriate velocity, they use their skis to take off and launch the paraglider wing. As the wing inflates and catches the air, it lifts the skier off the ground, turning them into a flying skier.

Speedriding requires a unique set of skills and precise control. The participant must be proficient in both skiing and paragliding techniques. They need to maintain balance and stability on skis while controlling the wing's flight path. This includes making turns, controlling speed, and avoiding obstacles such as trees or rocks. The skier must also be adept at assessing the weather conditions and choosing suitable slopes for speedriding, as wind speed and direction greatly influence the flight dynamics.

The combination of skiing and paragliding in speedriding creates a thrilling experience. Participants can descend steep slopes at high speeds while also enjoying the freedom of flight. They can navigate challenging terrain, perform tricks, and experience a unique sensation of gliding above the snow-covered landscape.

Speedriding offers an adrenaline rush and a sense of freedom that is unmatched in many other sports. It requires a high level of skill, experience, and a deep understanding of both skiing and paragliding techniques. The fusion of these two disciplines opens up new possibilities for adventure and exploration in the mountains, attracting those seeking an extraordinary and exhilarating outdoor experience.

Speedriding pioneer, Valentin Delluc, was feeling festive and in the mood to shred 🤙 Donning a Santa suit and packing his Insta360 X3 action cam, he set about tearing it up around the Avoriaz ski resort in France! Combining freeskiing, paragliding and gift delivering🎅🎄🎁 pic.twitter.com/ORbdnazo8n

— Tansu YEĞEN (@TansuYegen) December 22, 2022