Platé
Hike & fly launch
After a beautiful climb that can be vertigo-inducing at times, a wild take-off awaits you.
Be careful in spring: you need to wait for the path to be cleared before heading up (usually in early June).
The hike
After 1,000 m of elevation gain, you’ll reach the edge of the Désert de Platé, one of the largest limestone lapiaz areas in Europe.
Keep your eyes open — it’s not uncommon to spot our four-legged friends near the chimney or the Platé refuge.
This hike is only feasible once the snow has melted in the chimney, usually from mid-May to early June, and after the trail has been cleared by the local trail maintenance service.
The take-off
A grassy slope that only allows one wing to be laid out across the width.
The upslope breeze is often cyclic, but when it’s well established, there are usually strong thermals nearby along the cliffs.
Some experience is recommended, both for the take-off and for the flight.
The flight
An exceptional flight that gives you the chance to fly over the Frioland, Varan, and even Plaine-Joux take-offs.
In autumn, when stability has reached the lower layers, launching from Platé really makes sense, as you can easily pick up thermals along the cliffs.
Want to go even higher?
La Tête des Lindars: you’ll need to add 350 m of elevation gain and 1.75 km.
You’ll have to step over some lapiaz to get there, but don’t worry — the path is easy.
The take-off is subject to the weather wind, and the upslope breeze is rather weak.
Other flying sites
