Our story

It all began when Jean-Charles, who grew up in Chamonix, never taking off his skis or monoski, took an interest in a budding activity – paragliding. His very first flight dates back to 1989.

He spent some time learning the tricks, socialized with professional pilots enjoying vast experience in free flight, attended training sessions, had a few jobs, and took part in competitions. Then, he learnt to be an instructor, and was awarded licences and qualifications. He travelled and flew not only around Europe, but also in the Andean Cordillera and Hawaii. To put it in a nut shell, he spent his life flying, free as a bird.

This is how he started thinking of founding his own school. A school where the focus would be the student. The primary objective would be to share the pleasure of flying freely, and offer anyone the pure thrill of a wonderful sport, in complete serenity.

That was when Benoit came to learn how to fly… This is pretty unusual for a jumbo jet pilot! (though he flies other aircrafts too). During his training, the friendship between Jean-Charles and Benoit grew and when Jean-Charles mentioned his project to create a school, Benoit’s support was spontaneous and total.

This was how Air Sports Chamonix was created on 1st January 2010.

Benoit immediately put on line the initial version of our Website and started learning how to become an instructor, when Jean-Charles, the only instructor in the school, taught how to fly to the first Air Sports Chamonix students, in the field.

Two years later, as a result of the development of the school, work was undertaken to rehabilitate the premises. Work is still carried out to offer a location that is just right for the fun and cool atmosphere of paragliding today, where students are happy to socialize before and after flying.

Finally, in 2015 Jean-Charles and Benoit decided to found a “SARL” (limited liability company) in addition to the initial local syndicate AirSports Chamonix, to develop the retailing business.