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Paragliding courses : Learn to fly the right way

Why the Catalan Paragliding School

You learn from people who fly

Instructors holding the official Sports Technician in Paragliding qualification, recognised by the FAC, who still compete. Each one brings a discipline to the team.

  1. Free distance

    Hours of thermalling and strategy in competition. That is what trains the eye that decides where and when you fly.

  2. Acro

    Wing control taken to the extreme. What is trained there is what carries you calmly on a tandem flight.

  3. Hike & Fly

    The mountain on foot and the flight in the same day. Knowing the terrain from below also shows from above.

Before you decide

Instructor explaining the manoeuvre to a student on the training field

Discovery Class

To find out if you like paragliding: theory, ground handling the wing and a flight where you try the controls.

It is not part of the training programme. It is a way to try paragliding before you start the Beginner course.

From
€150
Prerequisites
No prior requirements
See the course

The training path

The path

To earn your pilot's licence you follow the full path, from Beginner to Autonomy, and pass the official Catalan Air Federation exam. You start with no prerequisites; each level requires that you've finished the one before.

  1. Beginner

    Your first top-to-bottom flights, guided by radio. You set aside five days and the course usually takes four or five. School gear included.

    Duration
    5 days reservedusually 4–5 days
    From
    €545
    Prerequisites
    No prior requirements
    See the course
  2. Progression

    You consolidate the basics and learn the essential piloting techniques. You set aside five days and the course usually takes two or three. Three rates depending on your gear.

    Duration
    5 days reservedusually 2–3 days
    From
    €445
    Prerequisites
    You've completed the Beginner course or equivalent.
    See the course
  3. Autonomy

    An introduction to thermal and ridge flying, so you can fly on your own with sound judgement. You set aside seven days and the course usually takes five to seven. Own gear required.

    Duration
    7 days reservedusually 5–7 days
    From
    €595
    Prerequisites
    You've completed the Progression course or equivalent.
    See the course
  4. Official Catalan Air Federation exam

    With all three courses completed and the exam passed, you earn your official pilot's licence to fly with complete independence.

  5. Thermal–Cross

    Five days of guided flying to complete your first cross-country (XC) flights across el Berguedà and the Pyrenees.

    Duration
    5 days reserved
    From
    €695
    Prerequisites
    You hold an official pilot's licence.
    See the course

Calendar

Upcoming intakes

These are the dates of our upcoming courses. Pick the one that suits you and book your place with a deposit, or open the full calendar to see more.

Month by month

January 2027

Beginner
Progression
  • INIBeginner
  • PROProgression
  • AUTAutonomy
  • INTIntensive course

See the full calendar (opens in a new tab)

Fixed price

Packs

Fixed-price bundles for students who commit to the path.

Beginner + Progression Pack

The first two courses on the path at a fixed price. You pick the date of each course from the open intakes.

  • Beginner
  • Progression
€1,050 Save €40
See the pack

Intensive course

The whole path to your pilot's licence without a break: Beginner, Progression and Autonomy one after another, on dedicated intakes or on custom dates on request.

  • Beginner
  • Progression
  • Autonomy

No small print

What's in every course

Here's what the price of each course includes, and what it doesn't. No small print, no surprises.

Included in the price

  • All theory sessions, held at the field (minimum hours per level).
  • All practical flight sessions with instructors qualified as Sports Technicians in Paragliding, a qualification recognised by the FAC.
  • The handbook Parapente: Guía para debutantes (Editorial Perfils), for the Beginner course.
  • Access to the online classroom with instructional videos for study between sessions.
  • Retrieve transport from the landing zone back up to launch for all syllabus flights.
  • Accident and public liability insurance throughout the Beginner course (FAC policy).
  • Catalan Paragliding School official course certificate.
  • FAC membership fee (€19) for the Beginner course. If you take any other courses in the same year, you don't have to pay it again.
  • FAC licence administrative processing for federated pilots.

Not included

  • Accommodation (ask us for our recommended partner lodgings).
  • Meals during training days.
  • Personal flight gear (where applicable; we provide free expert guidance).
  • Accident and public liability insurance from the Progression course onwards: you take it out yourself.
  • FAC membership fee (€19) for Progression, Autonomy and Thermal–Cross if you come from another school or took the Beginner course in a previous year.
  • Official FAC exam fees: €120 (€50 theory, €70 practical).

Gear, level by level

  • Beginner: complete school flight gear included (renewed 2024–2026).
  • Progression: school gear €545, own gear €495, or €445 for gear purchased through the school.
  • Autonomy and Thermal–Cross: own gear required. We offer free guidance if you haven't bought yours yet.

Frequently asked questions

Before you book

What people ask us most before signing up for a course.

Can't find your question?

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Who is it for?

No previous experience or exceptional fitness needed, but you do have to be able to run a few metres. If you have an injury or condition, check with your doctor and write to us before booking. We don't have training or adapted gear for reduced mobility.

What age can I fly at?

From 14 with the express consent of your legal guardians. From 18, whenever you like. The school reserves the right of admission.

Is there a height or weight limit?

Yes. Our gear is certified for specific sizes: height between 140 and 200 cm and weight between 40 and 100 kg. If you fall outside that, ask us before booking.

What do I need?

In the Beginner course, all flight equipment is provided by the school. You only need comfortable sports or hiking footwear with good grip and ankle support, comfortable clothing with long trousers, a seasonal jacket or windbreaker, and sunglasses.

What if I get motion sick?

Thermal turbulence in flight can occasionally cause mild motion sickness (similar to motion sickness in a car or boat). If you are prone to motion sickness, try a tandem flight first to see how you feel.

I'm afraid of heights, can I fly?

Yes. In flight your feet don't touch the ground, and without that reference the fear of heights doesn't appear.

Is transport included?

Students arrange their own transport to the flying site. The course includes all mountain retrieves from the landing zone back to launch during course flights.

Is it a high-risk sport?

Paragliding is an exhilarating aeronautical discipline that demands rigour and respect. While you will thoroughly enjoy every stage, safety is our absolute priority. You must arrive well-rested, focused, and committed to your training. Flying under the influence of alcohol or other substances is strictly prohibited.

Safety and commitment

Paragliding is an aerial sport that demands focus and discipline. We implement all technical and pedagogical measures to ensure you learn under the highest safety standards, yet the mountain environment is inherently dynamic. You must attend well-rested, focused, and fully committed to your training. Flying under the influence of alcohol or other substances is strictly prohibited.

Let's talk about your level

If you don't know where to start, write to us and we'll work out which course fits you and which dates are open.

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