Paragliding
Play with the wind, fly high over over town and countryside, admire the superb landscape. The Salève is a great paragliding site.
There are three take-off sites used by the paragliding schools :
the take-off zone « The cable car » : it is situated at the top of the cable car, to the left of the upper station, on the green esplanade next to the restaurant.
Wind : N
the take-off zone "The orientation table" :it is situated 10 minutes by foot from the cable car. Just follow the path above the games areas to reach it. .
Wind : N/NW
the take-off zone "Crêts" (the name of the area) : it is situated at 30 mins by foot from the upper station of the cable car. During the July and August weekends, a free shuttle bus links the cable car to the Crêtes in under 15 mins.
Wind : W/SW
Please note : the Salève flying site is int the controlled airespace Of Geneva Airport TMA (at 300 metres of maximum relief)
For information on the site, weather forecasts or to enjoy a tandem flight, don’t hesitate in contacting one of the paragliding schools who will give you full information :
Air Salève, a French parapente school
Centre Genève Vol Libre, a Swiss parapente school
The Clubs :
Club de Vol Libre du Salève
Club de Vol Libre Genève
There is also information about take-offs on the following sites :
Territoire Genevois Haut-savoyard
FFLV
Mountain Biking
The Mont Salève is also an ideal place for mountain bikers. Beginners, experiencied or experts – the Salève paths await you, for both descent and climbs!
For those who would just like to enjoy the descents, the cable car carries your bike up to the top free of charge (so long as you accompany it on the way up !)
To discover the MTB trails go for a ride accompanied by a guide, contact the Bureau de la Montagne du Salève
At the Salève, they offer :
Downhill "taster" rides
Downhill circuits (from easy to expert)
Riding courses for beginners and improvers
Fun and laugther with family or friends!
Photo credits: Xavier Chambet - BMSV
Rock climbing
The Salève is the home of rock climbing. The word "Varappe" was born on this mountain and itcomes from the name of a rocky gully that some daring people attempted to climb.
Photo credits : François Deffert, high-mountain guide
Find out more about the history of “varappe” by downloading the flyer below, created by the Swiss Alpine Club.
History of the varappe
- histoire de la varappe _
For expert climbers:
Find futher information on the routes , practical advices and local terms on the following site : www.saleve.ch
For beginners and the curious:
Ask for information at :
*the Bureau de la Montagne and François will introduce you to climbing on the Salève, birthplace of varappe!
Walks
Photo credit : Cyril Prost
With 130 km of footpaths, the Salève is a walkers’ paradise for both children and adults!
You will find walks of all levels, but before you go, consult the weather forecast, the difficulty of the walk and always remember that you are in the mountains; so take appropriate equipment!
To discover the walks and read the comments of those who have already done them, here are a few usefull sites :
L’association genevoise des amis du Salève
L’association de secours en montagne
Le Bureau de la Montagne du Salève et du Vuache
Nature Ensemble
Empreinte Montagne
Le Club Alpin suisse