For a perfect paragliding and learning retreat, Verbier Summits couldn't be beat. I came in as a beginner for the EP+CP course in early September and walked away with a license 2 weeks later.

1. **The People**: The most memorable vacations involve wonderful people - and Mike, Stu, Emi and crew are the best teachers and company you could ask for. Extremely clear about all aspects of flying; confidence inspiring, encouraging and genuinely complimentary; safe, professional and judicious about conditions/ gear/pre flight checks (Guy more than once caught my mistakes before takeoff); easy to coordinate with at all stages of booking; and truly warm, fun, interesting people who greet you with a smile at every opportunity.

2. **Location and Infrastructure**: With Verbier Summits you get - a gorgeous and picturesque valley in the alps; consistent, stable winds permitting 2-4 flights a day; gondola rides right up to the launch site while meeting likeminded locals and course mates; takeoff from high elevation (2200m), where a 1300m descent permits long flights for beginners (20-40 minutes), options for ridge soaring, and different clouds and hews every day; an easy to recognize and spacious landing field dedicated to Verbier Summits; and all transportation taken care of by Verbier Summits (to/from training hill, between landing and gondola, etc). Accommodations, breakfast and classroom are essentially next door to the gondola and amenities (grocery, bank, bar, stores), and the team's chalet apartments (La Ruinette) are charming, arty, and comfortable with perfect kitchens for cooking. They were so popular that the second week we had to stay in an airbnb. The serene walk up a hill overlooking the valley every day while saying bonjour to the neighbors really airs out your heart. There's also hiking and tango lessons (taught by one of the paragliding instructors, Emi) to keep you engaged in the evenings, among other options like biking and via ferrata. If you do the 2 week course moreover, the compactness of Switzerland supports a weekend jaunt across the country for yet another adventure.

3. **Structure**: The rhythm of the course over 10-11 days made for a super relaxing vacation while staying mentally and physically engaging everyday and letting you absorb the peace of a pastoral village. Throughout the course, you engage with about 5 instructors (including Mike and Stu) who cover ground handling, takeoff, landing, and meteorology/aerodynamics theory. They follow the British and Swiss curriculums, and supplement with best practice experience. Everything the team does supports you flying solo from your very first official flight (around day 2 or 3). The theory was fascinating and clear. Ground handling teaches you takeoff and landing close to the ground. Multiple run throughs of what to expect and do in flight let you trust yourself and be self reliant. Calm radio contact at all stages of flight (takeoff, exercises on contingent scenarios, landing) continue to build confidence. Debriefs post landing reinforce good habits and quickly correct areas for improvement.

In short, I couldn't be more pleased with the experience nor could I recommend Verbier Summits enough. 10 out of 10!

It's a must! I completed the 2 week EP and CP courses. Every day I couldn't wait to fly. Very safe/good conditions with spectacular view!

One of my best experience ever.. the team, the people, the view And of course the flying was like a dream..(: Highly re