Speed Riding: The Thrilling Fusion of Skiing and Flying

 January 2, 2024

Speed riding is a captivating sport in which the raw thrill of skiing collides head-on with the heart-pumping rush of paragliding. This extreme ride blends slicing through the snow with soaring through the sky, demanding courage, skill, and a deep respect for the mountains. This hybrid sport has garnered a growing community of enthusiasts who are drawn to its blend of speed, agility, and thrills. It continues to evolve, driven by brave souls who continually redefine what is possible in this spectacular fusion of air and snow.

How Does Speed Riding Work?

Speed riding involves descending a mountain on skis while equipped with a small, specialized parachute known as a speed wing. This wing allows riders to alternate between skiing on the slope and taking flight while navigating through the air. The sport offers the ultimate freedom of movement, allowing riders to explore terrain that would otherwise be inaccessible, combining swift glides in the air with the thrill of skiing. It’s a wild dance between earth and air, in which you're launching into flight, dipping, and diving between snow and sky, and turning the mountain into your personal playground.

What Area Has the Best Speed Riding?

The French Alps are the holy grail for speed riders, offering ideal conditions with a mix of high altitudes, vast open spaces, and reliable snow conditions. Destinations like Chamonix and Les Arcs are popular among speed riders due to their challenging terrain that is as breathtaking as it is brutal.

Is Speed Riding Safe?

As with any extreme sport, safety in speed riding is crucial. This sport requires not only skiing skills but also knowledge of paragliding, as it blends high-speed skiing with the unpredictability of flight. Proper training, awareness of weather conditions, and understanding of the equipment are crucial. While there are inherent risks, following safety protocols, keeping an eye on the weather, understanding how to use the gear, and gaining experience under expert supervision can significantly mitigate these risks.

What is the Difference Between Speed Flying and Speed Riding?

The terms “speed flying” and “speed riding” are often used interchangeably, but they have key differences. Speed flying is generally done without skis, focusing more on the flying aspect, and it is typically practiced in summer. In contrast, speed riding is specifically geared toward snowy mountain slopes, combining skiing with the ability to fly.

Spotlight on Valentin Delluc

Valentin Delluc, a professional speed rider from France, has become a prominent figure in the sport. Known for his extraordinary skill and innovative approach, Delluc has pushed the boundaries of speed riding. His breathtaking flights down the Alpine slopes, often captured in stunning videos, showcase the sport's potential along with his remarkable talent. He's not just playing in the mountains; he's rewriting the rules.

The Importance of a Satellite Device

Out in the remote, unforgiving mountain areas where speed riders do their thing, carrying a satellite device like the Motorola Defy Satellite Link by Bullitt Group or a SPOT satellite communication device is crucial. These devices ensure that riders can maintain communication and call for help in emergencies, especially in areas where cell service is unreliable or non-existent.

Overwatch x Rescue: A Vital Need for Speed Riders

Overwatch x Rescue is an emergency SOS subscription service with no altitude limitations, making it an ideal safety net for speed riders. Their emergency assistance services are especially valuable in the remote and high-altitude terrains often favored by speed riders. Whether it's a medical incident or a need for evacuation, Overwatch x Rescue is equipped for emergency response.

Overwatch x Rescue steps up, where others step back. They offer a safety net for speed riders, with no altitude too high and no challenge too tough. They're the backup you need when you're pushing the limits between earth and sky.

It is important to note that Overwatch x Rescue’s services are not available while participating in competitive speed riding events with paid rewards. However, outside of these competitive scenarios, Overwatch x Rescue’s services are fully available to speed riders.

Speed riding is about taking on the mountain in an unmatched blend of skiing and flying. With the proper training, a respect for the risks, and the support of Overwatch x Rescue, riders can embrace this wild, breathtaking fusion of skiing and flying, where every descent is an adventure, and every flight is a defiance of the ordinary.