Lake Annecy is located in the North Alps in Haute Savoie. This flying site is a mountainous area composed of different massifs between 1500 and 4800 m high. These massifs are linked by large valleys. Although this makes for a complex aerology, it also allows some very interesting strategic task and route choices. The site has got a various selection of takes off and landings around. It allows us to set tasks best adapted to the wind forecast. The area is almost wholly agricultural. So out landings are possible almost everywhere. There are only three big cities (Annecy, Chambery and Grenoble) in the area, but the airspace above is prohibited by T.M.A (interdiction for airports). Mobile phone network and the road network are very good.
We believe that this environment gives pilots exceptional flying opportunities and let them discover amazing views of the North Alps. Annecy’s free flight stadium is one of the most famous in the world. The area holds many major events such as recent Paragliding World Cup. Its reputation is so well established, that little more needs to be said. Take-off and landing areas are particularly well adapted for hang-gliders. The task area presents a fantastic flight potential as is regularly demonstrated by hang-gliders and paragliders from everywhere in the world.

World Hang Gliding Championships 2014 flying sites info:
Take-off will take place on sites Montmin - la Forclaz, the Semnoz, the Saisies and Sire for Women, Class Sport and Class 5. The Class 2 take-off will be done at at the Doussard landing area by aerotow between 11:30 and 12:30 to offer pilots the possibility to exploit morning conditions and propose 300 km (maximum) tasks.
The tasks goal will be located at Doussard or at Gruffy. Exceptionally, for the World Championships at least one task goal will be located at the huge and wonderful field called “le Pâquier” close to the lake and near Annecy's center - it will allow many viewers to come and cheer the sportsmen.

Take off Col de la Forclaz: 1250 m ASL (+45.813729 +6.246416).
Col de la forclaz is a famous take off from where you get a wonderful view over Annecy’s lake. Its altitude is 1250 m, some 800 m above the valley. There are three different lines of take off: 2 grassy slopes and 1 ramp. Its orientation is the W NW. Thermals normally start at 14.00 on good days. The area behind the take off allows the rigging of roughly 100 wings. A HG drop-off zone has been built beside the take off. The road leading to the take off is narrow over the last 1 km and the access is limited to vehicles carrying hang-gliders. Distance from Doussard (main landing area) is 15 km. The rescue helicopter base is located in Annecy (20 km). The site is equipped with public toilets. There are some refreshment facilities and restaurants at 500 m from the take off. Top landing not possible.
Video of this take off can found here:
http://youtu.be/d_hEM0YepaM
http://youtu.be/WKz6rGthQhY
http://vimeo.com/53238594
http://vimeo.com/26757995
http://youtu.be/fHkg1Q5oKgs
http://youtu.be/NasZLaBVN24
http://vimeo.com/22643678
http://youtu.be/5SKRypQFEuU

Aerotow take off for Class 2 - Doussard: 450 m ASL (+45.781521 + 6.221119)
The area is a large field favourably served by the valley wind. A part of the area is reserved exclusively for hang gliders. There are no obstacles surrounding the area. Refreshments are available directly adjacent to the area.

Take off Mont Semnoz: 1650 m ASL (+45.787264 +6.094169)
It is is one of the western mountain of the area facing the plain. Its altitude is 1650 m, some 1100 m above the valley. The take off is grassy. There will be three ramp but take off is also possible from grassy slopes. Four wings can be ready to start at the same time. Its orientation is west. Thermals normally start at 14.00 on good days. Behind the take off, an area allows for the rigging of many wings (around 100 wings) and the landing of a rescue helicopter. The take off is directly accessible by a road (20 km from Doussard), 15 km from Annecy’s rescue helicopter base. There is a chair lift on the east side of the take off. There are some refreshments at 500 m from the take off. Top landing is possible.
Video: http://vimeo.com/69131508

Take off Mont Bisanne: 1941 m ASL (+45.746996 +6.507292)
Mont Bisanne is located in a typical and beautiful French Alpine valley just above Albertville (city that hosted 1992 Winter Olympic Games). It’s at an altitude of 1941 m, some 1240 m above the valley. The take off is grassy. There are no ramps. Three wings can be ready to start at the same time. Its orientation is facing south. Thermals normally start at 11 a.m on good days. Behind the take off, an area allows the rigging of many wings (around 100 wings). The take off is directly accessible by a road (40 km from Doussard). The distance from Annecy’s rescue helicopter base is 36 km and also 36 km from Chamonix-Mont-Blanc’s base. Radio and mobile phone communications are good. Top landing is possible but difficult.

Take off Le Sire: 1550 m ASL (+45.630941 +5.966236)
Located between Aix-les-Bains and Chambéry, “Le Sire” (50 km from Doussard) allows flights above the famous lake “du Bourget”, which is France’ biggest natural lake, situated some 1250 m above the valley. The take off is grassy. There are no ramps. Three wings can be ready to start at the same time. Its orientation is south facing.
Thermals normaly starts at 13.30 good days. Behind the take off, an area allows the rigging of many wings (around 100 wings) and the launch/landing of a rescue helicopter. The take off isn’t directly accessible by road: a short track (0.5 km) must be used. Cars can go up to the take off to drop off people and gliders, but must be parked at the end of the road. Distance from Annecy’s rescue helicopter base is 34 km and 42 km from le Versoud’s base. There are no dangers around the take off. This take off is a good option with a strong south wind.

Landing Doussard: 450 m ASL (+45.781521 + 6.221119).
Doussard will be the headquarters of the competition and the main landing area. The area is a large field favorably served by the valley wind. There are no obstacles surrounding the area. Refreshments are available directly adjacent to the area.

Landing Annecy Pâquier: 446 m ASL (+45.901107 +6.131060)
One of the goal fields will be situated between Annecy city and the lake, on a big grassy area well known to the population of Annecy named “Pâquier”. The feasibility and the interest of this landing were demonstrated during the last Annecy Paragliding World Cup. This area, easily accessible and practically in the centre of Annecy will be a great way to encourage people to discover hang-gliding. The presence of spectators and landing at that place will leave a wonderful memory for the pilots.

Landing Gruffy: 550 m ASL (+45.793844 +6.049882)
The Delta Club d'Annecy is the owner of the landing area next to the road and close to the village of Gruffy. Next to it there is a field where we are allowed to land with north and south wind.

Launch site will be prohibited to any pilot out of the competition from the hang gliders set up until the end of the take-offs. It is a 3 hours period (12 a.m to 3 p.m)