Introduction The winter 2024 season has kicked off, and once again, the Canary Islands are one of the most significant paragliding destinations in Spain. Gran Canaria, in particular, stands out as an iconic spot, attracting both students and less experienced pilots eager to improve their skills. As paragliding continues to grow in popularity, the favorable conditions in the Canary Islands, combined with local instructor expertise and improved infrastructure, have turned this region into a worldwide hub for winter flying.
The Canary Islands: A Year-Round Flying Paradise
Winter doesn’t mean the end of the paragliding season, and the Canary Islands are a prime example of how favorable weather conditions allow the sport to continue uninterrupted. Gran Canaria is the most popular island for pilots looking to escape the cold European mainland. The stable trade winds and moderate temperatures, ranging from 20 to 25 degrees Celsius, create the ideal environment for long, safe flights. In our paragliding website you can find all services.
Perfect Conditions for Learning and Improvement
From my personal experience, every winter in Gran Canaria sees a steady influx of low airtime pilots looking to sharpen their flying skills. The predictable weather allows for effective training without the interruptions that are common in other European destinations during this season. Additionally, I’ve noticed year after year that launch sites are improved, offering safer take-offs and better airspace management by local instructors.
Greg Hamerton, from Cross Country Magazine, also highlights in his article on winter paragliding how this season is ideal for more technical training, such as active flying and preparation for more challenging conditions(
Cross Country Magazine). Winter training is crucial for developing the muscle memory necessary for quicker and more precise reactions during flight.
Instructors and Infrastructure Improvements
Another factor that enhances the Gran Canaria experience each year is the increasing quality of local instructors. Experienced pilots offer safe training environments, allowing beginners to build confidence. This island is also ideal for those seeking uncrowded launches, with a strong community focused on continually improving flight infrastructure.
On a more global scale, places like Roldanillo, Colombia, host significant paragliding competitions during the winter, such as the Winter Open(
Brit Para Glide Comp). However, Gran Canaria stands out as a destination due to its unique combination of warm climate and quality training during this time of year.
Looking Ahead to the 2024 Season and Beyond
2024 promises to be another exceptional season for paragliding in Gran Canaria, with this destination gaining popularity among pilots from across Europe. This year, the continuous improvements in facilities and the growing number of paragliding events ensure that both beginners and experts will find the perfect spot to fly. While other parts of the world, such as Oludeniz in Turkey, will host major events like the Paragliding Acrobatic World Championships(World Air Sports Federation), the Canary Islands remain the ideal retreat for those seeking smooth flights and learning opportunities in the winter.
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Conclusion
Every winter, Gran Canaria and the rest of the Canary Islands strengthen their reputation as the best paragliding destination during the colder months. With unbeatable weather, continuous infrastructure upgrades, and a growing community of pilots, the 2024 winter season has already started with great expectations for all paragliding enthusiasts.
