Paragliders and hang-gliders - still unexplored market niche

300 flying days per year at Goriška and Vipavska region

The Vipava valley is ideal for free flying, both at the upper and the lower end. Foto: Mojca Dumančič

There are more than 200 take-off and landing areas for paragliders and hang gliders in Slovenia. However, in spite of excellent conditions we still fail to take advantage of the possibilities which could be most beneficial for tourism.

The same is true for the Goriška and Vipavska region, in spite of the longest flying season of more than 300 days per year. Even worse, those who share the sky with the birds encounter a lot of problems when on firm ground, mainly with inspection services.

Also Lijak, the second best known take-off area at the Goriška region (the best known is Kovk at the altitude of almost 900 metres), where the terrain owned by the municipality has been rented by the members of the Polet Gliding Club, has problems with the inspection services. Their intention was to expand the take-off area, but the inspectors prevented the work claiming it interfered with the Natura 2000.

Ideal valley for free flying
Hopefully they will manage to find a solution soon, as the Vipava valley is ideal for free flying, both at the upper and the lower end. the hang-glider Matjaž Klemenčič explained.

M. D., TV Slovenija; translated by G. K.; photo Mojca Dumančič