Throughout the year, paragliders enliven the skies and daily life on the Plateau des Petites Roches and in Lumbin.
They therefore take center stage at events ranging from the Coupe Icare recreational flying competition to the Air Show.
Icarnaval: The Costume Flying Competition
Since 1983, this wildest of carnivals has become the symbol of the Coupe Icare for the general public. Cars, bathtubs, dragons… Icarnaval is the realm of flying objects that aren’t always easy to identify! More than 100 paragliders and hang gliders from around the world take part in this wild competition and put on a show at takeoff, in the sky, and upon landing. Learn more
Paragliding Aerobatics
Usually, a paraglider takes off from a slope. At the Coupe Icare, the world’s best pilots will put on two demonstrations. The first will begin in an extraordinary way: they’ll jump from a helicopter, with their wings packed in D-Bags! The second will take off more traditionally from the South launch site. Once airborne, the pilots will perform the discipline’s most iconic maneuvers: infinity tumbling, SAT, helicopter, and other combinations such as the cork, the joker, or the cowboy. Combining precision, skill, and creativity, this unique aerial spectacle is reserved for the most experienced pilots.
Mini-Wings
During Icarnaval, between two costumed flights, you’ll be able to watch the pilots’ agility as they fly their mini-paragliders, which measure barely 10 m².
Group Flight in Formation
About 25 pilots take off in single file from the top of the slopes at the St. Hilaire ski resort to fill the skies of Icare with color.
Paraglider Manufacturers’ Flights
Paraglider manufacturers will showcase their new 2026–2027 models in the skies of the Coupe Icare. You can find these exhibitors at the Icare Expo.
Icare Retro
Paragliding demonstration featuring retro wings from the ’80s and ’90s Saturday: Starting at 11 a.m., at the opening of Icarnaval on the North Launch Site. Starting at 5 p.m. at the glide ratio competition on the Training Slope. Sunday: Starting at 11 a.m., at the opening of Icarnaval on the North Launch Site.
Icare Finesse
It all started as a friendly competition among young pilots who grew up flying in the excellent air of St. Hilaire. Today, major paragliding brands, with their top pilots, compete alongside recreational pilots. A fun, friendly contest held on the training slope (behind the Icare Expo trade show)
Introductory Workshop for the General Public in Lumbin
Take your first steps with a paraglider (try inflating it and holding it above your head!) Saturday and Sunday – 9:00 – 11:00 am Free, sign up on-site – supervised by the FFVL
Early morning flight
Early-rising paragliders take flight at sunrise alongside the hot-air balloons