That was a good summary from Bert (no worries about blocking me with your Ventus, I managed!) about soaring in the French Alps.

Jonathan, there are 17 clubs in just the PACA region alone (southeastern most part of France), with most airports offering launches to those who make unintended visits. Here's a link to who's whe

http://ffvv.org/debutant-edito/annua...83_06_04_05_84

As Bert said, thermal season in the Alps runs from March to September, but today we had lift to 2500 meters and completed 250 km tasks. Not bad for February 18th. We also have a nice wave season from December through March. We have a wave window up to FL235 at Fayence. Last year I was still climbing at 14 knots passing FL230, and I had to open the spoilers and find the "down side" of the wave to get down.

March can be magical with both strong waves and strong thermals. We can have weak waves at any time though, even in July, and for those who know how to exploit them can increase their glide ratios to infinity.

What I love about the Alps, though, is the technique of flying along mountain faces all day long, nursing the anabatic lift, but not circling in it unless you need to clear a high pass. You can get some amazing glide ratios and cross-country speeds if you can resist the urge to stay high!

Another poster commented on the difficulty of moving internationally. Yes, by definition it is a bigger hassle than staying domestically. Is it impossible? No. Why did I do it? Because it was worth it! And I would do it all over again.

Chris