Travel Guides
What to wear for a High Atlas paragliding flight
You've booked your tandem paragliding flight in the Atlas foothills — congratulations, you're about to see Morocco the way the eagles do. Now for the practical question every guest asks the night before: what should I actually wear? The answer matters more for paragliding than for almost any other activity in Marrakech, because you'll experience three climates in one morning: the city, the mountain launch site, and the air itself.
The golden rule: layers. Marrakech might be 25°C when you're picked up, but the launch site sits higher in the foothills where mornings are noticeably cooler, and the air temperature drops further once you're flying — count on it feeling 5–10 degrees colder aloft than on the ground, plus wind. A t-shirt, a long-sleeve layer, and a light windproof jacket is the combination that works ten months of the year. In December–February, upgrade the jacket to something properly warm and add gloves; your hands are the first thing to feel the cold in flight.
Shoes: closed, laced, and grippy. This is non-negotiable. Takeoff involves running a few steps on uneven mountain ground, and landing means a light jog or a few quick steps. Trainers or light hiking shoes are perfect. Sandals, slip-ons and heels are not allowed — your pilot will (kindly) refuse to fly you in them.
Trousers over shorts. Even in summer we recommend long, comfortable trousers: they protect your legs at takeoff and landing and keep you warmer in the air. Sporty, stretchy fabrics beat jeans, which restrict your running stride.
Sunglasses, yes — but secured. The light above the ochre foothills is spectacular and strong. Bring sunglasses, ideally with a strap; anything loose can escape mid-flight, and what falls from a paraglider does not come back. The same rule applies to phones: your pilot has a secure system for in-flight photos and can film your flight, so ask about the video option rather than risking your own device.
Hair and extras. Long hair should be tied back — the wind at takeoff is enthusiastic. A small sunscreen application before the flight is smart; the mountain sun is stronger than it feels. Leave bags, jewelry and anything dangly in the vehicle, which stays secure with your driver.
What you don't need to bring. All the technical equipment — harness, helmet, radio — is provided and checked by your professional pilot before every takeoff. You need no experience and no gear of your own: just good shoes, a few layers, and the desire to fly.
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