Hang Gliding
See these hang gliders carve down a ski slope
Why ski when you can fly? Watch this hang-gliding trio fly down an alpine resort.
It goes without saying that being first on the top of the slope matters if you consider yourself a skiing enthusiast.
When thinking about the maiden run of the day, most of us dream about carving through freshly-groomed snow on a new pair of skis.
Arriving at the Italian resort of Zoncolan, the trio swopped their skis for hang gliders and carved down the ski slope, reaching speeds of 100kph and a mere one metre from the ground.
Watch the video above to get a feel for this craziness.
Matjaž Klemenčič in full action mode
© Uroš Rojc
“The idea originates from Kitzbühel, Austria, where this kind of hang gliding already existed a long time ago, but it had got scrapped due to its dangerous nature,” Klemenčič explains.
When Suan, who takes care of one of the chalets on the resort, told the guys that his backyard includes perfect terrain for speed running, the crew got together and things started rolling.
"The biggest challenge was the logistics. Getting our hang gliders to the top proved to be quite a feat and we also had to be there very early, as good flying conditions only occur in the morning," added Klemenčič.
Wolfgang Siess changed the scenery that day
© Uroš Rojc
The trio only had one chance of nailing their speed run before the slopes became over occupied by their regular users on skis.
And how did the latter cope with the idea of fast flying hang gliders zooming right above their heads?
“Wolfi swooped just above a group of Carabinieri and we didn’t really know what their reaction was, but they’ve came to congratulate all of us at the end of the day,” says Matjaž.
A great ending to a great day, the team agree.
Wolgang Siess made some heads turn
© Uroš Rojc
Their first speed run down a ski slope in the books, so what’s next?
The trio hopes to pursue similar challenges, maybe even organising a race for the world’s best hang-glider pilots.
Suan Selenati is first on tracks
© Uroš Rojc