The Lepini and Ausoni Mountains have always been a destination for Roman hikers and beyond. The paths are numerous and the walk in nature is an irresistible attraction for many. For several years now, the high-altitude meadows have been populated by the new reality of air hikers. Paragliding pilots often gather in this area, a privileged point for take-off.
There is a whole business behind this passion which is infecting a growing number of enthusiasts. The flight schools are equipped to let you experience, in total safety, the baptism of tandem flight accompanied by an instructor. An experience that everyone can do, with little expense and no physical preparation.
The paragliding induced market is made up of fields rented for landings, which make land owners happy who would never have thought of obtaining a different and additional compensation to that of the grazing concession.
Then there is the very technical equipment, which includes sails of different sizes, emergency systems, helmets, radio communication tools and even shoes. Yes, because you can't land with just any sneaker any more than you can hike with tennis shoes.
These are high quality products, technologically advanced materials, certainly expensive, but not to such an extent as to discourage newcomers to flying. No more than scuba diving or windsurfing equipment can cost. Specialized sports shops now have separate departments for choosing the right equipment, carabiners and safety kits. Manufacturers, in some cases also present on the market with catalogs reserved for kitesurfing, are turning to this activity which is losing its niche characteristics and is now generating interesting margins.
Finally, the seemingly secondary aspect of the refreshment points. Yes, because where there is a paraglider flying, there are at least five friends on the ground to comment, ready to continue the chat with their legs under the table. It is an incontrovertible fact that where one flies well, one eats in an equally divine way.
