The Alta marks a breakthrough in EN-A wings, with Ozone merging performance and safety using technologies inherited from competition. Our field test, following hundreds of flights at the sites of the Alpes-Maritimes, by an FFVL instructor.
Ozone Alta · EN-AThe Alta is an Ozone paraglider that represents a breakthrough in EN-A wing design. Where most manufacturers pit performance against safety, Ozone has chosen to fuse them through a technical approach inherited from its competition wings.
This wing integrates technologies from the Ozone performance range: optimised profiles, light construction, redesigned bridle geometry. The result is a new generation of EN-A which does not look like the well-behaved wings to which this category had accustomed us.
This test comes from our daily experience with the Alta on the sites of the Alpes-Maritimes, notably at Gréolières. If you do not yet have your GCSE, our paragliding school prepares you to fly independently.
The priority given to ease of use and safety does not prevent the Alta from aiming high. It creates a new category, halfway between the progressed school wing and the entry-level EN-B.
The Alta incorporates technologies derived from the Ozone performance range: optimised profiles, light construction and redesigned line geometry. An EN-A that doesn't look like the tame, soggy wings the category has accustomed us to — performance without sacrificing safety.
The Alta is positioning itself at top of the EN-A range Ozone. It doesn't replace any wing: it creates a whole new category. For pilots looking for an everyday wing with real performance, it's a product that didn't exist before its release.
This is the crux of the test, and it is here that the Alta really stands out. At our Gréolières test site, under a variety of temperature conditions, it delivers performance that you wouldn’t expect from an EN-A.
The glide ratio is approximately 9,5 a glide that enables long transitions to be linked together without needlessly losing altitude. In thermals, the wing naturally locks into the lift and climbs with an efficiency that is reminiscent of the best wings in a higher category. Mind-blowing for an EN-A.
Trim speed of approximately 38 km/h, maximum speed around 48 km/h. The accelerator is progressive, with no sudden stiffening, and the glide remains clean even with hands high — a strong point for exploring cross-country flying without stepping up to an EN-B.
In local thermal flying, the Alta is precise and communicative : it informs the pilot without stressing them. In more active conditions, handling remains excellent and the wing does not stall in tight turns. To anticipate flying windows, see our guide Meteoblue.
A high-performance wing that handles poorly is completely pointless. The Alta pulls off the opposite feat: the easier it is to fly, the more it makes you want to go further.
Easy to launch, even in light winds: the glider climbs gradually and stabilises effortlessly above your head. At our Gréolières launch site at 1,800 m, where the wind varies considerably, this is a real bonus. The beginners we coach at the'school love it from the very first inflations.
The orders are light, progressive and precise. The canopy responds instantly, which allows active flying in thermals without fatigue. The feedback is direct: you constantly know what the canopy is doing and what it is going to do. For a progressing pilot, this is essential.
Passive safety is top of its class. In moderate turbulence, the wing absorbs without sudden closures ; if a collapse occurs, the reopening is rapid and decisive. This is what allows you to fly with peace of mind even when conditions become active.
The lightness of the Alta is not a marketing gimmick: it is a technical feature that genuinely changes how you ride.
Depending on the size, the Alta weighs 3.2 to 4.1 kg, compared to 4.5 to 6 kg for a classic EN-A. The difference is felt immediately in the rucksack, especially during the walk-in to an alpine pass.
Lightweight construction using materials developed by Ozone for competition: lightweight fabric, thin bridle, optimised internal structure. Every gram is weighed without sacrificing durability, by integrating the latest advancements in profile and internal architecture.
With a lightweight harness, the complete setup fits under 7 kg. The wing folds quickly, packs down compactly and deploys effortlessly at the summit. For the paragliding and hiking, it is a perfect compromise between performance and portability.
The Alta is versatile, but it doesn't suit everyone in the same way. Here is our review based on your profile.
If you have just obtained your patent, the Alta is an excellent choice: ease of use, EN-A safety, and performance that will accompany you for a long time without limiting you after just a few months.
Probably the profile that will get the most out of it: high-performing enough to make the most of thermals while maintaining a comfortable safety margin. From calm evening flying to an intense thermal session, without changing kit. Think of the regular review.
The Alta allows you to get into cross-country flying with real equipment: glide, speed and lightness. For experienced pilots, it serves as a supplementary light wing for hike & fly or mountain expeditions, and adapts to a wide variety of conditions.
After hundreds of flights at sites in the Alpes-Maritimes, the Alta delivers on its promises — and often exceeds them. Here is the essential information to help you decide.
1. The performance-to-safety ratio, the best combination tested in EN-A. 2. Lightness, under 4 kg in size M — crucial for hike & fly and transport. 3. The ease of handling, which inspires confidence without holding back progression.
Light construction requires care (not dragging the wing on the ground, packing it away properly) and a regular review ; its lifespan is slightly lower than a standard fabric. A complete beginner will get the best out of it after a few dozen flights. Lastly, the price (around 4 200 € for the GT) is that of a top-of-the-range wing.
Almost identical flight performance. L'Alta light for maximum lightness and hike & fly; the'Alta GT (reinforced construction) for intensive daily use. Our recommendation: more than 100 hrs/year without hike & fly → the GT; otherwise, the Alta light is a jewel.
Would you like to fly the Alta before making a decision, or continue reading our other Ozone wing tests? Here is how to take the next step.
Come and fly with us at Gréolières to get a feel for the site before choosing your wing. A baptism or a internship for progressing pilots.
Fly with us
For the purchase of your wing and your equipment, the Ailéments boutique suggest equipment tailored to each level, with the advice of a team of instructors.
See the shop
A light glider requires regular servicing. Our partner workshop Aerotech, at Gréolières, carries out technical inspections of sails. Discover our reviews too Ozone Delta 5 and Ultralite 5.
The revisionThe Ozone Alta is not simply a good EN-A: it's a new reference for pilots who refuse to choose between performance, safety and lightness. Our daily experience on the sites of the Alpes-Maritimes confirms what the figures announce.
Whether you are progressing or an experienced pilot looking for a versatile light wing, the Alta deserves your attention. Fancy testing it out in real conditions? Contact us to discuss your flight plan.
Flying at Gréolières
Glide, weight, GT version, hike & fly, maintenance: concrete answers after hundreds of flights.
Yes, it's an excellent choice for a first wing. Its ease of use and the safety of its certification EN-A allow you to progress with confidence, with performance that lasts a long time. A complete beginner will get the best out of them after a few dozen flights. Not qualified yet? See our training.
It is around 9,5, remarkable for an EN-A: a glide that allows you to make long transitions without losing altitude, and efficient climbing in thermals that is reminiscent of higher category wings.
Enter 3.2 and 4.1 kg depending on the sizes, compared to 4.5 to 6 kg for a standard EN-A. With a light harness, the complete setup stays under 7 kg — a clear advantage for hike-and-fly.
Almost identical performances. L'Alta light prioritise lightness and hike & fly; the'Alta GT (reinforced construction) suitable for intensive daily use. More than 100 h/year without hike & fly -> the GT; otherwise, the Alta light.
Yes, that's one of its strong points: under 4 kg in size M, complete set-up under 7 kg with a light harness, quick packing and a compact bag. For the mountain flying, alpine pass or windy ridge, it's an ideal companion.
Environment 38 km/h at the tip and 48 km/h at top speed. The speed bar is progressive, with no sudden stiffening, and the glide remains clean — ideal for exploring cross-country flying without stepping up to an EN-B.
Yes: glide (~9.5), speed and lightness make it possible to learn cross-country flying with real weapons. For experienced pilots, it serves as a complementary light wing for hike & fly and adapts to very different conditions from one day to the next.
Yes: light construction requires care (not dragging the wing on the ground, packing it away properly) and a regular review is all the more important. Our partner workshop, Aerotech, at Gréolières, carries out this check.
An EN-A that refuses to choose between performance, safety and lightness.
At the top of the Ozone EN-A range, halfway between an advanced school wing and an entry-level EN-B. Competition-derived technologies in the service of versatility.
Slide ≈ 9.5, speed 38-48 km/h, weight 3.2–4.1 kg, best-in-class passive safety: the best combination tested in EN-A.
Ideal in first wing post-qualification, perfect for thermal soaring, and capable of introducing you to cross-country and hike & fly. A complete beginner should nevertheless wait for a few dozen flights.
The'Alta light for hike & fly, the'Alta GT (~€4,200) for heavy use. In both cases, regular care and servicing given the light construction.
