Xtrem.cat

Who they are

Xtrem.cat has been paragliding over the Berguedà since 1999. The website does not give the pilots' names: it says they are qualified pilots from the area. As accreditations it cites the town councils of Capolat and Avià, the Federació Aèria Catalana and the Berguedà tourist directory. It does not publish a tourism registration number or each pilot's licences. There is no office open to the public: everything is handled by phone, WhatsApp or form.

The flights

What they do are tandem flights: the passenger flies strapped to the pilot, who has full control, and no previous experience is needed. Normal physical fitness is enough. There are three usual take-off points:

• La Figuerassa, above Berga: flights of 25 to 30 minutes, €150.
• 1a Maria: 15 to 25 minutes, €100.
• Rasos de Peguera, the highest: 30 to 45 minutes, €165, with a possible landing at Campllong.

The usual landing is at Avià. Flights include transport, a photo report with a short video and a souvenir. They also offer flights for couples or groups, discovery days, high-mountain and acrobatic flights, and hike & fly outings, in which you walk up and fly down.

Combined packages

They have put together several packages with companies in the area. One combines a 120-metre bungee jump at the Llosa del Cavall dam with an acrobatic flight of at least 20 minutes. Another includes a night at Cal Majoral, in L'Espunyola, with breakfast, and a flight back to the hotel. The "Horse to sky" package starts with a guided horse ride from the Hípica Vilaformiu to La Figuerassa and continues with the flight to Avià, in three or four hours, with helmet, harness and insurance included. The educational package adds the book Parapente, guía para principiantes to the flight. Prices for the packages are not published. They also sell gift boxes, on paper with €15 postage or in a free digital version.

Season, requirements and what to bring

They fly all year round. The best times are spring and autumn; in summer they fly late in the afternoon and in winter there are also good days. The weather decides the time and take-off point each day, so the pilot confirms the plan shortly beforehand. The maximum weight is 85 kg and the website sets no minimum age. They recommend a windbreaker or jacket, trainers or walking shoes, long trousers and sunglasses, and, if you get motion sick, having something to eat before the flight.

How to book

Each flight can be paid for online on their website, or booked by phone and WhatsApp on 629 506 696. Groups of more than four people must book in advance. The website does not publish cancellation conditions or say what happens if the weather does not allow flying; the sensible thing is to agree a new date with the pilot when booking. The website is in Catalan only and does not say which languages the pilots speak, so it is worth asking.