Profile – Elio Lami
At just 18 years old, Elio lives, breathes, and dreams of the mountains. Between trails, snow, and the open skies, this passionate young man from Saint-Hilaire is blazing his own trail with infectious energy. A paraglider at heart, he juggles competitions, ambitious projects, and the sheer joy of flying. Meet an inspiring pilot who clearly has his feet on the ground… but, above all, his head in the clouds.
Can you introduce yourself in a few words?
Hi! My name is Elio, I’m 18 years old, and I’ve lived in Saint-Hilaire my whole life.
I’m passionate about sports and am currently a student at Ambroise-Croizat High School in Moûtiers, in the “Mountain Sports” program.
Outdoor sports are an integral part of my life: trail running, downhill and cross-country skiing, rock climbing… and of course, PARAGLIDING! In short, I always have plenty to keep me entertained in the mountains.
When and how did you learn to paraglide?
Having grown up under the skies of the Coupe Icare, I quickly became hooked on paragliding.
I started on the training slope at age 6, with my older brother as my coach: he was the one who taught me everything in the beginning.
After that, I took two training courses at ages 13 and 14, before joining CODEVOLI, a youth club where you can progress safely under the guidance of top-notch pilots. That allowed me to develop at my own pace while having a blast.
What are your upcoming plans, both in paragliding and outside of it?
My ultimate dream? To compete in the Red Bull X-Alps.
I’m training hard for it, whether in the air or on the trails.
I’m also just getting started in paragliding competitions hike & fly —a world that I’m absolutely passionate about.
And as for winter, I just completed my preliminary training to become an alpine ski instructor, which will allow me to start teaching next season. I can’t wait!
Do you have a special memory of flight to share with us?
Yes, absolutely! It was during a training camp with CODEVOLI; we’d gone flying in Courtet.
That day, the conditions were pretty challenging, and while the others managed to break free, I was struggling just to stay aloft.
I was fighting to catch every little thermal and avoid landing too soon. And finally, after a long stretch of “zeroing,” I managed to latch onto a thermal, climb back up, and catch up with the group.
We finished with some magical soaring over Le Châtel—a 2½-hour flight. At the time, it was my longest… and definitely one of my best!
Where can we follow your adventures?
See you on Instagram!
@elio__lami
