Cross Country

Cross Country is the world’s leading voice for hang gliding, paragliding and paramotoring pilots. Ten times a year, our magazine content reflects our obsession with flying, and we express it by packing each issue with the most imaginative, inspirational photography and writing we can lay our hands on.

WELCOME TO THE ALPS

CONTRIBUTORS

Cross Country

OPENING SHOT

IN THE CORE • People, news and insight from around the free-flying world

WHAT’S ON

ALPINE RECORDS TUMBLE IN MAY

200K ON AN EN-A

COMPETITION SAFETY

15TH WORLD CUP SUPERFINAL

RENDEZVOUS WITH A CHAMPION • Jack Sheard talks to Andy Tallia – the new Paragliding World Cup Superfinal Champion

‘EIGHT TASKS, OVER 800K’

‘WE’RE GOING TO HAVE TO GO!’ • Dougie Swanson-Low won X-Scotia 2026 – capping his bid to win all four of the UK’s national hike-and-fly races

WHAT ARE YOU LIKE? • It’s official, we’re all mad about flying – what our latest readership survey told us

ON LAUNCH WITH HANS PETIT

WHAT’S IN A PICTURE? • Our very own Marcus King is a judge in this year’s prestigious Illume photography competition

BACK IN THE DAY

FLYING IQ • Helping you fly better with expert advice and know-how

GETTING READY FOR THE ALPS

GETTING IN TUNE FOR THE X-PYR

X-PYR 2026: ‘IT’S MY HAPPY PLACE’ • Tarquin Cooper talks to former X-Pyr winners Chrigel Maurer and Simon Oberrauner about what’s in store

THE ROUTE

THE GAVIN GUIDE TO THE EURO ALPS

MAKING THE MOST OF THE APPS

FLY ME TO THE MOON • Four Artemis II astronauts set a new world record for distance from Earth

DESTINATION SOČA VALLEY

THE ALPS 101 • The Alps offer unbeatable flying in incredible destinations – but where do you start if you’ve never been? We introduce the Alps for first-time visitors.

UNDERSTANDING THE ALPS • Do you know your Mistral from your Bise? Our guide to the Alps from Annecy to the Zugspitze

MONT BLANC 4,808M • At 4,808m Mont Blanc is the highest peak in the Alps – and a prime target for ambitious hike-and-fly pilots with Alpine experience. One fine day in Autumn Tim Rochas and friends seized their moment.

ROUTE OPTIONS

21 WAYS TO HAVE FUN IN THE ALPS

‘It speaks in silence ’ • Often alone and always in awe Luca Godenzi has been exploring the Bernina Range in Switzerland from the air for a decade. He shares some of the secret spots – and sacred moments – he’s found among these Alpine giants

EXPLORING THE BERNINA RANGE • The Bernina Range is a spectacular mountain massif in Switzerland’s Rhaetian Alps, spanning the border between southeastern Switzerland and northern Italy. Famous for its glaciers and dramatic peaks, it is best known for Piz Bernina (4,049m), which is the only 4,000m peak in the Eastern Alps. Here are three ideas for exploring the Bernina Range in true alpinist style.

KITLIST • All the latest reviews, gear and technology for free flying

New Gear

DESIGN INSIGHT: THE GOLDILOCKS CLASS • Not too hot or too cold, mid-B wings can offer a perfect balance of performance and fun, writes Bastienne Wentzel

NEO PUSH UP • The Push Up is billed as the lightest seatboard harness on the market. Marcus King tries it on for size.

THE SKYBEAN SØ

TWO-LINER GLOVES • Marcus King tries a pair of three-finger mittens from Windsriders

MY FLYING LIFE ROB MANSLEY • The chief instructor on what matters most