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Palisades Reservoir aka Alpine
Alpine, Wyoming - The aerotowing in Alpine has been going fantastic and our most popular site. Alpine is a bedroom community of 30-45 minutes south of Jackson. The mountain range there is call the Salt River Range and the XC potential is wide open. Pilots routinely soar above Ferry Peak giving you an awesome view of the Grand Teton and the whole Teton Range.
    
The area surrounding Alpine is called Lower Valley and borders on Palisades Reservoir, constructed at the convergence of the Snake, Greys and Salt Rivers. For those who are seeking a place to fish, water ski, camp or have a relaxing picnic, look no further because this spot has it all. With the Snake River Canyon only a hop and a skip from Alpine, water enthusiasts also have many opportunities for whitewater rafting, kayaking and fishing along this scenic section of the Snake River. Outfitters in Alpine offer full-day float trips down the Snake and also rent rafts for self-guided adventures. Horseback rides are also offered into the Greys River country.
It's not only a great hang gliding site, but a wonderful family vacation area.
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Rendezvous Mountain
Jackson Hole, Wyoming - Home "The Tram" that takes us (pilot and glider) up to this magnificent site on the Tetons. The Tram operates out of Teton Village and is run by Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. It runs daily and in 12 minutes the Tram whisks you the top of this 4,000+ foot vertical mountain. The site is open to Hang 2's with an instructor and the landing area is plenty big and an easy glide out. At Tram ticket is about $19.00 for non-locals, plus the local Free Flight Club charges a day use fee and you much show proof of current USHGA membership with a minimum rating of Hang 3.
    
The launch is a bit rocky, but nothing bad. Because you are launching at over 10,000 feet it's nice that the launch is steep and rolling.
This is a thermal and ridge soaring site and when it's good, it's GREAT. Not to mention the fabulous view that over looks the town of Jackson and Jackson Hole. But remember, you have to get there early, because as awesome as the Tetons are - we are on the leeside, resulting in 5,000 foot sled ride a high percentage of time. |
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Philips Ridge
Wilson, Wyoming - Philips is one of the foothills on the Teton Mountain Range. This "foothill" sports an elevation of 2,300 ft about ground level.
   
The valley floor of Jackson Hole is 6,200 feet. Philips is is accessed via a maintain Forest Service Road and you can drive directly to launch. Philips hovers above the small town of Wilson where the landing area is located. There are actually two landing zones one at the base of the mountain and another further out in the valley. This site is a bit tricky to fly, since it is also on the leeside, but because it is much lower than her big sister Rendezvous, just five miles up the road, the westerly winds are kept a bay long enough for the valley to heat up and generate thermal activity. Philips can be launch in the early afternoon. It is best to go with a local point out the idiosyncrasies of this site.
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Astoria Hot Springs 
Hoback Junction - 10 miles south of the town of Jackson. This site is a scenic masterpiece, however is sits in at the mouth of the Snake River Canyon is in only flyable in on the calmest of days. The Snake River Canyon can be quite windy.
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Curtis Canyon
Jackson Hole, National Elk Refuge - This is part of the foothills of on the Elk Refuge. It is not very high and landing at the bottom is prohibited. It can be quite soarable when the winds pick up. A little tricky to fly in a hang glider and the landing area is very tight. |
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Heise Hot Springs   , Ririe, Idaho - Road Trip...
This is a gorgeous 2,000 foot mountain just northwest of Jackson Hole over looking the Snake River. About an hour and half, maybe two from Jackson. The launch quite friendly and with a large generous landing area - two actually. Though the road to the top is easy for 4wd, a 2wd with a little power will make it just fine. Thermals were abundant and the ridge extends for miles of XC and out and return soaring. Another really cool thing about Heise are the Hot Springs. After a long day of flying you can sit back and relax in the famous natural mineral pools of Heise Hot Springs. top of page |
