1. Big Bear
2. Blizzard
3. Buchanon Mountain / Milford Peak- Kaslo
4. Cooper Face - Meadow Creek
5. Dundee Mountain Ymir 
6. Goat Mt - Creston
7. Hamil Bluff / Lower Lavina - Meadow Creek
8. Idaho Peak - New Denver
9. Krestova
10. Mt. Lavina - Meadow Creek 
11. Meadow Mt. / Meadow Bluff
12. Munson
13. Pig Farm
14. Red Mountain - Trail
15. Saddle Look Out
16. Sanka-Creek
17. Slocan Ridge - Winlaw
18. Thompson Lookout - Creston
19. Wild Horse

1. East Kootenays / Rocky Mts
2. Mount 7,  Panorama, Swansea
3. Kamloops
4. North Okanagan
5. South Okanagan
6. North Eastern BC
7. North Western BC
   
8. Pemberton
   
9. Vancouver Island
10. Vancouver / Fraser Valley

1. West Kootenays Sites
2. East Kootenay Sites
3. KootenayParagliding.com Photo Album
4. Wild Air Photography

The name of a logging road and the radio frequency used on it is posted at the beginning of that road: don't miss the sign!

Kilometer markers are posted on trees at the side of the road.

The correct radio call-out follows a common formula: name of road, kilometer marker, and "up" or "down" depending on if the kilometer marker numbers are counting "up" (1,2,3) or "down" (3,2,1).

Example: "Porcupine Road - 3k - up" (I'm on Porcupine Road at kilometer 3 and heading to kilometer 4) or "Porcupine (Road) - 3k - down" (I'm on Porcupine, at 3k, heading to 2k). Also, announce that you are entering a road when you start out.

It is our experience that logging truckers talk fast. If you didn't understand a transmission ask them to please repeat - they might be just around the corner and moving fast!

HPAC skill level Recommendations: 
Mild Conditions: Nov-Int,       Moderate Conditions: Int,    Strong Conditions: Adv.

Flying Season: Assign value 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4 (highest): 
Spring 4     Summer 4    Fall 4     Winter 0

Vehicle Requirements: Good road, launch can be accessed with a 2wd car if care is taken. 

Description of Launch: Launch faces south and can be launched in SSW to SE conditions. Arrow creek valley may be rotored off Goat Mt. in strong South condition and also may be subject to ventury. Good ground handling for launch.

Directions to Launch: 
Head out of Creston north on the #3 toward Cranbrook. after 4.3 km from the last gas station (Race Trac Gas) turn left on to Lakeview Arrow Creek Rd. Turn left after 2.4 km (from turning off the #3) at the first intersection and left again 3.2 km at the second. At 7.9 km turn right on to Big Bear Creek forestry service road. Take a right at any fork in the road you come across. The launch is 6 km up from the start of the forestry road.

Times to Fly -  good morning and late afternoon site.

Soaring Information and Weather Notes: 

Description of LZ: 
The choice LZ is a large field on the Lakeview Arrow Creek Rd not far to the forestry road up. Watch for power line along the road. The land owner has requested to be notified when one wishes to use it (as there may be a crop), he has also gave permission to land on his yard if one must (owner lives on the right 0.5km before you get to the LZ, look for a lot of cars and equipment behind his house whcich can be seen as you drive by). There is also a gravel pit on Wenger Rd. There may be other fields available as permission are gained. All other fields in Arrow creek at the moment should not be considered unless it is an emergency. To get to the Gravel pit go staight though at the first intesection on Wenger Rd, it is on the left about 1km.

Directions to LZ: 
Follow the same directions as to launch. At 6.1 km it is on the right, just look for the old red trackor in the field.

Site Records: 
Altitude Gain:    Duration:    Open Distance:    Dog Leg:     Out & Return:    Triangle:    Race to Goal: 

Other Information:
Radio Frequency: 123.4 Mhz (Aircraft) & 173.640 Mhz, Local Club Frequency: 
FIC Advanced Weather Briefing and HAGAR Notification: 
1-866-WXBRIEF (1-866-992-7433)     French service: 1-866-GOMETEO (1-866-466-3836) 

Regulating Body: Acrophobia

Primary Local Contacts: 
Vincent Wolf 250-428-5500  Creston 

Flying Season: Assign value 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4 (highest): 
Spring 3     Summer 2       Fall 3     Winter 0

HPAC Skill Level Recommendations: 
Mild Conditions: Int.    Moderate Conditions: Adv.    Strong Conditions: Not flown because of extreme turbulence.

Vehicle / Transportation Requirements: ?

Description of Launch: 
The HG site is only launchable in west to slightly SW wind conditions. . 
The road to launch access is via private property. Check with Roy Plumber, who deals with the landowner and access issues and follow the site procedures. 
Table top ramp on the side of the road into a draw (below top of mountain.) Definitely a scary launch. Winds tend to blow across.
There is a dangerously shallow Upper Launch facing south, south of the microwave at the top of mountain.  

There is Hike-up Launch at 1800' AGL for PG's facing west. Nice grassy knob overlooking the valley below the top of Blizzard Mt., half way up an entirely different road. Contact Don Dejong for info. 

Launch Directions:
South of Fruitvale and East of Montrose. 
Incredibly hard to find. Contact Roy Plumber, who deals with the landowner and access issues 

Times to Fly - all day, given limited useable wind directions.

Soaring Information and Weather Notes: Winds tend to blow across launch

Site Record(s): 
Altitude Gain:  Duration: Open Distance:   Dog Leg:   Out & Return: Triangle:  Race to Goal:

Description of LZ:
Trail Airport - Land on the north side of the runway. Gorgeous view over the Columbia River. 

Other Information: Class "E" Airspace above 700' AGL following land contour. 
Re-set your altimeter to the accurate launch altitude before flying.
Class E Contol Zone to 4400' ASL  5 mile radius of airport. Airport AirBand Mandatory Frequency is 123.20  For Altimeter Settings phone: 250-368-9148

Radio Frequency: 123.4 Mhz  (Aircraft) & 173.640 Mhz, Local Club: to be determined

FIC Advanced Weather Briefing and HAGAR Notification: 
1-866-WXBRIEF  (1-866-992-7433)     French service:  1-866-GOMETEO  (1-866-466-3836)

Regulation Body: Acrophobia                               Primary Local Contacts: 

HG: Roy Plummer      Tel. 250-367-9831  HG: Simon Mitchell Tel. 250-352-3036 HG: Doug Blake         Tel.  250-357-2077

PG: Don De Jong       Tel.  250-367-9661 PG: Murney Luchka  Tel. 250-362-5526 PG: Jason Leus           Tel: 250-357-2490

Flying Season: Assign value 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4 (highest): 
Spring 3      Summer 3      Fall 3     Winter 0

HPAC Skill Level Recommendations: 
Mild Conditions: Int.    Moderate Conditions: Int.     Strong Conditions: Int. - Adv

Description of Launch: Open from May to November. 
Buchanon: Good South facing launch for HGers. Paraglider = (advanced) launch beside the outhouse.  HG east ramp was removed. 

Mt Milford: Much better launch for PGers at Mt Milford further up the ridge from Buchanan. Road ends at top of mountain and you launch from the  obvious alpine meadow below. Launch - morning = great - afternoon: watch for thermals coming up from west side as it's an east/west ridge.

Vehicle / Transportation Requirements: Buchanon: 2WD / 4WD in spring.
Road into Mt Milford is very rough - high clearance 4wd for 1-2 km and then reasonable for about 4 km.

Launch Directions: Turn north off the Kaslo - New Denver highway 8 km west of Kaslo. Watch for the Lookout Sign. 
At 1.1 Km take the middle fork and at 7.8 Km turn right to the Buchanon Mt summit.

Mt Milford access: follow description for Buchanan but take left fork on Buchanan road when the Buchanan road approaches ridge and lookout tower is visible. Again, Road is very rough - high clearance 4wd for 1-2 km and then reasonable for about 4 km. Road ends at top of mountain and launch from obvious alpine meadow below.

Times to Fly -  all day.

Soaring Information and Weather Notes: 
Altitude gains with ceilings of 10,000 - 12,0000' on occasion. Wind lines on the lake are often the only wind indicator you will need.
"Adventurous" Cross country possible to Meadow creek? New Denver?

Description of Kaslo LZ's: 
Small section of sandy beach long the beach just south east of town. Lose height over the lake and don't be too high on approach. 
Beware of rotor from the tree line in W winds. The Nth 1/4 of the beach is best, the south 1/4 is landable but rocky. 
The middle half is not landable due to large rocky areas. PGers will not be able to reach the beach LZ in any appreciable S wind conditions.

Landing Directions:
1. Kaslo Airport SW of town at the base of True Blue Mt.
2. Immediately south-east of town, just past the Moyie Paddlewheel, there is a small recreational park. Check out the LZ before flying to avoid rocky areas and sprained ankles. 
Mt Buchanon is a good morning site especially in East winds. Getting to the LZ can be tough in South conditions.
3. From Mt Milford: Landing in Kaslo or more commonly at community north of Shutty Bench - name has escaped me right now.

Other Information: Class "G" Airspace. 
Radio Frequency: 123.4 Mhz  (Aircraft) & 173.640 Mhz, Local Club: to be determined
FIC Advanced Weather Briefing and HAGAR Notification: 
1-866-WXBRIEF  (1-866-992-7433)  French service:  1-866-GOMETEO  (1-866-466-3836) 

A very scenic place to fly and holiday. 

Ainsworth Hotsprings just south of Kaslo on the road to Nelson is a must do in this lifetime. 
Two old mine shaft leads back into the mountain has Stalagmites and Stalactites well worth seeing.

Site hosts the Kaslo Fly-In (see the events page)

Site Record(s): 
Altitude Gain:  Duration: Open Distance:   Dog Leg:   Out & Return: Triangle:  Race to Goal:

  Regulation Body: Acrophobia                               Primary Local Contacts: 

HG: Simon Mitchell    Tel. 250-352-3036 HG: Tyson Ehlers         Tel. 250-226-7063 HG: Jim Smith                Tel. ?  Kaslo

PG: Mike Zimmerman      Tel: 250-353-7393  Kaslo PG: Treavor Hollsworth Tel. 250-358-7277  PG: Jason Leus                Tel: 250-357-2490

  Cooper Face

Direction of Launch: E  Type of Site: Mtn Elevation Launch: 3150' asl  Elevation LZ: 1900' asl  Site Regulation: Informal Location: North end of Kootenay lake - south of Meadow Creek on Hwy 31 north of Kaslo.

Site Suitable for: HG & PG Type of Flying: Ridge/Thermal. Good early morning site. GPS: N  50 10 57.1 W  116 58 27.2 GPS LZ: N          W Insurance: HPAC or USHPA XC Potential: Limited

HPAC Skill Level Recommendations: 
Mild Conditions: Nov - Int. Moderate Conditions: Int. Strong Conditions: Int. or Adv 

Flying Season: Assign value 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4 (highest): 
Spring 3       Summer 3      Fall 3      Winter 0

Vehicle / Transportation Requirements: 2WD, any vehicle.

Description of Launch: Good launch over a bench.

Launch Directions:
Just north of the Argenta turnoff, turn left (west) at the log sort yard. (Wind ribbons in the bombout LZ.) 
At the 5 Km mark, turn left for an additional 3 Km. Total 8 Km.

Times to Fly - early morning, east winds. Actually good from the crack of dawn on. Camp and fly.

Soaring Information and Weather Notes: 

Landing Directions: Do not land in the Fallow Dear Farm. (Sign says watch for kids and dogs.)
    Primary LZ's: 
 a) bomb out LZ at the trunoff
 b) In the field immediately west of the Argenta Bridge
 c) The large beach just north of the Duncan Lake Campground (Low water conditons only.)
 d) On the sandy beach at the northwest  end of Kootenay Lake. (Boat retrieve if you land on the east side of the (ultimate LZ!) river.)

Other Information: Class "G" Airspace. 
Radio Frequency: 123.4 Mhz  (Aircraft) & 173.640 Mhz, Local Club: to be determined
FIC Advanced Weather Briefing and HAGAR Notification: 
1-866-WXBRIEF  (1-866-992-7433)  French service:  1-866-GOMETEO  (1-866-466-3836) 

Site Record(s): 
Altitude Gain:  Duration: Open Distance:   Dog Leg:   Out & Return: Triangle:  Race to Goal:

  Regulation Body: Acrophobia                               Primary Local Contacts:

HG: Jim Smith      Tel.   Kaslo HG: Fred Wilson Cell: 250-309-6651 (Vernon!)

PG: Mike Zimmerman Tel: 250-353-7393  Cell: 352-6321 Kaslo PG: Jason Leus          Tel: 250-357-2490

HPAC Skill Level Recommendations: 
Mild Conditions: Int.    Moderate Conditions: Int. or Adv     Strong Conditions: Int. or Adv 

Flying Season: Assign value 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4 (highest): 
Spring 4      Summer 4      Fall 4      Winter 4 (by ski doo)

Vehicle / Transportation Requirements: 4WD

Description of Launch:
South ramp is excellent for HGers, but aging and a little rickety. Difficult rock face for NW launch. Setup area for about 10 gliders. The PGer launch is on a bluff (no more tarp) above the HG launch and is usually very easy to launch from. 

Launch Directions:
Ymir is on the road from Salmo to Nelson. East of the Ymir Pub, turn left (Nth) just past the village campground. Immediately across the bridge turn right on Oscar Bear Rd. At 2.7 Km turn left. The road in is another 2 km. Half way in take the right fork. From there on it is serious, dangerous 4WD. This is not a joke - single lane / dangerous road to launch with no pullouts and requiring 4X4 low gear capable vehicle. It is best to go up with a local the first time to learn the danger spots. The PGer launch is on a tarp above the HG launch and is usually very easy to launch from. The HG ramp is incredibly easy to launch from even in a moderate cross wind. 

Times to Fly - all day.

Soaring Information and Weather Notes:  Conditions are consistently strong from 11am to 6pm in the summer months. 
Frequent wind shears and a lot of turbulence. Not a good site for novices as there is a lot of potential for being trapped too far back.
This is the most consistent site in the area. Predictably soarable site and 7,000 altitude gains off launch are common. 
The area is surrounded by old gold mines which can be seen from the air. Every season there are a number of XCs to Salmo and beyond (S-SE), and to Nelson (N) though the Nelson route is extremely committed with out-landings in logging cuts only, and walk outs of many hours on locked logging roads.

Contacting Kootenay Paragliding the evening before flying is imperative

Radio contact to active logging company and Kootenay Paragliding for vehicle coordination is imperative!
Contact Kootenay Paragliding 250 357-2490, kootenayparagliding@gmail.com

Description of LZ: 
PG may land downtown Ymir (at the campground or beside the river) in zero wind conditions ONLY. Downtown is a turbulent, rotory mess if there is any wind in the valley. The flag on the Fire Department roof downtown will show false direction with wind speeds above 3kph. 

The main HG / PG landing field is now closed as the Forest Service has replanted it. It was difficult to approach and the air is often rough, prone to quite a bit of turbulence. Good approach skills were needed. The landowner has said we are no longer welcome to land at the Ymir Whirl disc golf course just above it (Nth) where expert skills were needed particularly for HGers. A new flying site proposed between Ymir and Salmo may fix this deviciency. Stay Tuned.

Landing Directions:
PG Landing field is downtown across from Ymir Store and Hotel - this favorite drop in spot has liquid refreshments right across the road. 
 - This (PG) LZ is a really tight field, surrounded by power lines, trees and a river.
HG landing zone was on the bench above a large replanted mill site on north side of town on the Porto-Rico-Ymir Rd. 

Other Information: Class "E" Airspace above 700' AGL following land contour.
FIC Advanced Weather Briefing and HAGAR Notification: 
1-866-WXBRIEF  (1-866-992-7433)  French service:  1-866-GOMETEO  (1-866-466-3836) 

Radio Frequency: 123.4 Mhz  (Aircraft) & 173.640 Mhz, Local Club: to be determined

Site Record(s):  Best gains in one thermal: 9000'.
Altitude Gain: 14,700' ASL. Duration: Open Distance:   Dog Leg:   Out & Return:  Triangle: Race to Goal:

  Regulation Body: Acrophobia                               Primary Local Contacts:

HG: Doug Blake          Tel. 250-357-2077 HG: Simon Mitchell Tel. 250-352-3036 HG: Roy Plummer       Tel. 250-367-9831

PG: Jason Leus             Tel: 250-357-2490  PG: Rob Ray                  Tel. 250-357 2992 PG: Trevor Holsworth  Tel. 250-358-7277

Flying Season: Assign value 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4 (highest): 
Spring 4      Summer 4      Fall 4      Winter 0

HPAC Skill Level Recommendations: 
Mild Conditions: Int.    Moderate Conditions: Int.      Strong Conditions: Adv.

Vehicle / Transportation Requirements: Rugged 2-WD

Description of Launch: We have heard of paragliding here again recently again. Info soon?
The old HG site is extremely overgrown and unlaunchable.

Road Directions to Launch: 

Times to Fly - late morning on. Earlier with North winds (upper launch)
Soaring Information and Weather Notes: Site once negotiated to allow XC competition flights across the US border.

Description of LZ: Expecting to secure an LZ this summer (2009)

Road Directions to LZ:

Other Information:
Radio Frequency: 123.4 Mhz  (Aircraft) & 173.640 Mhz, Local Club: to be determined

Class "E" Airspace above 2.200' AGL following land contour to 2,500' ASL due to Airway V112.
FIC Advanced Weather Briefing and HAGAR Notification: 
1-866-WXBRIEF  (1-866-992-7433)        French service:  1-866-GOMETEO  (1-866-466-3836) 

Site Record(s): Altitude Gain: ' ASL.   Duration:   Open Distance:   Km 
Dog Leg:  Km    Out & Return:  Km      Triangle:  Km       Race to Goal:

  Regulation Body: Acrophobia                               Primary Local Contacts:

HGer: Doug Blake           Tel. 250-357-2077 HGer: Simon Mitchell  Tel. 250 352 3036

PGer: Vincent Wolf     Tel. 250-428-5500 (Creston) PGer: Jason Leus         Tel: 250-357-2490

 

Flying Season: Assign value 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4 (highest): 
Spring 4      Summer 4      Fall 4      Winter 0

HPAC Skill Level Recommendations: 
Mild Conditions: Nov.  Moderate Conditions: Int.      Strong Conditions: Adv.

Description of Launch: Drive into all launches.
Lower Launches: Three launches: 1. Good W launch shaped by an excavator. Just north, a steeper PG launch above a sharp dropp off, better in some conditions, 
100 yards farther north, near the repeater station, a launch allowing for Nth winds.
Mid Launch: A good launch but the air can be tricky - you many not know you are in a rotor until you are in the air and get slapped hard over the tree line.
Upper Launches: Good expereinced intermediate to advanced N - NW facing launch (actually a Lower Lavina Launch) which allows you to work the large N-NW facing ridge 
over Duncan Lake, visible from the Camp Ground. Down wind slide to the L'Zs, or land at the beach north of the camp ground.
Vehicle / Transportation Requirements: Excellent 2WD with a good low gear. Upper launch access requires good clearance. Last 100 yards -  a really good low gear. 
The upper launch road has a few short stretches with brush growing in. High grass on the road hides shallow cross ditches. Drive slowly!

Launch Directions:
Head north from Kaslo on Hyw 31, take the east turn to Argenta. Take the middle fork over the bridge heading towards Duncan lake. 
At the 5 km mark, turn right (east) on the Hamil Bluffs Rd.
Lower launch: take the road to the right at the 4.5 Km mark.
Mid launch: at the 6.7 Km mark
Upper Launch: take the L fork at the 8.5 Km mark. take the right fork at the 9 Km mark, take the left forks at rhe 10.1 and 10.8 Km marks, and turn right 
into Nth Upper launch a the 12.4 Km mark, There is a west facing HG launch around the switchback just above the main launch. 
A short hike south from the main upper launch set up area are potential W and SW facing launches.

Times to Fly - late morning on. Earlier with North winds (upper launch)

Soaring Information and Weather Notes: 

Description of LZ: 
Do not land in the Fallow Dear Farm. (Sign says watch for kids and dogs.)
Large fields south of launch north of the road to Argenta, just north of Kootenay Lake,  Also the large beach just north of the Duncan Lake Campground (Low water conditons only.)

Landing Directions:   Primary LZ's: 
 a) Jacob's field - access through the logging operation yard 100m north of the Argenta Bridge
 b) In the field immediately west of the Argenta Bridge
 c) The large beach just north of the main Duncan Lake Campground (Low water conditons only.) 
     Access road - turn west after the bridge just north of the main campground turnoff. 
     Check fist to ensure low water conditions and that there is no log debree.
 d) At the Drury's field immediately SW of the Meadow Creek Pub.
 e) At the Brinkmans field along the highway and river just west of Duncan Dam.

Other Information:
Class "G" Airspace.
All launches are top landable by PGers. There is also an "On-Top" in the ravine between Mid and Upper launches.

Radio Frequency: 123.4 Mhz  (Aircraft) & 173.640 Mhz, Local Club: to be determined

FIC Advanced Weather Briefing and HAGAR Notification: 
1-866-WXBRIEF  (1-866-992-7433)        French service:  1-866-GOMETEO  (1-866-466-3836) 

Site Record(s): 
Altitude Gain: ' ASL. Duration: Open Distance:   Km Dog Leg:  Km Out & Return:  Km  Triangle:  Km  Race to Goal:

  Regulation Body: Acrophobia                               Primary Local Contacts: 

HG: Jim Smith      Tel.   Kaslo HG: Fred Wilson Cell: 250-309-6651 (Vernon!)

PG: Mike Zimmerman    Tel: 250-353-7393  Cell: 352-6321 Kaslo PG: Jason Leus             Tel: 250-357-2490

Flying Season: Assign value 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4 (highest): 
Spring: 0      Summer: 4       Fall: 3      Winter: 0

HPAC Skill Level Recommendations: 
Mild Conditions: Nov.    Moderate Conditions: Int.      Strong Conditions: Adv.

Vehicle / Transportation Requirements: Any Vehicle

Description of Launch:
Beautiful grassy knob at the Lookout amongst alpine meadow for West through NW (in front of lookout) There is a steep snag covered slope off heli pad for S / SW launch that can be difficult due to switching winds.

Launch Directions:
Heading East from New Denver on the road to Kaslo, take the south turn to Sandon. At Sandon turn west onto the Idaho Peak Forest Road. 13 km later you arrive at the parking lot. There is a 1 mile hike with 300' elevation gain from the parking lot to the lookout. Usually snowed in to mid July. Difficult hike with HG + gear but the alpine meadows and explosion of flowers in summertime make this one of the most memorable alpine sites you will ever fly. (Watch your favorite card racks for postcards of launch!). There is over a mile of vertical to the LZ at the Rec field in New Denver.

Times to Fly - all day.

Soaring Information and Weather Notes: 
Watch for dangerous wind increases on the lake. Strong shear layers are often encountered when descending into valley due to strong outflows at lower altitudes. This site can have 2000 fpm thermals during the day and gusty cadabatic winds in the evening as the sun shades in the valley.  Flights to Kaslo and Nakusp are possible in a HG or PG (and beyond!). 

Description of LZ:
HG: The triangular field north of the New Denver Golf Course is HYPERSENSITIVE. You MUST contact the landowner before going up for permission. Ph # Doug Blake
PG: Rec Field / Ball park in town at camp site. Tight approach. Can be Gusty. Watch for waves on lake.

Must visit and gain permission from LZ owner @ north end of New Denver golf course before flying! 
LZ owner is easy going if permission is sought, but nasty if not contacted prior to flying (He has treatened to, and will revoke our landing priviledges there). He's heard every "emergency landing" excuse there is. 
No problem going in person the day of flying . 

Landing Directions:
PG LZ has a tight approach into a recreation field next to the town campsite and Japanese Gardens near to the lake shore. HG LZ is the triangular field north of the New Denver Golf course in town and is sensitive. Check to obtain permission to land first. 

Other Information:
Class "G" Airspace.
Idaho Peak Fly-In in New Denver, BC on the September Labour Day long weekend. Idaho Peak is a magnificent alpine meadow launch SE of the town of New Denver. The site is a mile vertical with incredible views into the Valhalla Mountains, Kokane Glacier Park and the Goat Range. Easy 2WD access to the top on a 13 km road from Sandon. 

Explore old mine sites, mountain bike,tour ghost towns, hike, hot spring it or play in the lake. 

Radio Frequency: 123.4 Mhz  (Aircraft) & 173.640 Mhz, Local Club: to be determined

FIC Advanced Weather Briefing and HAGAR Notification: 
1-866-WXBRIEF  (1-866-992-7433)        French service:  1-866-GOMETEO  (1-866-466-3836) 

Site Record(s): 
Altitude Gain: ' ASL. Duration: Open Distance:   Km Dog Leg:  Km Out & Return:  Km  Triangle:  Km  Race to Goal:

  Regulation Body: Acrophobia                               Primary Local Contacts:

PG    Trevor Holsworth  manages the  Glacier View Cabins in New Denver HG: Tyson Ehlers     Tel: 250-226-7063 HG: James Snell      Tel: 250-355-2880

PG: Trevor Holsworth  Tel. 250-358-7277 PG: Jason Leus              Tel: 250-357-2490  PG: Rob Ray                  Tel. 250-357 2992 PG: Robert Bauman        Tel: 250-265-4161

HPAC Skill Level Recommendations: Intermediate. 

Flying Season: Assign value 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4 (highest): 
Spring 0 - 3      Summer 3      Fall 2      Winter 0

Vehicle / Transportation Requirements: 2-WD:

Description of Launch: 
Launch is from an old logging slash of a knoll on the side of the road. Launch is not visible from the road so best go up with a local. LZ is just visible and is partially obscured by a ridge. Long low glide over trees off launch unless you get up right up. The launch road is off the road to the Provincial park. There is a good steep grassy slope PGer hike in launch just past the HGer launch. You'll need a local guide.

Launch Directions: Contact local pilots.

Times to Fly - all day. This is an exceptional morning site. Excellent air at dawn's early light in the summer.

Soaring Information and Weather Notes: 

Description of LZ:
Krestova recreational games fields. Lots of room so long as it is not in use

Other Information:
Class "E" Airspace above 700' AGL following land contour.
FIC Advanced Weather Briefing and HAGAR Notification: 
1-866-WXBRIEF  (1-866-992-7433)  French service:  1-866-GOMETEO  (1-866-466-3836) 

Radio Frequency: 123.4 Mhz  (Aircraft) & 173.640 Mhz, Local Club: to be determined

The flying season can be short, June to November due to snow. Occasionally the road is plowed in late spring. 

Site Record(s): 
Altitude Gain: ' ASL. Duration: Open Distance:   Km Dog Leg:  Km Out & Return:  Km  Triangle:  Km  Race to Goal:

  Regulation Body: Acrophobia                               Primary Local Contacts:

HGer: Ian Thomson       Tel. 250-359 7312  HGer: Tyson Ehlers      Tel. 250-226-7063  HGer: Gary Popoff        Tel. 250-354-8076 HGer: Don Grouwstra   Tel. 250-359-8053

PGer: Trevor Holsworth Tel. 250-358-7277

Flying Season: Assign value 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4 (highest): 
Spring: 0 - 3      Summer: 4      Fall: 3      Winter: 0

HPAC Skill Level Recommendations:
Mild Conditions: Int  Moderate Conditions: Int    Strong Conditions: Int.- Adv. HG ramp is advanced. 

Vehicle / Transportation Requirements: Serious 4-WD, otherwise a reasonable road surface.
Caution: road is not for the faint of heart! It is kept open by ATV and hunting vehicles. Note reverse driving swithback on top of the ridge before the foresty hut. PS: Don't have your wife drive for you. Your vehicle will be abandoned half way down and the only time you'll hear from her again is when the divorce papers arrive. (-: (-;

Description of Launches:
Mt Lavina has 5300' vertical W and S / SE launches.
1. a short HG Ramp 1/4 of the way in along the ridge before Forestry Lookout Towers.
2. Drive due south 3/4 of thee way into the end along the summit road. 100m before the end of the road is a steep gravel HG / PG launch facing west. Room to set up 2 gliders in light conditions. There is a pile of wood debris across the road from the walk in, just past a demolished HG ramp with 20 year old trees growing in front of it.
3. SE facing launch is below the Sth Point parking area and is suitable for HG & PG. 
 - Note: Just before the lookout tower there is a switch back that requires you to back up through one section.

Launch Directions:
Take the road north from Kaslo to Meadow Creek and take the east turnoff towards Argenta. 
 - At the N end of Kootenay Lake, drive Nth to check out the Meadow Creek LZ.
To access launch, turn east towards Argenta  and take the middle fork heading north over the 2nd bridge and carry on 10Km to the Mt Lavina Forest access Rd. The first half is a new road, then take the old 4WD road 12.7 Km to the summit.

Times to Fly - all day. Best from late morning on. 
Soaring Information and Weather Notes: Good site in west flow or light southerlies.

Description of LZ:
Please check in with the locals to determine which field to land in.
1. Blinkman Field 1 Km the north of Meadow creek on the east side of the river, north of the road into the dam. 
2. Just southwest of the Meadow Creek Pub on the west side of the road, or Alan Drury's filed west of his house at the SW corner of the road across from the Meadow Creek Pub.
3. Beach area during low water periods on Duncan Lake at the 2nd (overflow) campgroud at Glacier Creek (turn off west just past the bridge past the main campground entrance) which is a few hundred meters north of the turnoff to Lavina launch, 5 km north of Hamill Bluff launch turnoff. (Check first, can be flooded / littered by logs.)
4. The field on the north side of the road just east of the Duncan River Bridge on the road into launch.

Other Information:
Class "G" Airspace.
FIC Advanced Weather Briefing and HAGAR Notification: 
1-866-WXBRIEF  (1-866-992-7433)  French service:  1-866-GOMETEO  (1-866-466-3836) 

Radio Frequency: 123.4 Mhz  (Aircraft) & 173.640 Mhz, Local Club: to be determined

Spectacular views of the Mt McBeth. Hiking trails nearby into Jumbo Pass, Monica Meadows and more. You may see huge flocks of Canada Geese and other migratory or nesting birds. Watch for spawning Kokanee Salmon in creeks. Trout Lake to the NW (and Duncan Lake directly below launch) have good fishing. The NE end of Kootenay Lake has spectacular fishing. (Note: the fishing south of the Balvour Ferry route on Kootenay Lake is World Class. - a do not miss for the true afficionado. Can be a real experience for kids.)

Site Record(s): 
Altitude Gain: ' ASL. Duration: Open Distance:   Km Dog Leg:  Km Out & Return:  Km  Triangle:  Km  Race to Goal:

  Regulation Body: Acrophobia                               Primary Local Contacts: 

HG: Jim Smith      Tel.   Kaslo HG: Fred Wilson Cell: 250-309-6651 (Vernon!)

PG: Mike Zimmerman Tel: 250-353-7393  Cell: 352-6321 Kaslo PG: Jason Leus          Tel: 250-357-2490

  Meadow Mt, Meadow Bluff

Direction of Launch: Upper Launch: 360° launches Lower launch: NE facing Site Suitable for: HG & PG Elevation: Upper Launch: 8000' asl  Elevation: Lower Launch: 3150' asl  Elevation: LZ: 1900' asl Site Regulation: Informal Location: North of Kaslo - West of Meadow Creek

Type of Site: Mtn  Type of Flying: Ridge/Thermal. High Flights GPS:  N  W  GPS: N 50 13 420 W116 59 42.2  GPS:  N  W  Insurance: HPAC or USHPA XC Potential: Limited  Do Not Land Here: GPS NO

Flying Season: Assign value 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4 (highest): 
Spring: 3      Summer: 3      Fall: 3      Winter: 2 - Snow Cat

HPAC Skill Level Recommendations:
Mild Conditions: Nov.    Moderate Conditions: Int.      Strong Conditions: Adv.

Vehicle / Transportation Requirements: Excellent 2WD. Any vehicle. Upper Launch last section high clearance 4WD

Description of Launch: Upper launch is gated off at the 4000' level. See Allan Drury for the key. There is a 700' vertical, 1/2 hour hike to the launch area. If you launch off the back side, the bombout LZ  is the meadows 400' below, vehicle accessible.
Lower Launch: Drive into lower launch..

Launch Directions:
Head north from Kaslo on Hyw 31, turn left at the Meadow Creek Pub. Alan Drury's house is the first one on you left.
At the 2 Km mark, take the right fork. At 3.5 Km take the left fork onto Meadow Mt. Rd.
Lower Launch: turn left onto the "Branch 1" Meadow Bluff Rd at the 8 Km mark, at the 12 Km mark take the left fork for 0.3 Km.
Upper Launch: Stay on the Main Meadow Mt Rd. It is a fairly long drive. With the hike, a summit launch is an all day committment. However there is talk of reparing the final section of road to the summit.

Times to Fly - Upper Launch: all day (360° launch) Lower launch is good from the crack of dawn on. Camp and fly.

Soaring Information and Weather Notes: 
All launches are top landable by PGers. 

Description of LZ: Land at Allan Drury's just SW of the Meadow Creek Pub, or the large field immediately south of his property, directly below launch.

Other Information: Class "G" Airspace.
FIC Advanced Weather Briefing and HAGAR Notification: 
1-866-WXBRIEF  (1-866-992-7433)  French service:  1-866-GOMETEO  (1-866-466-3836) 

Radio Frequency: 123.4 Mhz  (Aircraft) & 173.640 Mhz, Local Club: to be determined

At the 2 Km mark into launch, take the left fork into the Kokanee spawning grounds. 30 Million Kokanee spawning late Aug through Sept.

Site Record(s): 
Altitude Gain: ' ASL. Duration: Open Distance:   Km Dog Leg:  Km Out & Return:  Km  Triangle:  Km  Race to Goal:

 Regulation Body: Acrophobia                                    Primary Local Contacts: 

HG: Jim Smith      Tel.   Kaslo HG: Fred Wilson Cell: 250-309-6651 (Vernon!)

PG: Mike Zimmerman Tel: 250-353-7393  Cell: 352-6321 Kaslo PG: Jason Leus          Tel: 250-357-2490

Launch is just off Hwy 16 km north of Creston on the way to Crawford Bay and is the first clearing north of Creston. The site requires NW or W wind. Trees below launch are getting high.

Class "E" Airspace above 12,500' AGL.

Contact  Vincent Wolf     Tel. 250-428-5500 PG (Creston)

PGer: Murney Luchka Tel. 250-362-5526
PGer: Hans Korn Tel: 250-362-9277
Location: Rossland (Trail) BC

Soaring Information and Weather Notes: 

Class "E" Airspace above 700' AGL following land contour.

Description of Launch: 
Saddle Look Out is a 5800' East facing vertical flight for PGers. Launch is at 7300' with landing near Arrow Lake at 1500'. Situated on the west side of Arrow Lake you turn north immediately west of the Faquier Ferry. The road to the lookout is well marked. There is a 2500' vertical hike at the top which takes you to Alpine meadow launches which face primarily East. 

Possible hang gliding launches off the road on the way up in new clear cuts.

There are new clear cuts at the summit immediately above (east) of Faquier with promising W facing launches. Stay tuned in 2007.  Earth.Google Image

Times to Fly - from the crack of dawn on.  Camp and fly.

Site Record(s): 
Altitude Gain: ' ASL. Duration: Open Distance:   Km Dog Leg:  Km Out & Return:  Km  Triangle:  Km  Race to Goal:

Contact: Bob Bauman in Nakusp at 250-265-4161 

Other Information: Class "G" Airspace.
FIC Advanced Weather Briefing and HAGAR Notification: 
1-866-WXBRIEF  (1-866-992-7433)  French service:  1-866-GOMETEO  (1-866-466-3836) 

Landing Directions:
Nice LZ at the bottom

Flying Season: Assign value 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4 (highest): 
Spring: 0 - 4 (snow)      Summer: 4      Fall: 3      Winter:  0

HPAC Skill Level Recommendations:
Mild Conditions: Nov.    Moderate Conditions: Int.      Strong Conditions: Adv.

Vehicle / Transportation Requirements: 4WD / High clearance 2WD with a very good low gear.

Description of Launch:
Small ramp off the side of the setup area. PGer slope 5m to the north. Launch is the highest point on the mountain at the repeater tower.

Launch Directions:
Drive north about 30 km up the Slocan Valley towards Winlaw. Turn right onto the Pedro Creek Rd. At the first fork turn left onto the Pedro Creek Forest Service Rd, then keep going straight until 9.5 Km where you turn right. Total 15 Km. Drive around the first Tower and keep going till you get to the top Repeater Tower. The HG launch is a small ramp facing SW right beside the tower. More information on the launch and landing field at the Slocan Park country store (Gulf Station) 
PGers can launch beside the ramp but it is a very difficult launch . Reverse launch prefered.

Times to Fly - Noon on.

Soaring Information and Weather Notes: Glass-off warning! 
This effect will often last until dark making for dangerous landings. Proficiency of advanced descent techniques is mandatory! Big Ears are not sufficient.
Can be home to some truly amazing evening convection as the west side of the valley shades in. 
Storms and winds can also move in quickly to this narrow valley so be aware! Flying north you can run into a head wind.
Excellent flying as soon as the road opens (always by July) Great site for short XC and out and returns - ridge is 13 km long. Wonderful view of 10,500' high Valhalla Park. Easy 26 Km XC to Nelson and 32 Km xc to Slocan City. 

Landing Directions:
There are two main landing fields. This is one site where you do not want to diddle around low. Pick your LZ early. You cannot see either LZ from the launch area but they become visible right after launch. It's about a 3-1 glide to either one. 
1. Kosiancic's field is the southernmost, on the west side of the highway 5 km north of Crescent Valley. It is a big triangular field. Approaching from the North you have to set up flying through the apex of the triangle which can be tricky as one side is trees and the other side is powerlines. Approaching from the south is generally easy but slightly downhill at the south which climbs at the north. Imperative to check with Ian Thomson about landing in this field because of crops and horses. N 49 28 565 W 117 35 222

2. The northern field is by the Co-op Video Store in Slocan Park, the next community going up the valley. It is a huge field landable in any direction. Usually a large windsock in the middle of it. Excellent vertical bluffs up to 4000' high nearby to scratch on. Major fun flying even when low. N 49 30 482 W 117 37 212

Other Information:
Class "E" Airspace above 700' AGL following land contour.
FIC Advanced Weather Briefing and HAGAR Notification: 
1-866-WXBRIEF  (1-866-992-7433)  French service:  1-866-GOMETEO  (1-866-466-3836) 

Radio Frequency: 123.4 Mhz  (Aircraft) & 173.640 Mhz, Local Club: to be determined

Site Record(s): Altitude: 14,000'' ASL. (Tyson Ehlers)      Open Distance: to New Denver (Doug Blake)
Duration:    Dog Leg:  Km        Out & Return:  Km        Triangle:  Km            Race to Goal:

  Regulation Body: Acrophobia                               Primary Local Contacts:

HGer: Ian Thomson          Tel. 250-359 7312  HGer: Tyson Ehlers         Tel. 250-226-7063 HGer: Simon Mitchell    Tel. 250-352-3036

PGer: Treavor Hollsworth Tel. 250-358-7277  PGer: Jason Leus                Tel: 250-357-2490

Flying Season: Assign value 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4 (highest): 
Spring 4      Summer 3      Fall 4      Winter 0

HPAC Skill Level Recommendations:
Mild Conditions: Nov.    Moderate Conditions: Int.      Strong Conditions: Int.

Vehicle / Transportation Requirements:  2-WD / 4-WD.

Description of Launch:
Large grassy slope directly below the lookout tower. LZ is a 1 - 1 glide barely visible from launch looking down the draw.

Launch Directions:
Drive out of Creston heading towards Cranbrook on the #3 and turn right 1.6 km past the last gas station (Race Trac Gas) at Mountain Park campground on to Canyon Lister Rd. Follow this road about 1.1km from Mountian Park Campground and turn left onto Whimster Rd. Drive until it takes a sharp right and continue straight on to the gravel road. At 1.6 Km (from turning onto Whimster Rd) there is a fork in the road, go straight. Follow the main road from there to the top: a 10 km and 40 minute drive. Use the Arrow and Kootenay Lakes Recreation Map available from the Forest District

Times to Fly - Noon on.

Soaring Information and Weather Notes: 
Launch can be rotored out in south conditions. Be careful of sink in the ravine.
Ridge extends into the US and offers good XC potential. Cross Border Flight XC meets have been held here where pilots land in the USA given prior agreement with US Immigration. 
See the HPAC or AQVL website competition sections for more information.

Description of LZ: 
Large field below launch near the village of Lister (heading south on Canyon Lister Rd.) 
Avoid landing near Bountyful, they are a little touchy with their land.

Landing Directions:
Follow the same directions as going to launch but instead of turning left on Whimster continue 3.6 km (from Mountain park campground) and turn left on to 40th St. Follow 40th St for 0.5 km, there will be a large field on the left , a green house with white trim located far back on the field (owners of the field). There are two driveways side by side be sure to take the first one. Parking has be done either on the shoulder of 40th or in a small pullout in the field just off 40th. Though the owner has expressed there isn't always the need to touch base with them first, it is still recommended especially if there is an active crop in the field. Please respect the field, it would be very unfortunate if we were to loose the privilege to land in such a nice open and clean field. The owners are very HG/PG friendly.

Other Information:
Class "E" Airspace above 2.200' AGL following land contour due to IFR V112.
FIC Advanced Weather Briefing and HAGAR Notification: 
1-866-WXBRIEF  (1-866-992-7433)  French service:  1-866-GOMETEO  (1-866-466-3836) 

Radio Frequency: 123.4 Mhz  (Aircraft) & 173.640 Mhz, Local Club: to be determined

Site Record(s): Altitude Gain: 15,500' ' ASL.  Open Distance:   ? Km into the USA! 
 Duration:  Dog Leg:  Km       Out & Return:  Km  Triangle:  Km  Race to Goal:

  Regulation Body: Acrophobia                               Primary Local Contacts:

HGer: Doug Blake          Tel. 250-357-2077 (Best contact) HGer: Simon Mitchell Tel. 250 352 3036

PGer: Vincent Wolf  Tel. 250-428-5500 (Creston) PGer: Jason Leus      Tel: 250-357-2490

Under Development. Stay Tuned