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Regional
News: Kootenay Site Report
By Trevor Holsworth, BCHPA Regional
Director for Rocky Mts/Kootenays
New
Site News
Roseberry Ridge
Not exactly a new site, but probably the first time I have written
anything about it to anyone. I flew the site probably three years
ago. Located between New Denver and Hills from Highway 6A just north
of the town of Roseberry take the Wilson Ck Rd on the north side
of the creek and follow the main line until the second clearcut
(?). The road is almost running on the ridge at this point and there
is a small road leading left in the middle of the clearcut that
clears the ridge after 200m and pokes out into the top of a very
steep clearcut. The vertical is about 2000' and the turn around
is around 20 minutes. Aspect is west. Prevailing winds generally
S, SW and switching NW, N in the afternoons. Good sled ride, tandem's,
and cross country to Nakusp. Definately overshadowed by the 6,000
vertical at Idaho Pk. LZ is usually at the north end of Slocan Lake
probably very tight for hang gliders.
Existing
Site News
 Mt
7
I
flew Mt 7 a couple of times and even drove Serge up to the top to
retrieve his vehicle. Apparantly the couple that he had requested
to drive it down took one look at it and refused the offer and wrote
a note explaining thus. My communications with pilots from the area
and Calgary is limited so I am sure others no more about this awesome
site.
I've got to make it out for splashdown in Invermere
one year but have not made it yet.
Slocan Ridge
Simon Mitchell made a cross country flight from Slocan Ridge
flying North and made it to Lemon Creek? Probably the first cross
country flight flying North from this 6,000 ft site. Doug Blake
got wind of this and flew to Roseberry a few days later. Must be
60-80km through some interesting terrain with some limited landing
areas throughout.
Mt Lavina
Not flown this year to my knowledge. four or five years ago
a south launch was cleared that has been flown by tandem paragliders
and hang gliders. Very easy launch if a little intimidating with
a 200' cliff and then acres of burnt out trees and snags but 6,000
ft of Kootenay air below and the entire Kootenay Lake stretching
away to Creston.
Mt Milford
One flight on the day of the backcountry ban. Launched at 11:59AM.
4-5 paragliders. Most flew in beautiful conditions 10km to Kaslo.
Mt Buchanan
Still doesn't get thermals.
Dundee
Still the West Kootenay's most popular site out of the town
of Ymir.
East shore Kootenay Lake
There is a new site that has been created by some new paraglider
pilots on the east shore but have not flown it but sounds great.
I took a walk to the top of the peak at the Grey Ck Pass Rd. about
30minutes. Good potential for a 15km sled ride to the lake from
there.
Creston
Business as usual as far as I know. Did not hear of any flights
this year.
The west kootenay's seems to be about 4 regular hang gliders and
4-8 paragliders.
Trevor Holsworth
Kootenay Experience
Wildhorse CatSkiing & Powder Mining Co.
Ymir Yurts - Winter & Summer Mountain Adventures.
http://www.KootenayExperience.com
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