Blizzard

Elevation: Launch 4600' asl LZ 1700' asl
Site Suitable for: HG, PG on lower launch (walk in) Launch development needed. (different road up.)
Location: Trail BC
Direction of Launch: SW
Type of Flying: Ridge/Thermal
Type of Site: Mtn
XC Potential: Excellent 40 Km +

Primary Local Contacts
HGer: Roy Plummer Tel. 250-367-9831
HGer: Simon Mitchell Tel. 250-352-3036
HG: Doug Blake 250-357-2077
PG: Don De Jong 250-367-9661
PGer: Murney Luchka Tel. 250-362-5526

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

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.

PG launch is a grassy slope half way up an entirely different road. Contact Don Dejong for info.

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

Vehicle / Transportation Requirements: Rugged 2-WD / 4-WD
HPAC Skill Level Requirements: Adv.
Mild Conditions: Int. Moderate Conditions: Adv. Strong Conditions: Not flown because of extreme turbulence.
Skill Level Verification Requirements: HPAC Rating: Adv.
Site Regulation: HAGAR Required. Informal

Other Information:
Class "E" Airspace above 700' AGL following land contour.
Radio Frequency 123.40 Mhz (Aircraft) & 173.640 Mhz or: FM Ambulance Ph# 250-368-3311

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

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.

Buchanon Mountain

Elevation: Launch: 6200' asl LZ 1700' asl
Site Suitable for: HG (PG Difficult off E Ramp)
Location: Northwest of town overlooking Kaslo.
Direction of Launch: East, South, Lower launch West
Type of Site: Mtn
Type of Flying: Ridge/Thermal
XC Potential: Good 24 Km

Primary Local Contacts
HGer: Jim Smith 250-353-9615.
HGer: Sky Ziegler Tel. 250-354-0455

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

Description of Launch:
Nice, mellow, beautiful place to fly.
Eastlaunch Excellent modern elevated ramp. Long glide out over bench makes the W launch unsuitable for PGers. The South launch is a ramp laid on the ground and it may be possible for PGers to launch here in calm valley wind conditions.

Description of LZ:
Small sandy beach long the beach just south of town. You have to lose height over the lake and make sure you are not too high on approach. Beware of rotor from the tree line in W winds. PGers will not be able to reach the beach LZ in any appreciable S wind conditions.

Vehicle / Transportation Requirements: Any Vehicle/4-WD: spring
HPAC Skill Level Requirements: Int. or Adv.
Mild Conditions: Int: Moderate Conditions: Int. Strong Conditions: Int. - Adv
Skill Level Verification Requirements: HPAC Rating/ Log Book
Site Regulation: Informal / Provincial Mem + Ins

Other Information:
Class "G" Airspace.
Radio Frequency 123.4 Mhz (Aircraft) & 173.640 Mhz Emergency Ph #

A very scenic place to fly and holiday. 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. Check out the LZ before flying to avoid rocky areas and sprained ankles.
Ainsworth Hotsprings just south of Kaslo on the road to Nelson is a must do in this lifetime. Two old mine shafts lead back into the mountain. The hot springs dripping down have created Stalagmites and Stalactites well worth seeing. Your significant other(s) will be as eager as you to return.

Launch Directions:
Good gravel road to launch. Open from May to November. Turn north off the Kaslo New Denver highway 8 km west of Kaslo. Watch for the Lookout Sign. Take the first right fork up through clear cuts and keep right from then on to the Buchanon Mt summit.

Landing Directions:
Immediately south of town, just past the Moyie Paddlewheel, there is a small recreational park with logging equipment on display. The LZ is just past that. As you fly over the lake you will still see gliders laying on the bottom. Guess why? Mt Buchanon is a good morning site especially in East winds and although it has a South launch, getting to the LZ can be tough in South conditions.

Dundee Mountain YMIR

Elevation: Launch 4650' asl LZ 2400' asl
Site Suitable for: HG & PG
Location: 29 km S of Nelson on Hwy 6 at the town of Ymir.
Direction of Launch: S and NW winds are hard to launch; easiest in W or SW winds
Type of Site: Mtn
Type of Flying: Ridge/Thermal
XC Potential: Good 50 km plus

Primary Local Contacts
HGer: Doug Blake Tel. 250-357-2077
PGer: Rob Ray Tel. 250-357 2992
PGer: Trevor Holsworth Tel. 250-754-4595
HGer: Simon Mitchell Tel. 250-352-3036
HGer: Roy Plummer Tel. 250-367-9831

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

Description of Launch:
South through West launch ramp is excellent for HGers. There is a good PG ramp above the HG ramp on a Bluff. Difficult rock face for NW launch. Setup area for about 10 gliders. Frequent wind shears and a lot of turbulence.

Vehicle / Transportation Requirements: 4-WD
HPAC Skill Level Requirements: Student, Nov., Int. or Adv.
Mild Conditions: Int. Moderate Conditions: Int. or Adv Strong Conditions: Int. or Adv
Skill Level Verification Requirements:HPAC Rating: Nov. or Int.
Site Regulation: Informal / Provincial Mem + Ins

Other Information:
Class "E" Airspace above 700' AGL following land contour.
This is the most consistent site in the area. Record altitude is 14,700' ASL. Best gains in one thermal 9000'
The area is surrounded by old gold mines which can be seen from the air. The PG LZ is a real tight field for a HGer. It is surrounded by power lines, trees and a river. PG Landing field has liquid refreshments right across the road. Predictably soarable site and 7,000 altitude gains of launch are common. Not a good site for novices as there is a lot of potential for being trapped too far back.
Radio Frequency 123.4 Mhz (Aircraft) & 173.640 Mhz Emergency Ph # 1-800-461-9911

Launch Directions:
Ymir is on the road from Salmo to Nelson. Take the village road. Oscar Creek??? Black Bear ??? New name of Rd is just north of the LZ. The road is dangerous. This is not a joke. 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. Only room for 1 PG layed out at a time. Usually very easy to launch from. The HG ramp is incredibly easy to launch from even in a moderate cross wind.

Landing Directions:
HG landing zone is a large reclaimed mill site on north edge of town. The landing fields are difficult to approach and the air is often rough, prone to quite a bit of turbulence. Good approach skills are needed. PG Landing field is downtown across from Ymir Store and Hotel - this favorite drop in spot has liquid refreshments right across the road. Landable by HGers if forced to but overgrown and dodgy.

Glade

Under Development. Stay Tuned

Goat Mountain

Closed.

Idaho Peak

Elevation: Launch 7400' asl LZ 1800' asl
Site Suitable for: HG & PG
Location: Overlooking Slocan Lake, Silverton and New Denver
Direction of Launch: W -> NW, S / SW
Type of Site: Mtn
Type of Flying: Thermal
XC Potential: Good

Primary Local Contacts
PGer: Treavor Hollsworth Tel. 250-354-4595
HGer: Tyson Ehlers Tel. 250-226-7063
PGer: Murney Luchka Tel. 250-362-5526

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

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.

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.

Vehicle / Transportation Requirements: Any Vehicle
HPAC Skill Level Requirements: Student, Nov., Int. or Adv.
Mild Conditions: Nov. Moderate Conditions: Int. Strong Conditions: Adv.
Skill Level Verification Requirements: HPAC Rating: Nov., Int. or Adv.
Site Regulation: Informal/Provincial Mem + Ins

Other Information:
Class "G" Airspace.
Idaho Peak Fly-In in New Denver, BC with Achraphobia HG & PG Club 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. Shuttle service from museum in Sandon runs 4 times daily & likes PGers.

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!). 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 or: Emergency Ph #

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.

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. Check to obtain permission to land first.

Krestova

Elevation: Launch 4,400' asl LZ 2,000' asl
Site Suitable for: HG & PG
Location: 16 km west of the small town of Crescent Valley, SW of Nelson.
Direction of Launch: SSE
Type of Site: Mtn
Type of Flying: Ridge/Thermal
XC Potential: Good 50 Km +

Primary Local Contacts
HGer: Ian Thomson Tel. 250-359 7312
HGer: Don Grouwstra Tel. 250-359-8053
HGer: Gary Popoff Tel. 250-354-8076
PGer: Trevor Holsworth Tel. 250-754-4595

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

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.

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

Vehicle / Transportation Requirements: 2-WD:
HPAC Skill Level Requirements: Int.
Skill Level Verification Requirements: None
Site Regulation: Informal

Other Information:
Class "E" Airspace above 700' AGL following land contour.
The flying season can be short, June to November due to snow. Occasionally the road is plowed in late spring. This is an exceptional morning site. Excellent air at dawn's early light in the summer.
Radio Frequency 123.4 Mhz (Aircraft) & 173.640 Mhz Emergency Ph #

Lemon Creek Lookout

Closed

Mt. Lavina

Elevation: Launch 7350' asl LZ 2000' asl
Direction of Launch: SW New Logging road access.
Site Suitable for: HG
Location: N of Kaslo, NE end of Kootenay Lake
Type of Site: Mtn
Type of Flying: Ridge/Thermal
XC Potential: Good

Primary Local Contacts
HGer: Jim Smith Tel. 250-353-9615
HGer: Sky Ziegler Tel. 250-354-0455
HGer: Cam Wilson Tel. 250-353 2277

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

Description of Launch:
HG launch is a short Ramp on ridge before Forestry Lookout Towers.
Drive due south to the end of 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.
SW facing launch is at the Sth Point parking area and is suitable for HG & PG.

Description of LZ:
Blinkman Field - Large pasture owned by a Dutch family. Please check in with them first to determine which field to land in. The main LZ is normally SE of the house across the road.

Vehicle / Transportation Requirements: Rugged 4-WD
HPAC Skill Level Requirements: Int. or Adv. HG ramp is elevated and is very advanced.
Mild Conditions: Int Moderate Conditions: Int Strong Conditions: Int.- Adv
Skill Level Verification Requirements: HPAC Rating
Site Regulation: Informal / HPAC Insurance

Other Information:
Class "G" Airspace.
Spectacular views of the Mt McBeth. In west flow or light southerlies, go strait to Lavina. You will not be disappointed. Stunning Hiking trails nearby into Jumbo Pass, Monica Meadows and more.
Radio Frequency 123.40 Mhz (Aircraft) & 173.640 Mhz Ambulance: 1 800 461 9911

Trout Lake to the NW (and Duncan Lake directly below launch) can have some truly wicked fishing. The "hightway" between Duncan Lake and Galenta Bay (on the way to Revelsoke and another spectacular PGer + - HGer site :MacKenzie Ski Hill)... has one of the largest mountain sheep populations in the Pacific North West. Well worth the drive.

Launch Directions:
Mt Lavina 5300' vertical NW launch at the NE of Argenta at the N end of Kootenay Lake. Take the road north from Kaslo. The road forks NW to the LZ, W towards Argenta and Launch. Around the end of the lake, take the NE fork leading toward Glacier Creek and Lavina Lookout. Take the north fork off the Meadow Creek road.. There are absolutely Staggering views over the Purcells and Bugaboo Glacier just to the north.

Landing Directions:
Land in the field owned by the (Dutch) Blinkman family at the NW end of the Lake. If you are lucky you may see huge flocks of Canada Geese and other migratory or nesting birds. The north end of Kootenay lake is a great place for birders. Watch for spawning Kokanee Salmon in creeks come fall.

Munson
New Site. Stay tuned.

Nelson Mountain

Closed

Pig Farm

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.

Red Mountain

PGer: Murney Luchka Tel. 250-362-5526
PGer: Hans Korn Tel: 250-362-9277

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

Saddle Look Out
(Near Faquier west of Nakusp)

Saddle Look Out is a 5800' vertical flight for PGers. Launch is at 7300' with landing near Arrow Lakeat 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.
Contact Bob Bauman in Nakusp at 250-265-4161
Class "G" Airspace.

Slocan Ridge

Elevation: Launch 6550' asl, 2650' asl LZ 1650' asl
Site Suitable for: HG. PG maybe given clearing trees off the NW knob. Lower HG Launch
Location: In the Slocan Valley, 60 Km North west of Nelson on Hwy 3a.
Direction of Launch: SW
Type of Site: Mtn
Type of Flying: Ridge/Thermal/ Evening convection / wave
XC Potential: Good 70 Km +

Primary Local Contacts
PGer: Treavor Hollsworth Tel. 250-354-4595
HGer: Ian Thomson Tel. 250-359 7312
HGer: Tyson Ehlers Tel. 250-226-7063
HGer: Simon Mitchell Tel. 250-352-3036

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

Description of Launch:
Small ramp off the side of the setup area. Also a small fairly level dirt slope 5m to the north. Launch is the highest point on the mountain at the repeater tower.

Description of LZ:
Choice of two large flat grassy / hay fields. Best bet is field with large flag pole off Hwy.

Vehicle / Transportation Requirements: Rugged 4-WD
HPAC Skill Level Requirements: Student, Nov., Int. or Adv.
Mild Conditions: Nov. Moderate Conditions: Int. Strong Conditions: Adv.
Skill Level Verification Requirements: HPAC Rating/Log Book
Site Regulation: Informal / + Insurance

Other Information:
Class "E" Airspace above 700' AGL following land contour.
Excellent flying as soon as the road opens (always by July) Snowed in from mid October to Mid June. Great site for XC and short out and returns - ridge is 13 km long. Wonderful view of Valhalla mountains which are 10,500' high in Valhalla Park. Easy 26 Km XC to Nelson and 32 Km xc to Slocan City. 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.
Radio Frequency 123.4 Mhz (Aircraft) & 173.640 Mhz Emergency Ph # 250-352-2112

Launch Directions:
Drive north about 30 km up the Slocan Valley towards Winlaw. Turn right onto the Pedro Creek Forestry Rd. At the first fork keep left, then at the next fork, keep right. Near the first Tower go straight ahead. Keep going till you get to the top then turn right and the Repeater Tower is right in front of you where the launch is. HG launch is a small ramp facing SW and is on the highest point on the Mt. If you want more information on the launch and landing field you can get it from the Slocan Park country store (Gulf Station)
PGers can launch beside the ramp but it is a very difficult launch . Reverse launch prefered.

Landing Directions:
There are two main landing fields. This is one site 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. It is to the left of the highway driving north about 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.

2. The northern field is by the Co-op 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. Cold drinks can be obtained close by. Excellent vertical bluffs up to 4000' high nearby to scratch on. Major fun flying even when low.

Spencer (Grand Forks)

CLOSED TEMPORARILY

Thomson's Knob

(Slocan Ridge bottom launch)

Whisky Creek (Salmo)

Closed

Thompson Lookout

Elevation: Launch 7100' asl LZ 1700' asl
Site Suitable for: HG (PG possible)
Location: Top of ridge heading across the US Border SE from Creston. Launch overlooks Lister.
Direction of Launch: WSW
Type of Site: Mtn
Type of Flying: Ridge/Thermal
XC Potential: Good

Primary Local Contacts
HGer: Doug Blake Tel. 250-357-2077
HGer: Simon Mitchell Tel. 250 352 3036
PGer: Trevor Holsworth Tel. 250-754-4595

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

Description of Launch:
Grassy slope directly below the lookout tower. LZ is a 1 - 1 glide barely visible from launch looking down the draw. Lots of snags at launch look ugly but aren't a problem.

Description of LZ:
Large fields below launch near the village of Lister (heading south to the border) on the north side of the 40th St. The LZ has a shack and a log house at the end. Contact locals for Current Designated field. Try to land on the road in the field to minimize crop damage.

Vehicle / Transportation Requirements: Rugged 2-WD: 4-WD: Preferred
HPAC Skill Level Requirements: Student, Nov., Int. or Adv.
Mild Conditions: Nov. Moderate Conditions: Int. Strong Conditions: Int.
Skill Level Verification Requirements: HPAC Rating: Nov., Int./ Log Book
Site Regulation: Informal + Insurance

Other Information:
Class "E" Airspace above 2.200' AGL following land contour due to IFR V112..
Record altitude is 15,500' ASL. Check out the LZ before you fly. You cannot see it from launch unless you hike a long way down. Shallow launch over snags. Can be rotered out in south conditions. Be careful of sink in the ravine. Ridge extends into the US and offers good XC potential. XC meets have been held here where pilots land in the USA given prior agreement with US Immigration. See the HPAC website competition section for more information.
Radio Frequency 123.40 Mhz (Aircraft) & 173.640 Mhz Emergency Ph #

Launch Directions:
Drive East 2 km on Hwy 3 from Creston to Little John's Fruit stand /campsite. Cross the bridge, drive under the trellis and immediately turn left. At the 4 way intersection take the centre (2nd right ) fork. 1.6 Km later take the next major left fork to the top: a 10 km and 40 minute drive. Use the Arrow and Kootenay Lakes Recreation Map available from the Forest District.

Landing Directions:
East on Hwy 3 from Creston turn south (at Little John's Fruit Stand) towards Lister. Drive to the town of Canyon. Turn east on 42nd St. 1/4 of a mile or .5 Km til you see a log house. Driveway divides the field in half. Land in the half without crop. There should be a wind sock. This is a large farm field with Power lines along the road one side and trees on two sides.

Wild Horse

Under Development. Stay Tuned