Bear Flats (Fort St. John)

Elevation: Launch 2300’ asl LZ 1200’ asl
Direction of Launch: SW
Site Suitable for: HG & PG
Location: 12 Miles north of Fort St John on road to Hudson Hope
Type of Site: Hill yes
Type of Flying: Ridge yes Thermal yes
XC Potential: Ex 120 miles

Primary Local Contacts
Both: Matthais Schulte Tel. 250-785-5959
HGer: Al Blatter Tel. 250-996-7396
HGer: David Isaa Tel. 250-785-4461
Land owner: Bill Beach Tel. 250-785-6261

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

Description of Launch:
Long open grassy ridge which breaks off to a cliff. Permission must be obtained before flying.The terrain is completely flat behind launch so this site offers excellent XC potential.

Description of LZ:
Top landing is required to fly the site. The LZ is a small gas lease surrounded by trees. The large fields at the bottom of the hill are owned by landowners inhopitable to hang gliding and paragliding.

Vehicle / Transportation Requirements: Any Vehicle
HPAC Skill Level Requirements: Student, Nov., Int. or Adv.
Mild Conditions: Adv. Moderate Conditions: Adv. Strong Conditions: Adv.
Skill Level Verification Requirements:HPAC Rating: Adv. Log Book
Site Regulation: Formal/HPAC Insurance

Other Information:
Locked gate. Contact the landowner, Bill Beach, to sign the waiver prior to flying and for permission before going up. Its a long glide to the LZ so make sure you have plenty of height before leaving hill. Terrain behind take off is completely flat and top landable.
Radio Frequency 123.4 Mhz (Aircraft) & 173.640 Mhz Ambulance: 1-800-461-9911
Fort St. John Flight Service Station 250-787-0434 Manager 250-787-0444
Weather Information 250-785-7669

Launch Directions:
Contact the landowner, Bill Beach, to sign waiver prior to flying and for permission before going up.
Landing Directions:
Top landing is required to fly the site. The large fields at the bottom of the hill are owned by landowners inhopitable to hang gliding and paragliding.

Bear Mountain (Dawson Creek)

Elevation: Launch 3500’ asl LZ 3000’ asl
Direction of Launch: W
Site Suitable for: HG & PG
Location: 13 Km west of Dawson creek off the old Hart Hwy.
Type of Site: Mtn yes
Type of Flying: Ridge yes Thermal yes
XC Potential: Ex 50 Miles

Primary Local Contacts
Both: Matthais Schulte Tel. 250-785-5959
HGer: Al Blatter Tel. 250-996-7396
HGer: David Isaak Tel. 250-785-4461
Both: Michael Schulte Tel.
Vern Haney Tel. 250-782-3852

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

Description of Launch:
Semi cliff launch. Wiremen required when it is soarable. 6’ high scrub brush may cause some problems but it’s spread out. Watch out for the tower lines. Do not go behind the ridge unless 1000’ over.

Description of LZ:
Good main landing field. You can make the main LZ if you are 1000’ over and follow the route on the map, and fly at best glide downwind. Do not go straight over the back. It can be tricky(!) making the LZ in light conditions.

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. Log Book
Site Regulation: Informal/HPAC Insurance

Other Information:
You must head north and then downwind to the east to make the LZ. Watch our for the wires on the tower to the right of launch.
Radio Frequency 123.4 Mhz (Aircraft) & 173.640 Mhz Ambulance: 1-800-461-9911
Dawson Creek Flight Service Station 250-782-5375 Manager 250-782-4434
Weather Information 250-785-7669

Launch Directions: 13 km west of Dawson Creek. Turn south on Tower road and loop back past the small tower andthe mid tower to launch just before the North Tower.
Landing Directions: The main LZ is at the intersection of the Old Hart Hwy and Tower Road.

Canoe Mountain

Elevation: Launch 7500’ asl LZ asl
Direction of Launch: E, S
Site Suitable for: HG +- PG?
Location: Valemont BC
Type of Site: Mtn big time
Type of Flying: Thermal
XC Potential: Good

Primary Local Contacts
HGer: Stewart Trowsdale Tel.604-985-9708
HGer: Ian McArthur Tel. 250-828 0174
HGer: Kim Jenner Tel. 250-457 6414
HGer: Alan Innes Tel. 250-457 6414
HGer: Gary Nesbit Tel. 250-562-2292

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

Description of Launch:
One hour drive up to a Shallow S launch. East launch over cliff. Turn SW and work the S and W faces. You can launch into nearly all wind directions. There are numerous potential launches.

Description of LZ:
Two large moose pastures just north of the turnoff. The field on the West side of the road is normally swamp. Do not land there unless you check it out first.

Vehicle / Transportation Requirements:Any Vehicle
HPAC Skill Level Requirements: Student, Nov., Int. or Adv.
Mild Conditions: Int. Moderate Conditions: Adv. Strong Conditions: Adv.
Skill Level Verification Requirements: HPAC Rating: Int. or Adv.
Site Regulation: HPAC Insurance/ Local Club

Additional Information:
Very thin air. Aggressive launch required. Scenic views of Mt Robson
Radio Frequency 123.4 Mhz (Aircraft) & 173.640 Mhz Ambulance: 1-800-461-9911
FSS Kamloops 250-376-5036 Fax: 250-376-7941

Launch Directions: 5 km south of Valemont take the Canoe Mtn Forestry access road turnoff on the east side of the road.
Landing Directions: Moose pastures a short distance north of the Canoe Mtn. Forestry road. Check them out first as some areas can be swamp (flooded) year round.

Chetwynd (Submarine Mt.)

Elevation: Launch 4200’ asl LZ 2200’ asl
Direction of Launch: S, SW
Site Suitable for: HG & PG
Location: 19 Km west of Chetwynd on Hwy 97
Type of Site: Mtn
Type of Flying: Thermal
XC Potential: Good Fair

Primary Local Contacts
HGer: Matthais Schulte Tel. 250-785-5959
HGer: Al Blatter Tel. 250-996-7396
HGer: David Isaak Tel. 250-785-4461
Both: Michael Schulte Tel. 250-785-2341
HGer: Kevin Kult Tel. 250-785-1276

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

Description of Launch:
Locked gate access. Open grassy steep slope / chute. Watch out for rotors on west wind conditions (re extremely strong thermals on launch.) This is not a joke. A good day here is for ADVANCED, Experienced pilots only.

Description of LZ:
Check with locals as LZ’s open and close during the flying season. There is room beside the highway to land a paraglider. Can be turbulent due to thermals breaking off. Winds in the LZ tend to switch a lot so have a good windsock. It can be a problem getting down and into the LZ when thermals are active.

Vehicle / Transportation Requirements:Any Vehicle
HPAC Skill Level Requirements: Student, Nov., Int. or Adv.
Mild Conditions: Int. Moderate Conditions: Adv. Strong Conditions: *Adv.
Skill Level Verification Requirements:HPAC Rating: Adv. Log Book
Site Regulation: Informal/HPAC Insurance/ Local Club

Other Information:
Locked gate. Contact the farmer for permission before going up. It’s a long glide to the LZ so make sure you have plenty of height before leaving hill. Behind takeoff the terrain is completely flat. Site opens between early May to June depending on snow level. There are fields in the area that have bison. (Very aggressive animals.) The site works well in light conditions. Novice pilots can fly the site with a qualified supervisor. Insurance required.
Radio Frequency 123.4 Mhz (Aircraft) & 173.640 Mhz Ambulance: 1-800-461-9911
Fort St. John Flight Service Station 250-787-0434 Manager 250-787-0444
Weather Information 250-785-7669
Dawson Creek Flight Service Station 250-782-5375 Manager 250-782-4434
Weather Information 250-785-7669

Launch Directions: 16 km west of Chetwynd on Hyw 97 to MacKenzie. Turn north at the Oil Well Information Sign. Follow the road up to the oil well / parking area. The LZ is across the highway from launch.
There is a bluegrass festival in June which is a glide from the site.
Landing Directions:
Ask permission to drive to the LZ and do not drive onto the LZ if at all wet.

Desous Mountain

Elevation: Launch 4500’ asl LZ 1300’ asl
Direction of Launch: S
Site Suitable for: HG (Poor rating for PGers)
Location: 15 Miles south of Williams Lake on Hwy 20
Type of Site: Mtn
Type of Flying: Thermal
XC Potential: Good 35 miles

Primary Local Contacts
PGer: Michael Chapman Tel. 250-398-8516
PGer: Paul Couturier Tel. 250-398-7894
PGer: Gary Nesbit Tel. 250-398-7682

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

Description of Launch: Shallow alpine meadow.

Description of LZ:
Small aircraft landing field surrounded by trees. Road to top is good, even for a car but in spring 4WD is required because of snow. No cars are allowed in the landing field.

Vehicle / Transportation Requirements:Any Vehicle 4-WD: spring
HPAC Skill Level Requirements: Student, Nov., Int. or Adv.
Mild Conditions: Int. Moderate Conditions: Adv. Strong Conditions: Adv.
Skill Level Verification Requirements: HPAC Rating: Int., Adv.
Site Regulation: Informal/HPAC Insurance/ Local Club

Other Information:
No cars are allowed in the landing field. This is the best Hang Gliding site in the area.
Unfortunately it is rated as a poor Paragliding site as there is a dangerous (long) glide for PGers.
Class E Controlled Airspace from 700’ AGL.
Radio Frequency 123.4 Mhz (Aircraft) & 173.640 Mhz Ambulance: 1-800-461-9911
FSS Williams Lake 250-989-0117 Fax: 250-989-4721

Launch Directions: 24 Km south of Williams Lake, turn south for 8 km on Dog Creek Rd then take the SW fork for another 8 Km. Turn West at the sign onto the Desous Road to takeoff.
Landing Directions: Old aircraft landing strip surrounded by trees just east of the bridge over the Fraser River on the Lightning Cattle Company Road. This site, along the Fraser River, is the best site in the area from March to September.

Fox Mountain

Elevation: Launch 2800’ asl LZ 1850’ asl
Direction of Launch: S
Site Suitable for: HG ( PG +? )
Location: In Williams Lake.
Type of Site: Mtn
Type of Flying: Ridge/Thermal
XC Potential: Good 20 miles

Primary Local Contacts
Greg Delaney of Delaney's lock and Key.
(250)392-5052 or (250)398-7682.

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

Description of Launch:
Good Steep launch chute between trees on the outskirts of Williams Lake.

Description of LZ:
On Williams Lake when it is frozen. Be careful of thin ice in spring. Local pilots are working on getting a year round LZ so contact them to get the latest update.

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

Other Information:
This is only a winter and early spring site due to there being no LZ’s available except for the lake when it is frozen over. Because of the possibility of thin ice in spring this site should not be flown alone.
At the time of publishment (1997-1) this site had yet to be flown and assessed by PGers. Class E Controlled Airspace from 700’ AGL due to the Williams Lake Airport.
Radio Frequency 123.4 Mhz (Aircraft) & 173.640 Mhz Ambulance: 1-800-461-9911
FSS Williams Lake 250-989-0117 Fax: 250-989-4721

Launch Directions: 2 km north of Williams lake, take the Fox Mtn Road for 3 km. Turn south 1 km on the oil pipe line road to launch. 1/2 Km hike in to launch.
Landing Directions: Take the Scout Island Road to the lakeshore. Land on the Ice. Not flown when ice melts.

Kaufmans

Elevation: Launch 4000’ asl LZ 1800’ asl
Direction of Launch: SW
Site Suitable for: HG & PG
Location: 20 Miles north of Williams Lake
Type of Site: Mtn
Type of Flying: Ridge/Thermal
XC Potential: Ex 70 miles

Primary Local Contacts
Greg Delaney of Delaney's lock and Key.
(250)392-5052 or (250)398-7682.

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

Description of Launch:
Good, clean, steep natural slope. A cleared chute cut in the trees.

Description of LZ:
Open grassy field across from a private airfield on Kaufman’s Ranch. 45 minute turn around to launch.

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

Other Information:
This site has an excellent reputation amongst PGer pilots and is also a favorite PGer High Flight Site. Paragliding is very popular in the winter months: access via ski-doo is
comparatively easy. This site has good XC potential 30k plus but there are few pilots in the area. Please contact them as they enjoy meeting visiting pilots. Class E Controlled Airspace from 700’ AGL.
Radio Frequency 123.4 Mhz (Aircraft) & 173.640 Mhz Ambulance: 1-800-461-9911
FSS Williams Lake 250-989-0117 Fax: 250-989-4721

Launch Directions: Turn left at the church 24 Km north of Williams Lake on the road to Soda Creek. The Road becomes very slippery in the spring. (Wet conditions).
There is a natural sparkling soda spring in this area. To be invited to it is a major, time honored northern “spiritual”experience you may be lucky enough to enjoy some day. Take your favorite rye. Do not abuse the privilege. It is on private property and its location is a closely guarded secret.
Landing Directions: LZ is beside the airstrip. It is open and presents no problems. 45 minute turn around from launch.

Onward Ranch

Elevation: Launch 2850’ asl LZ 1900’ asl
Direction of Launch: NE, SE
Site Suitable for: HG & PG
Location: 10 miles south of Williams Lake on Hwy 97 at 150 Mile House
Type of Site: Mtn
Type of Flying: Thermal
XC Potential: Good

Primary Local Contacts
Greg Delaney of Delaney's lock and Key.
(250)392-5052 or (250)398-7682.

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

Description of Launch:
North launch is logged, open and steep. The Southeast is open and steep. Both launches are good.

Description of LZ:
North site is a pasture. The Southeast LZ is on the edge of a cropped field. Lots of open pasture below ridge.

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

Other Information:
The southeast site requires 4WD all year. The north site is 4WD in spring and 2WD in
summer. There is good potential for XC’s from here. Pgers rate the site as fairly good - the sites has plentiful ridge lift... and 50% of the Paragliding flights in the area currently originate fromthis site.
Class E Controlled Airspace from 700’ AGL.
Radio Frequency 123.4 Mhz (Aircraft) & 173.640 Mhz Ambulance: 1-800-461-9911
FSS Williams Lake 250-989-0117 Fax: 250-989-4721

Launch Directions: Take the cut off road around the west side of 150 mile house through the Sugar Cane Indian Reservation. 5 km turn left for a kilometer at the Onward Ranch. The main LZ is at the T intersection. Each roads leads to one of the launches.
Landing Directions: The main LZ is at the T intersection at the bottom of the mountain right between the two launches.

Teare Mountain (McBride)

Elevation: Launch 4330’ & 6750’ asl LZ 2350’ asl
Direction of Launch: E and W
Site Suitable for: HG & PG
Location: McBride. 210 Km east of Prince George on Hwy 16.
Type of Site: Mtn Big Time
Type of Flying: Ridge/Thermal/Wave
XC Potential: Ex. 100 Spectacular Kms.

Primary Local Contacts
PGer: Ben Blikstra Tel. 250-562-2634
HGer: Kim Jenner Tel. 250-457-6414
HGer: Al Bladder Tel. 250-996-7396

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

Description of Launch:
Two lower launches are accessible by vehicle. The lower E launch is flat, tricky and off a road into a steep gully. (Used mostly in spring.) The W / S 3/4 launch (much improved) is a good cleared steep slope out of the back end of a gully. The upper launches at 6750’ cover all directions but North off Alpine Meadows accessed by a long 1 km hike NE from the old parking lot (40 min. hike with a HGer / 20 mins with a PGer.) The E launch is a gravel slope. There is a long, gradual slope before the mountain drops away under you. (The road from the parking lot has been blocked to preserve alpine meadows.) The W. launch, 500’ lower than the E. launch at the first corner on the trail from the parking lot, has a 12 Km ridge (with LZ’s below.) This is the most common launch to use for XC’s to Mt. Robson and Valemont.

Description of LZ:
160 acre field at the bottom of Mt. on N side of the Fraser River. The Airport may be OK to use with prior arrangements.

Vehicle / Transportation Requirements: Any Vehicle: 1/2 way Rugged 2-WD: Ignore the 4wd Sign: the road has been improved.
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/HPAC Insurance/ Local Club

Other Information:
Site opens about the 3d week in May. Sign says 4WD but the road has been improved and cars can make it to the top. Top landing is a no brainer for PGers. Slope and Ground is uneven so HGers need to scout it out. Picnic site at 1/2 way site. Outhouse at Lookout station / upper launch (visible from town.) 1/2 way and 3/4 launches are not suitable for novices. Upper launches are just fine - even for high flights in good conditions. (WOW!)
Additional Information
Radio Frequency 123.4 Mhz (Aircraft) & 173.640 Mhz Ambulance: 1-800-461-9911

Launch Directions:
Driving south from McBride after crossing the bridge over the Fraser River, Turn left on
Rainbow Creek Road Take the left fork up the Tear Mt. Lookout Road (at Mt. View Cross Rd) 1/2 “Halfway” launch is 2000’ AGL.
Top launches are top landable. A great place to hike in to for overnight camping / flying. With most wind directions covered you will get off. Note however, that Mt Robson, the highest peak in Canada, is rarely clear of its cloud cap. Mid Summer stability (August) is your best bet for flying / viewing some of the finest scenery in the world. A must-fly-site. The summit of McBride Peak is over 7500’. 1/2 way Lauch is rated Int., The 3/4 is rated Advanced and the toplaunches are suitable for beginners. You can hike into back bowls for ridge soaring, but contact
the local pilot in McBride - Ben Blikstra - first: say Hi to his folks at Snoopy’s Restaurant. McBride (and Canoe Mt near Valemont - South on the road to Kamloops) are the best to view /fly to Mt Robson (highest point in the Canadian Rockies at 12,972’.
Landing Directions:
Very large field. No vehicles in the designated area. No shortage of Alternate LZ’s. Do not land in Canada’s National Parks - such as Jasper. Current information is that it is OK to land in Mt Robson Provincial Park. 100k flights are possible. Pack more than one camera or you will soon run out of film. The McBride Airstrip is on 123.2 Mhz Airband.