British Columbia Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association

Thompson Area Site Guide

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Bachelor Hill

Elevation: Launch 2300' asl LZ 2000' asl
Direction of Launch: 360°
Site Suitable for: HG & PG
Location: Northeast side of Kamloops
Type of Site: Hill yes Training no
Type of Flying: Other Practicing and test flying
XC Potential: Untried/Unlikely

Primary Local Contacts
PG Ed Rilkoff cell: 250-318-4663 home: 250-374-9926 erilkoff@telus.net
PG Gary Conway cell: 250-319-0978 home: 250-571-1292 kloops@shaw.ca
HG Dave Wagner Tel 250-579-9182
HG Kim Jenner Tel. 250-453-9983
HG: Ian McArthur Tel. 250-578-8402
HG Gregg Cairns Tel. 250-579-9544
PG Karl Buchegger Tel. 250-578-2681

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

Description of Launch: Several launches depending on wind directions.
Description of LZ: Flat areas all around.

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

Other Information:
Watch out for turbulence in landing field due to very active thermal activity. This turbulence makes this hill unsuitable for beginners or teaching. OK for experienced pilots practicing and test flying gliders.

Launch road Name and Directions: No road to the top but it's only 300' high! Wind switches a lot due to turbulence from surrounding hills when windy and thermals. If you pick the right day it's good for teaching but normally it is to turbulent. Better try another hill if possible. OK for experienced pilots who can read conditions well.
LZ road Name and Directions: Open, but same problems as launch.

Basil's Bump

Elevation: Launch 2900' asl LZ 1790' asl
Direction of Launch: 180 Site Suitable for: HG & PG
Location: 2 miles east of Cache Creek on Hwy 1
Type of Site: Hill
Type of Flying: Ridge & Thermal
XC Potential: Excellent 40 miles +

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

Description of Launch:
Rounded hill top covered in sagebrush with a small cliff in front. Various launch points depending on wind conditions. Good launch skills required for paragliders.

Description of LZ:
Northeast corner of crop field below launch. Has a slight slope to the SW. Best if you can land in sagebrush fields.

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

Other Information:
Watch set up gliders as they can ground loop (in zero wind) due to thermals breaking off and (in wind) rotor. Strong thermals (1500 fpm) can be present right in front of launch. Caution advised. Beware of thermals breaking off from all over the top. NEVER leave you glider unattended, even in calm conditions! Wire assistance may be required.

Launch road Name and Directions:Be careful of the road when it is wet. Only 4WD and vehicles with high ground clearance can make it up the last bump.

Landing road Name andDirections: There's no official landing field although the field at the base is normally used. Lookout for power lines if low. Most people fly XC from here and try to use scrub fields to land in.

Class G Uncontrolled Airspace to 18,000' ASL. Airways V325 immediately to the west and V323 immediately to the south are Class E Controlled Airspace from 2200' AGL to 12,500' ASL and Class B controlled airspace from 12,500' to 18,000' ASL. Call Transport Canada Flight Services Station Kamloops @ 250-376-5036 or Fax: 250-376-7941 for flight information.

Cache Creek Microwave

Elevation: Launch 3200' asl LZ 1500' asl
Direction of Launch: 090
Site Suitable for: HG
Location: Due west of Cache Creek via road to Airport
Type of Site: Mtn
Type of Flying: Ridge& Thermal
XC Potential: Excellent for triangles

Primary Local Contacts:
PG Ed Rilkoff cell: 250-318-4663 home: 250-374-9926 erilkoff@telus.net
PG Gary Conway cell: 250-319-0978 home: 250-571-1292 kloops@shaw.ca
HG Dave Wagner Tel 250-579-9182
HG Kim Jenner Tel. 250-453-9983
HG: Ian McArthur Tel. 250-578-8402
HG Gregg Cairns Tel. 250-579-9544
PG Karl Buchegger Tel. 250-578-2681

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

Description of Launch:
Clear Cliff Launch. Wire assist required above 18 MPH. Path to launch is approximately 100 yards past microwave tower. Hard to find.

Description of LZ:
The small flats 400 metres from the north east end of the airport directly below the site. As there is no airport manager here, you may also land within the airport boundries provided you don't conflict with other traffic.

Vehicle / Transportation Requirements: 2X2 to the tower 4X4 from there
HPAC Skill Level Requirements: "Advanced" for all conditions
Skill Level Verification Requirements: HPAC Rating: Adv.
Site Regulation: Informal/HPAC Insurance/Local Club

Other Information:
Beware of airport 2 miles to the south. Although it's not a generally a busy approach path it cross's in front of launch. Do not land in any crop fields. Farmers are very sensitive about this. No camping at the site. Class E Controlled Airspce from 2200' AGL to 12,500' AGL and Class B airspace from 12,500 to 18,000' ASL due to Airway V325. . Call Transport Canada Flight Services Station Kamloops @ 250-376-5036 or Fax: 250-376-7941 for flight information.

Launch road Name and Directions: Can get tricky in stronger winds. May be a good idea to have someone on your front wires.

Landing road Name and Directions: The small flats 400 metres from the north east end of the airport directly below the site. As there is no airport manager here, you may also land within the airport boundries provided you don't conflict with other traffic. Check out the area before you land here.

Cornwall

Elevation:Launch 6500' asl LZ 1500' asl
Direction of Launch: 090 Site
Suitable for: HG & PG
Location: 6 miles south of Cache Creek on the west side of Hwy 1
Type of Site: Mtn
Type of Flying: Thermal
XC Potential: Excellent 90 miles +

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

Description of Launch:
Natural Alpine meadow grass slope. Lots of setup area. Cars can drive right to launch but please stay on the road! Alpine meadows are extremely sensitive and take decades to recover from traffic. The Native Reservation Coucil has made the following requests for launch: Don't leave any litter or human waste. Keep dogs on a leash and respect delicate alpine flora & fauna. No camping at the site

Description of LZ:
Large flat fields east or west of Ashcroft Manor. Sometimes bumpy due to thermals breaking off. Can also land on top but not at takeoff.

Vehicle / Transportation Requirements: Rugged 2X2 or 4X4 if very wet.
HPAC Skill Level Requirements: Mild: Nov. Moderate: Int. Strong: Int.
Skill Level Verification Requirements: HPAC Rating Log Book
Site Regulation: Informal /HPAC Insurance /Local Club

Other Information:
Primary Site of the annual Cache Creek Team meet held every September Labour Day Long Weekend. This competition uses 4 launch sites in all: Deadman's, Basils Bump and Clinton and is the final XC meet of the year in BC. The meet format is a fun inter-team rivalry. HGers and PGers welcome.

Launch is only just in Class G uncontrolled airspace to 18,000' ASL. Airway V325 immediately east of launch is controlled airspace from 2200' AGL to 12,500' ASL and Class B from 12,500 to 18,000 ASL. Call Transport Canada Flight Services Station Kamloops @ 250-376-5036 or Fax: 250-376-7941 for flight information.

Launch road Name and Directions: You can launch from any side of the alpine bowl. Get a good run at takeoff. You're at 6500' ASL.

Landing road Name and Directions: The designated LZ is northwest of the Ashcroft Manor. You may land behind the manor but ask first. Beware of thermal turbulence in the LZ. If you land on the flats behind the "Ashcroft Ranch" (the area between the bottom of the mountain and Hwy 1) you MUST report on the farm manager BEFORE continuing past the ranch and up onto the flats.

Oscars

Elevation: Launch 3280' asl LZ 1460' asl
Direction of Launch: 270
Site Suitable for: HG & PG
Location: Off Sabiston Lake Road 5 km west of Savona
Type of Site: Mtn
Type of Flying: Ridge & Thermal & Wave!
X/C Potential: Outrageous! 102 miles plus

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

Description of Launch:
Rounded rocky bluff with a 60' rock cliff in front. Two launches side by side. Get a good short run and beware of vertical rising air just in front of launch. Good Launch skills required for Paragliders.

Description of LZ:
Large sage brush field near the training hill and Hwy 1: called the International... or the "747" 'cause you could land one here. The 'Toilet Bowl" at the bottom of the NW bowl at the "Crash Pad" alternate field 1/3 of the way up called the crash pad due to rodeo air from thermals breaking off. Top landing for PG in 2 meadows behind launch and at a clearing at the end of the ridge. It is possible to land below launch as there is access across a bridge to the road. WATCH OUT FOR WIND SWITCHING AT ALL LZs. Hang gliders may top land in the large meadow 1 km east of launch but be prepared for switching conditions.

Vehicle / Transportation Requirements: Any vehicle but 4X4 is best when wet.
HPAC Skill Level Requirements: Mild Int. Moderate: Int. Strong: Adv.
Skill Level Verification Requirements: HPAC Rating, Log Book, Demonstration at Training Hill may be required
Site Regulation: Informal/ HPAC Insurance/ Local Club

Other Information:
Camping is forbidden at the "Crash Pad" due to repeated fires caused by campers. This is a Native Reserve. Please respect their property. A good consistent flying site which produces excellent thermal lift, Class E controlled airspace occurs from 2200' AGL to 12,500 ASL Due to Airway V323 and V 324. Call Transport Canada Flight Services Station Kamloops @ 250-376-5036 or Fax: 250-376-7941 for flight information.

The KVR hosts one the most reliable and consistent XC competitions each Easter Weekend at this site. It's also one of the best flying reunion parties you will ever attend. The campground is Steelhead Provincial Campground at the west end of Kamloops Lake in Savona on the lakeshore. Ask for Mr. Layce at 250-373-2500. Full service sites are open all summer. No reservation is normaly required.

Launch road Name and Directions : 8 km West of Deys Centre in Savona on Highway # 1, at the top of the hill after crossing the bridge, turn right on Sabiston Lake Rd. Two kilometres north is the "Crash Pad" LZ and a side road through a delightful pine forest leading you to a lower launch above the "Toilet Bowl" LZ. Following the main road up, take the first major left fork in the road marked "Smith Camp Forestry Road". After a couple of switchbacks you will stop climbing. Take the first left turn and follow the narrow unimproved road through to the meadow. Please park and carry your glider (5 min.) into launch especially when it is wet as alpine meadows take years to recover.

Lime Peak (Clinton)

Elevation: Launch 6500 ' asl LZ 3400' asl
Direction of Launch: NE / S
Site Suitable for: HG & PG
Location: Hyw 97. near Clinton, 40 km north of Cache Creek
Type of Site: Mtn
Type of Flying: Thermal
X/C Potential: Excellent 50 miles+

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

Description of Launch(s):
NE: Cliff Launch or Ramp South : Gentle slope (Somewhat shallow) but great for PGers.

Description of LZ:
The original designated field immediately south of Clinton on the East side of the road is an unknown at present as the farmer has planted crops and we have not yet acquired another LZ. Other fields are yet to be determined although it is OK to land along Alkali Lake shores. Don't land in crop fields! The Old Airstrip is the preferred LZ, but it's a 5 or 6/1 glide just north of Clinton on the west side of the road. (maybe tough for PGers). The next LZ heading north is 15 miles north of Clinton.

Vehicle / Transportation Requirements: Rugged 2X2 barely but 4X4 is preferred
HPAC Skill Level Requirements: Mild: Nov. Moderate: Int. Strong: Adv.
Skill Level Verification Requirements: HPAC Rating Log Book
Site Regulation: Informal/HPAC Insurance/Local Club

Other Information:
The September Labour Day long weekend Team Meet routinely uses this as one of the competition sites.

Launch road Name and Directions:
8 km West of Deys Centre in Savona on Highway # 1, at the top of the hill after crossing the bridge, turn right on Sabiston Lake Rd. Two kilometres north is the "Crash Pad" LZ and a side road through a delightful pine forest leading you to a lower launch above the "Toilet Bowl" LZ. Following the main road up, take the first major left fork in the road marked "Smith Camp Forestry Road". After a couple of switchbacks you will stop climbing. Take the first left turn and follow the narrow unimproved road through to the meadow. Please park and carry your glider (5 min.) into launch especially when it is wet as alpine meadows take years to recover.: Heading north on Hwy 97 from Cache Creek to Clinton you will notice the old LZ immediately SE of Clinton. It is really obvious. With any luck we will reacquire it - check with the locals first. Turn west at Clinton on the road to Lillooet (a lovely scenic drive). 1.5 km west of Clinton turn north onto Lime Mtn Road (watch for the sign). There is a 40 minute drive up a dirt road.

Landing road Name andDirections:
The first 10 miles north have no landing fields and landing on route to Cache Creek can be tight or sloped tothe south. (Drive the route and check it first.) Do NOT land in crops. Class E controlled airspace from 2200' AGL to 12,500 ASL and Class B from 12,500' to 18,000' ASL Due to Airway V325. Call Transport Canada Flight Services Station Kamloops @ 250-376-5036 or Fax: 250-376-7941 for flight information.

Mt. Lolo

Elevation: Launch 5700' asl LZ 2100' & 1200' asl
Direction of Launch: 240
Site Suitable for: HG
Location: 20 Km NE of Kamloops
Type of Site: Mtn
Type of Flying: Thermal
XC Potential: Good but unproven

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

Description of Launch:
Elevated ramp - big and ulgy (picture a steel dinosaur). One or two wire crew are required on soarable days. Not for the faint of heart.

Description of LZ:
A deslolate hunk of cactus and cow dung on a neglected, but paved, air strip at about an 8/1 glide from launch. Alternatives are directly west & north-west of decommissioned Mt. Lolo Service Base townsite about 3/1 glide from launch. Beware of wires! Check it out before landing here.

Vehicle / Transportation Requirements: Any Vehicle!
HPAC Skill Level Requirements: Mild: Adv. Moderate: Adv. Strong: Adv.
Skill Level Verification Requirements: Advanced HPAC Rating. Log Book Demonstration at training hill may be required.
Site Regulation: Informal /HPAC Insurance/ Local Club

Other Information:
An intimidating launch with Big Air. Works particularly well when the valley is suffering from an invertsion. Pay attention here. You can get caught low very quickly and easily. Class E controlled airspace from 700' AGL. Call Transport Canada Flight Services Station Kamloops @ 250-376-5036 or Fax: 250-376-7941 for flight information.

Launch road Name and Directions:
On Highway #5 just north of Kamloops, take Paul Lake Road heading east towards Paul Lake, then branch north on Mount Lolo Road about 8 miles east. Continue on the pavement to just past the townsite then up the gravel road to the top of the mountain.

Savona Mountain

Elevation: Launch 4750' asl LZ 1100' asl
Direction of Launch: 350
Site Suitable for: HG
Location: Due south of Savona.
Type of Site: Mtn
Type of Flying: Ridge & Thermal & Wave!
XC Potential: Ex 120 miles

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

Description of Launch:
Steep launch into a tree covered ravine. Strong winds will require at least two wire men. Lots of setup room but there is only room for two gliders on the launch chute. The launch is sheltered and it is usually launchable.

Description of LZ:
Numerous fields, sage brush field at bottom of mountain or the beach at Savona. Winds can be strong at lower levels.

Vehicle / Transportation Requirements: Any Vehicle but 4X4 when wet.
HPAC Skill Level Requirements: Mild: Nov. Moderate: Int. Strong: Adv.
Skill Level Verification Requirements: HPAC Rating Log Book
Site Regulation: Informal /HPAC Insurance/ Local Club

Other Information:
Landing road Name and Directions:
The landing fields below launch do not normally have streamers. A wind sock should be used as conditions can be quite variable. You can also land east & west on the abandoned airstrip just north of the plywood plant if you get permission from the plant manger. If you are Advanced or better then you can also land at the ball park but it can be pretty snug. Watch out for power lines and strong wind gradient.

Class E controlled airspace from 2200' AGL to 12,500 ASL and Class B from 12,500' to 18,000' ASL Due to Airway V323 immediately over launch. Call Transport Canada Flight Services Station Kamloops @ 250-376-5036 or Fax: 250-376-7941 for flight information.

Tod Mountain

Launch: 6993' asl LZ 4000' asl LZ(2) 2700asl
Direction of Launch: 180, 100, 240, 270
Site Suitable for: HG & PG
Location: Sun Peaks Resort at Tod Mountain NE of Kamloops BC
Type of Site: Mtn
Type of Flying: Ridge & Thermal
XC Potential: Excellent

Primary Local Contacts:
HGer: Ian McArthur Tel. 250-578-8402 He must be contacted to pre-screen all pilots and gear.
PGer: Buchegger Tel. 250-578-2681
Organization: Sun Peaks Resort Corp.

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

Description of Launch:
Unobstructed Alpine meadows or snow fields at the summit of Tod Mountain.

Description of LZ:
Contact Ian McArthur or Karl Buchegger for instructions.

Vehicle / Transportation Requirements:
Any vehicle in summer. Paragliders may be able to access ski lifts.
HPAC Skill Level Requirements: Mild: Student PG (HG w/HAGAR )Moderate: Int PG (HG w/HAGAR) Strong Conditions: Adv. PG (HG w/HAGAR)
Skill Level Verification Requirements:
HPAC Rating, Log Book Demonstration maybe required.
Site Regulation:
Formal, HPAC Insurance, Sun Peaks Resort Corp. HAGAR for HG Pilots

Other Information:
Orientation and waiver required by Sun Peaks Repsrt Corp. Class E controlled airspace from 2200' AGL to 12,500 ASL and Class B from 12,500' to 18,000' ASL. Call Transport Canada Flight Services Station Kamloops @ 250-376-5036 or Fax: 250-376-7941 for flight information.

Launch road Name and Directions:
On Highway #5 north of Kamloops turn east at Heffley Creek. On the paved road, drive 30 km passing Heffley Lake and Whitecroft. After a steep climb just past a cattle guard the valley opens and you will see a maintainance area on the north side of the road just before the bottom terminal of the first quad chairlift. You will come back here and follow the five mile run to the "Top of the World" when you have completed the requirements as stipulated by Sun Peaks Resort. Please don't drive past the Patrol Shack at the "Top of the World". These alpine areas are extremely sensitive and are subject to ongoing botanical studies. Damaging them could result in loss of the site.

Landing road Name and Directions:
During your briefing you will be told which areas are acceptable.

There are plenty of year round activities at Sun Peaks. The swimming pool & hot tub in the Rec Centre are only minutes walk from the golf course, riding trails, hotels, codos and restuarants. Contact Cental Reservations at 250-578-7710 for a fantastic selection of accomodation. Off season rates are available.