Site Guide

Note: This site is a high-altitude launch that requires strong launch skills and experience flying in high mountain – high altitude flying conditions. Flying with a working oxygen system is highly recommended.

Mt. Werner – Storm Peak Launch

10350 msl

• No landing within Ski Area Bounds
• Maximum Launch Wind Speed:
  • HG: 5 mph min. straight up launch / 15mph ideal / 20mph max. / 5 mph gust
  • PG: 0mph min. / 10mph ideal / 15mph max. / 5mph gust
• Acceptable Direction: 275-310 degrees (295-310) HG
• Guide Pilot must be present at launch and will give site intro and approve launch.
• 1st Five (5) flights: lift at launch Ok, work if possible, no 360 turns below 100ft above launch. If below launch an immediate straight flightline to gondola required to clear ski area bounds. Maneuvers at or past top of gondola permitted. The path to clear the gondola requires a 5.1 LD and the primary landing area is a 4.5 glide. Care to maintain an efficient glide is the primary concern on the initial flights.
• Clearance from and Ski Lift Lines / Towers, Overhead Power Lines and Trees, – Launch points should be clear of overhead lines, trees, and towers by 50 feet. Clearance above Storm Peak Lift at launch and while flying Storm Peak Face in proximity to Storm Peak Lift should maintain a minimum of 50 ft clearance. Planned flight path should remain clear of ski lift lines / towers, overhead power lines and trees by 100 feet. Landing target spots should be clear of overhead lines, trees, and towers by 100 feet.

Mt. Werner – Thunderhead Gondola – Heavenly Days Launch

9100 msl

• Special Permission Only. Not Available to visiting pilots.
• No landing within Ski Area Bounds
• Maximum Launch Wind Speed:
  • HG: 5mph min. / 10mph ideal / 15mph max. / 5mph gust
  • PG: 0mph min. / 8mph ideal / 12mph max. / 5mph gust
• Acceptable Direction: 260-280 degrees
• Clearance from and Ski Lift Lines / Towers, Overhead Power Lines and Trees, – Launch points should be clear of overhead lines, trees, and towers by 50 feet. Clearance above Thunderhead Gondola at launch and while flying Thunderhead in proximity to the Gondola should maintain a minimum of 50 ft clearance. Planned flight path should remain clear of ski lift lines / towers, overhead power lines and trees by 100 feet. Landing target spots should be clear of overhead lines, trees, and towers by 100 feet.

Mt. Werner – Whistler Park LZ

6650 msl

• N-S Approach Typical
• Low Wind Speeds Typical
• Attention to tall trees, movable hazards (soccer goals, etc) and spectators / pets.
• Clear LZ after landing. Hang Gliders pay special attention to low no wind conditions. High winds from the west are to be avoided. Proceed to secondary if encountered or uncomfortable.

Mt. Werner – Haymaker LZ

6650 msl

• Approaches in all directions.
• Typically, higher more consistent speed and direction.
• Exit and enter LZ from gate on south side adjacent to Highway 131. KEEP GATE CLOSED. No vehicles.
• Windsock on S edge of the field.