Site Info

Telluride is the local hang gliding and paragliding club in Telluride, Colorado. Our main launch is Gold Hill, at the top of the Telluride Ski Area. This is a high altitude site, launch is 3735m (12,250ft) and landing in town is 2667m (8750ft). Contact the TAF and coordinate with a guide pilot to fly here.

Requirements to fly in Telluride:

  • USHGA membership
  • Minimum P3/H3 recommended RLF, HA, TUR
  • Signed Telski waiver: download here
  • Reserve parachute
  • Radio that transmits 151.xxx & cell phone
  • TAF guide pilot is required for all visiting pilots
  • USFS Colorado backcountry rescue permit required: $3-1yr or $12-5yr available at shops in town: Paragon, Telluride Outside, Telluride Sports
  • TAF membership: Local Voting Members – $200/yr
  • TAF membership: Visiting pilots – $15/day, $50/week, $200/yr
  • Meet at the NE corner of the Shandoka parking lot. Pilots must use club truck to access Gold Hill: No Private Vehicles allowed. $7/ride up. Take the first right when pulling into town, it’s the large lot at the end. During the winter we take the lifts to launch and fly during the peak of the day.
  • Telluride is a high alpine site
  • Turbulence and strong conditions are common
  • Ideal winds are L&V or light W in the afternoon
  • Morning flights are east into Bear Creek
  • Afternoon flights are west off Dynamo
  • We typically drive up June – October, depending on snow
  • Launch access is via ski lift during the winter
  • Wind talker: http://tellurideskiresort.com/TellSki/info/weather-stations.aspx

East Launch
Summer, morning:

  • East into Bear Creek
  • Launch is steep but grassy
  • Cycles are typically light
  • Light wind reverse is preferable over forward
  • Often a convergence forms
Gold Hill from the east

Gold Hill from the east

Summer, afternoon

  • West off Gold Hill
  • Broad, grassy launch
  • Winds 250-300° optimal
  • Cycles >18mph not recommended
Gold Hill Launch

Gold Hill Launch

Winter

  • We typically fly during the heat of the day
  • Must wear skis on non-detachable lifts
  • Top landing Gold Hill/Ski area is not allowed

Landing Zones

Town Park Hazards Include:

  • xc skiers
  • sporting events/fences
  • kids & dogs
  • concerts
  • turbulent and changing wind conditions
Telluride LZs

Telluride LZs

Avoid landing in town park when any of the above or other hazards/obstacles may be an issue

Valley Floor/Pearl Property

  • The valley floor is now open for landing! Please use this is a massive landing field
  • Pearl can often have water/mud under the tall grass