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North America – USA – Colorado

Aspen is a popular destination for hang gliding and paragliding enthusiasts, offering stunning views of the Rocky Mountains and the town below. There are several launch sites in the area, depending on the wind direction and skill level of the pilots. Some of the most common launch sites are:

• Ruthie’s Ridge Launch: This site is located on Ajax Mountain, near the top of Ruthie’s chairlift. It faces south and is suitable for intermediate to advanced pilots. The launch is a grassy slope with some rocks and trees. The landing zone is a large field near the Aspen Recreation Center. The coordinates of the launch are 39.1866° N, 106.8198° W and the coordinates of the landing zone are 39.1919° N, 106.8263° W¹.
• Aspen Mountain Launch: This site is located on Aspen Mountain, near the top of the Silver Queen gondola. It faces east and is suitable for advanced pilots only. The launch is a steep and rocky slope with a narrow window for takeoff. The landing zone is a small field near the base of the gondola. The coordinates of the launch are 39.1861° N, 106.8184° W and the coordinates of the landing zone are 39.1875° N, 106.8171° W¹.
• Snowmass Launch: This site is located on Snowmass Mountain, near the top of Elk Camp chairlift. It faces west and is suitable for intermediate to advanced pilots. The launch is a grassy slope with some trees and rocks. The landing zone is a large field near the Snowmass Village Mall. The coordinates of the launch are 39.2089° N, 106.9492° W and the coordinates of the landing zone are 39.2133° N, 106.9467° W¹.

There are other launch sites in the area, such as Buttermilk Mountain, Highlands Bowl, and Red Mountain, but they are less frequently used and require special permission from landowners or authorities².

Flying Conditions and Restrictions

Aspen is a high-altitude site with strong and variable winds, so it is not recommended for beginners or low-airtime pilots. The flying conditions depend on the season, the weather, and the launch site, but generally, the best time to fly is in the morning or evening, when the thermals are less turbulent and the valley breeze is more consistent. The midday conditions can be challenging and dangerous, especially in summer, when thunderstorms and gust fronts are common¹.

Some of the restrictions for flying in Aspen are:

• Pilots must have a USHPA membership and rating of at least P3 or H3, depending on the launch site².
• Pilots must have a helmet, radio, and reserve parachute².
• Pilots must follow the flight rules and airspace regulations of the Aspen-Pitkin County Airport, which is located near the landing zones².
• Pilots must respect the landowners and authorities who grant access to the launch sites and landing zones¹.
• Pilots must not fly over populated areas or wildlife habitats¹.
• Pilots must not speed paraglide².

More Information

If you are interested in flying in Aspen, you can find more information from the following sources:

• Aspen Paragliding Inc: This is a company that offers tandem paragliding flights and lessons in Aspen and Snowmass. They have experienced and certified instructors who can take you on a scenic and thrilling adventure in the sky. You can contact them at (970) 925-6975 or visit their website here.
• Parapente Aspen: This is a club for paragliding pilots who fly in Aspen and the surrounding areas. They have a website with information about the launch sites, flight rules, weather, events, and membership. You can visit their website here .

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