Specimen Sheet · Vital Statistics
Classification · Terrain & Access
Field chart.
§ 02 · Flying Conditions · Field NotesUpdated 2026·03·21
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.
Ruthie’s Ridge Launch: This site is located on Ajax Mountain, near the top of Ruthie’s chairlift.
Aspen Mountain Launch: This site is located on Aspen Mountain, near the top of the Silver Queen gondola.
Snowmass Launch: This site is located on Snowmass Mountain, near the top of Elk Camp chairlift.
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 authorities
Has 6 different launch points. The best wind direction is 270 @ 10 knts but many sites can be flown from multiple directions, so check before you fly.
You can expect to find: thermal conditions ridge soaring conditions cross country potential , all dependent on current weather conditions.
§ 03 · Wind Window · Best Operating EnvelopeW · 270° ±0°
Chase the Wind
Nearest weather station to Aspen. Select any row to see which launches are in wind, then set your MSFS world clock to that UTC time.
Aspen/Pitkin Cnty, CO, US
13:43 UTC
10 km from site
Wind
Calm
0 kt
Ceiling
OVC 0 ft
10+ sm vis
Calm · 0 kt · 13:43 UTC
Select a time to check launches
Jan 21
Weather at , 10 km from Aspen. Mountain conditions may differ — this is a clue, not a forecast. Adjust sim time on site until conditions feel right.
§ 07 · Location · Field CoordinatesWGS-84
§ 09 · Recent Flights · Log Book
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