Aspen

About

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

Launch Points (6)

Aspen Mountain Launch

Foot Launch

Alt: 3,422 m / 11,227 ftHdg: 71° ENESurface: SHORT GRASS

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

Buttermilk Mountain

Foot Launch

Alt: 3,016 m / 9,894 ftHdg: 308° NWSurface: SHORT GRASS

Launch is from the ski runs. Faces N to NE and that is not a very common direction for this area at lower Faces E and W at this upper launch

Highlands Bowl

Foot Launch

Alt: 3,540 m / 11,615 ftHdg: 66° ENESurface: SHORT GRASS

Open, High altitude launch Can be flown from NORTH - EAST and SOUTH EAST

Red Mountain

Foot Launch

Alt: 3,174 m / 10,413 ftHdg: 199° SSWSurface: SHORT GRASS

Rugged area to the east of town. Not part of the ski area Faces SOUTH.

Ruthie’s Ridge Launch

Foot Launch

Alt: 3,260 m / 10,694 ftHdg: 73° ENESurface: SHORT GRASS

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.

Snowmass Launch

Foot Launch

Alt: 3,002 m / 9,849 ftHdg: 324° NWSurface: SHORT GRASS

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

Landing Zones (4)

Flying Conditions

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.