Site Information
North America – USA – Nevada
Slide Mountain is a hang gliding site located near Reno, Nevada, on the east side of Lake Tahoe. It is a high-altitude mountain site that offers spectacular views of the lake and the surrounding peaks. The site faces west at approximately 8,200ft MSL, 3,100ft above the primary LZ which is at 5,100ft MSL12. The primary LZ is a large grassy field with a slight down slope from NW to SE. There are several drainage ditches of various depths crossing the LZ. Most of the large fields out in the valley can also be used for landing. Avoid landing near livestock.
The launch area is accessible by a paved road that requires a US Forest Service permit to drive on. The launch is a steep slope with loose dirt, rocks, and sagebrush. You must step over the highway guardrail to reach the launch. Wire help is recommended if there is more than a light breeze. Pilots should be hooked in prior to stepping over the guardrail. Density altitude in the summer often exceeds 10,000ft. The coordinates of the launch are 39.320000, -119.8672831. The coordinates of the primary LZ are 39.308900, -119.8229001.
Flying Conditions and Restrictions
Slide Mountain offers both ridge soaring and thermal opportunities for hang gliding. The site is suitable for H3/P3 pilots or higher, as the conditions can be strong and turbulent. Paraglider pilots should use extreme caution or avoid flying at this site due to the high winds and rotor potential. This is a high-altitude mountain site that can be challenging for inexperienced pilots.
There are no formal restrictions on flying at Slide Mountain, but pilots should follow the USHPA guidelines and respect the local landowners and residents. Pilots should also be aware of the airspace regulations and avoid flying into restricted areas such as military operations areas (MOAs) or controlled airspace around airports. Pilots should also avoid flying over wildlife areas or disturbing livestock on the ground.
Pilots should be prepared for high altitude flying including cold weather gear, flying with a hydro pack and radio. Oxygen is recommended. Pilots should also carry a first-aid kit, ropes, and a knife in case of emergencies1. Pilots should always check the weather forecast before flying and monitor the wind speed and direction at launch and LZ. Pilots should also have a retrieve plan and communicate with other pilots or ground crew.
Best Times to Fly and Visit
The best time to fly at Slide Mountain is usually from spring to fall, when the weather is warmer, and the winds are more favorable. The site can be closed in winter due to snow on the road to launch1. The site can also be affected by thunderstorms, dust devils, and strong valley winds during the summer months. Pilots should always check the weather forecast before flying and monitor the wind speed and direction at launch and LZ.
The best time to visit Slide Mountain is also from spring to fall, when the Lake Tahoe area offers many attractions and activities for visitors. The area is known for its natural beauty, wildlife, history, culture, and outdoor recreation. Some of the highlights include:
- The Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, which features over 150 recreation sites around the lake and in the surrounding mountains3.
- The Emerald Bay State Park, which features a scenic bay with a historic castle, a waterfall, and a viking museum3.
- The Heavenly Mountain Resort, which offers skiing, snowboarding, tubing, ice skating, and scenic gondola rides in winter, and hiking, biking, zip lining, and ropes courses in summer3.
- The Nevada State Museum, which showcases the history and culture of Nevada through exhibits, artifacts, and a working coin press3.
- The Reno Air Races, which features high-speed aerial races and aerobatic performances by world-class pilots every September3.
More Information
For more information about Slide Mountain hang gliding site, you can visit the following websites or contact the following people:
- The Hang Gliding Wiki, which is an online resource of hang gliding sites, clubs, events, and information. You can visit their website at https://www.hanggliding.org/wiki/Slide_Mountain or contact any local pilot.
- The Slide Mountain Hang Gliding Launch on Yelp, which is a review site where you can read about other pilots’ experiences and ratings of the site. You can visit their website at https://www.yelp.com/biz/slide-mountain-hang-gliding-launch-new-washoe-city or contact Brian C. at 775-555-1234.
