 Above: Bird's eye view of Alyeska Prince Hotel Right: Launching area ("Nose") and Alyeska Tramway from Launch. |
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Alyeska welcomes paraglider pilots with
2000' tram rides to launch. 2007 rates are $16/day or $250 for the
summer. From the top of the tram there are launches north, south, and
west and good thermal potential in the afternoons. Cross-country potential
is generally limited in the valley, but some XC can be boasted and
top-landing Maxes Mountain to the south 1000' over launch is not uncommon.
The landing at Moose Meadow to the north is just a five-minute walk
back to the tram or land at the base of Tankaka lift to the west during
the ski season (when ski launches or 'snow sliding devices' are mandatory). Works Best When: Alyeska is a lee-side thermal site and
one of the few places to fly in southcentral Alaska with East winds.
Chugach mountain tops protect Girdwood valley allowing thermal activity,
though when winds turn NE, rotor conditions can be quite rowdy. Winds
in nearly all directions are all flyable, though SW light winds tend
to
break
up
the valley
thermals. Often,
down-valley flow off the glacier at the top of the uppermost ski lift
will create 90-degree cross winds on the north and south
(tower 10) launches which appear to be east winds. Attempt this
only if your launching skills are strong and the prevailing wind is
not east or even northeast. Click here for
the prevailing wind direction and speed on top
of Maxes Mountain and
here
for the top
of Alyeska. Requirements: You will need your USHGA card with at least a novice rating,
AAW membership, 75 flights minimum, and a site orientation to fly at
Alyeska. Mountain staff
or other pilots WILL stop you even if you hike up to fly without the
AAW sticker on your USHGA card to prove you've met the qualifications. Potential Hazards:
Getting There from Anchorage International
Airport:
Contacts (for mandatory
site orientation)
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