Description
ALYESKA IS CURRENTLY CLOSED TO PARAGLIDING
We are working with the Recreation Risk Retention Group, and Alyeska Resort to hopefully be able to fly at Alyeska again in summer 2021. Please have patience! Pilots can launch from Max's peak, from US Forest Service land, but are not allowed to cross the resort property when hiking or skiing up to Max's.
Alyeska Resort provides pilots with tram rides 2,000ft up to launch. 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 it is possible and top landing Max's peak 1,000ft above launch is fairly common. 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 south.
We have worked hard with Alyeska Management to maintain the privilege to fly here and we will only be able to continue to fly here if everyone follows the rules. Please read all of the hazards and requirements listed below.
Landing Zones
Moose Meadows
60.968533, -149.103647
This is the primary landing zone within Girdwood and is primarily used by those launching from Alyeska WHICH IS CURRENTLY CLOSED.
Weather Considerations
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.
Weather Stations
Requirements
Alyeska is currently closed.
The following requirements were developed by the Arctic Air Walkers and Alyeska Resort Management. These requirements (rules) must be followed or Alyeska will not allow paragliding to continue at the resort.
- You must be a current USHPA member with a P2 or higher rating
- You must be a current AAW member.
- You must purchase a lift pass.
- You must have a minimum of 75 logged flights from at least 5 different sites.
- USHPA Instructors may sponser USHPA P2 rated pilots who have minimum of 50 flights from three different sites. This applied only to non-commercial sponsorships. Each sponsored flight must be directly supervised by the sponsoring instructor.
- A site orientation from one of the pilots listed below is mandatory.
- You must have signed Paragliding Liability Release and Indemnification Agreement on file with Alyeska Resort.
- You must carry your USHPA membership card with the AAW sticker on the back and be prepared to present it to the resort staff when purchasing a tram ticket and upon request.
- You may only fly a paraglider that holds a current, industry recognized, certification.
- You must wear a helmet.
- You must carry a reserve parachute.
- You must have retaining straps on all types of snow sliding devices (skis, snowboards, etc)
- You must maintain a minimum clearance from buildings and lifts of 100 feet vertically and 50 feet horizontally.
- Any slope closed to skiers is also closed to paragliding.
- Paragliding may be shut down at anytime by the Resort Paragliding Cordinator or other Alyeska Staff.
Hazards
- Ski lifts, buildings, avalanche control equipment, light posts, and other equipment is all over the mountain. Pilots are expected to be aware of these obstacles and maintain a minimum clearance of 100 feet vertically and 50 feet horizontally.
- Girdwood airport traffic approaches directly over the Moose Meadow LZ. Be aware of this traffic and maintain a significant distance from the Girdwood airport. See the attached traffic map.
- Trees surrounding the LZ can create mechanical turbulence and/or wind gradient
- Keep the LZ looking natural by NOT walking directly to the bike path off the LZ. Instead, walk out just a little east (toward the top of the tram) through the trees on an established footpath/boardwalk.
WARNING: The descriptions of typical flying conditions listed in this Site Guide reflect the experience of the authors of the guide. The conditions that you encounter at the site may differ, sometimes substantially, from those described. These descriptions may not be relevant to the possible experience of any other pilot, particularly one who is relatively inexperienced or new to the Site.