Switchbacks

61.314083, -149.443191
Updated April 29, 2024

Description

Mountain Ridge and Thermal Site.  This site is NOT managed by the Arctic Air Walkers, and this Site Guide is provided to assist pilots in making good decisions about flying at this site.

The switchbacks has a long history as a launch site for hang gliding and paragliding but with limited landing options and restricted launch access it's no longer a suitable for hang gliding.  Access the launch from the trailhead at the switchback where Lynx Way turns into Brownie Drive.  There is limited parking so it's better to carpool up.  Hike up the power line cut and follow the trail to the peak indicated on the map above.  The hike is about 1.1miles (1,400ft gain) to the lower launch and about 1.5 miles (1,700ft gain) to the much better upper launch.  The hike takes about 1 to 1.5 hours.

This site can produce strong thermals.  Launch early in the season and early in the day.  There's a large band of rocks below the south facing launch which creates wickedly strong thermals.   Don't linger close to the ground.  Many pilots who make the XC run from Baldy to the Nature Center at the end of the Eagle River Valley find flying high over this area to be the roughest part of the flight.  Rocket ship rides immediately after launch are the norm.  Be careful!

For those venturing deeper into Eagle River valley, be aware that anabatic valley winds routinely setup early in the day and can be very strong once the day gets going.  Pilots should try to stay as high as possible (at least 4,000ft) in order to stay out of the valley wind which creates a lot of turbulent and makes for risky landings.  Most pilots try to stay above the surrounding mountain tops; especially when trying to fly west out if the valley.

Read the LZ guide for Columbia Glacier Loop Road.  You really don't want to land there in strong thermic conditions.  The Switchbacks is really an XC departure site that allows for an earlier XC start than you would get at Baldy.  Most pilots that fly here do not intend to land at Columbia Glacier Loop Road or anywhere in Eagle River Valley.  If XC is not for you then this site is probably not for you.

Landing Zones

Columbia Glacier Loop Road

61.301893, -149.460671

This unusual bail-out landing zone is nothing more than a road in a sparsely populated neighborhood.  It is typically used as a bail-out LZ for XC flights.  Pilots launching from the Switchbacks also tend to land here if they can't get enough altitude to head to Baldy.  The locals are friendly but probably just because we don't land here very often.  Be sure to park well off the road and don't block any driveways.  Avoid folding up your glider in the middle of the road. Be sure to walk/drive through the area before landing here - it's a very tight space to land.

Eagle River RC Park

61.271793, -149.366065

This cleared area was once an RC airplane park but it has been shut down for a while and is closed to us landing at.  The paved runway, clubhouse, barriers, etc have been removed and it's now the nicest place to land on an XC flight in the Eagle River valley, however it is closed to us to land.  This is an emergency only landing site. As with any LZ in this valley, the mid-day winds can be strong and when mixed with thermals, the final approach can be rowdy.  

Switchbacks Swamp

61.293594, -149.449319

This swamp is probably the safest place to land if you find yourself sinking out during a typical rowdy day at the Switchbacks.  While it's a bit inconvenient and you might get damp feet, it's way safer than trying to land in the Colombia Glacier Loop Road neighborhood.  The swamp can be quite wet so pick your landing spot well.  Be prepared for voracious mosquitoes.

Weather Considerations

  • Pilots need to keep a careful watch on weather conditions, both on launch and in the air.

    Ideal winds are from SW from 5 to 10 mph.  Winds can be about 15 degrees to either side of that direction, or you can move to a different area to launch that faces more into the wind.

  • The prevailing wind is light and from any direction that doesn't have a north component.
  • Early in the day and in the season (April or earlier)

Requirements

Pilots are expected to evaluate the launch, the possible landing areas, the weather, and other conditions.  Flights are at the Pilot's own risk. 

P2 is the recommended pilot level, however it may not be suitable for P2 pilots. This site is not managed by the Arctic Air Walkers and there are no specific requirements to fly here aside from strong launching skills and good judgment.  Pilots should have P3 skills, but because it is a remote site, with greater consequences for messing up, pilots should follow the USHPA recommended operating limitations for P2 pilots, which are:

  • Maximum base wind of 12 mph. 
  • Maximum peak gusts to 15 mph.
  • Maximum gust rate of 5 mph in 5 seconds
  • Should not fly in thermal lift where peak climb rates exceed 200 fpm.
  • Launch from slopes steeper than 4:1 with the wind within 25 degrees of being straight up the slope.
  • As with any site, it's best to contact experienced local pilots before trying out a new flying site.
  • While this is technically a P2 site, P3 or higher skills are recommended.
  • You must have the skills to actively manage your wing in rough air.

Hazards

Other hikers/spectators/berry pickers may occasionally visit this site and the potential for a conflict exists. Pilots are cautioned to ensure an appropriate distance is maintained between launch and landing activities and the public.  Pilots are expected communicate to the public as needed to maintain clearances. 

This is a natural mountain site and there are many natural hazards that are common to many natural mountain sites in Alaska that could be a hazard for pilots. 

There may be no cell phone reception in many backcountry areas.  Pilots are expected to be prepared for self-rescue and by carrying Spot, InReach or other non-cell based communication equipment.


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.