Crested Butte Mountain
📍 Colorado , Gunnison County · Nearest city: Crested Butte (4 km)
12 XC score / 100 · takeoff at 3396 m · 📍 View on map
Coordinates and external links
38.88810, -106.94700Takeoff orientations
Green = good orientation · Yellow = possible · Gray = not suitable
Why this site has thermal potential
| Factor | Value | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Hotspot density (5 km) | 0 | Low |
| Avg thermal probability | 0.00 | Based on thousands of aggregated IGC flights |
| Solar orientation | 0.15 | Slope faces south in northern hemisphere |
| Own flight history | 0.00 | Thermals detected in platform IGC tracks |
Takeoff description
This site is in a U.S. Forest Service special use permit area issued to Crested Butte Mountain Resort. Crested Butte Mountain is a P4/H4 site and is insured and regulated by the Gunnison Valley Paragliding Association and the Crested Butte Soaring Society. Intermediate rated pilots (P3/H3) with a minimum of 50 hours of airtime can fly with a P4/H4 sponsor. Non-commercial tandem flights (T2 or T3) are allowed on a case-by-case basis with prior approval from CBMR and GVPA. (Allow 7-14 days for clearance from CBMR). Visiting pilots must receive a site introduction from a local pilot, be current in high altitude launch skills with HA and TUR special skills ratings, sign a CBMR waiver and site regulations agreement, have a Colorado Search and Rescue Card (i.e hiking permit or fishing or hunting license - available at outdoor stores for $3) and stay at least 300' above and to the sides of any chairlift. During the summer the launch is accessed either the Silver Queen Lift or via private land and ski area leased land. Vehicle permits are required (your guide pilot will have one) and the ski resort is patrolled by security personnel. Winter access is from the Silver Queen Lift and requires a check-in with ski patrol before flying. Launch is at 11,300' msl. It is basically a small launch only large enough for a single glider. It has been summarized as a cliff launch over a boulder field into a rotor. Combined with the tall trees and a running ski lift and the consequences for a failed launch can be grim.
Rules and notes
Check with a local pilot before flying. The flight regulations are listed on the site regulations. CBMR may have temporary road closures to accommodate ski area construction, other users, etc.
Pilot comments
All visiting pilots are welcome. Please contact a local pilot before flying. For pilots that do not meet the requirements of this site, there are several other soaring sites in the valley plus a ton of hike and fly sites.
Nearby sites
Walshes launch (Aspen morning) (16) · Ruthies Launch (Aspen afternoon) (7) · Independence Pass (9) · Mount Harvard (9) · Mount Elbert (31) · Lost Canyon (8)