Photos by John Coyne


Telluride: Located near the Telluride Ski Resort, Telluride, CO. Launch at approximately 12,200ft MSL, 3,500ft above the primary LZ. Launches are possible to the East and West. Primarily a thermal site. High altitude launch requires aggressive technique. Flying with oxygen is highly recommended.

The "Leisure" LZ, on the west side of Telluride is no longer usable. A smaller LZ is located with a ball field in Telluride itself. This "seizure" LZ is lined with trees and other obstacles that make landing here a challenge.

Recommended Pilot Rating - Hang 4 for Hanglider and P4 for Paraglider pilots

Times to Fly - Mornings are mostly calm, suitable for sponsoring new pilots. Midday finds strong thermal activity with frequent thunderstorms from May-August. Evenings occasionally glass off. The Telluride Festival is held here each year. A week of fun flying and recently added aerobatic and speed gliding competition. This festival is the longest running hang gliding event in the world!

Contact the Telluride Air Force for more information: www.tellurideairforce.org