Winds

• PG: 0-15mph, ideal 5mph, gust factor 5mph

• HG: 0-20mph, ideal 12mph, gust factor 5mph

Launch Notes

• This west-facing launch is next to Storm King surface lift (T-bar) used in winter to access the launch area. Below the launch area is the Upper Enchanted Forest. In the winter, Ski Patrol must clear the Upper Enchanted Forest for avalanche danger. Once Upper Enchanted Forest is open to the public, Ski Patrol grants ground clearance to begin flying activities.

• Several Streamers along Hallelujah Ridge show wind direction and speed. There are wind meters at all lift stations, so pilots can verify wind speed and direction when calling to Ski (Bike) Patrol to check-in for flying activity.

• AWOS: 970-968-1715 (Location: Patrol Headquarter PHQ)

• For winter, a season-pass or daily lift ticket is required. All pilots must access the launch using approved equipment for the Ski Resort. (Skis with bindings or Snowboard)

• When weather is not suitable for flying activities, pilot need to leave the launch area.

• Ski Patrol clears the top of the mountain at 3pm. All pilots must clear the launch are before Ski Patrol makes the clearing sweep to close the area for all activities.



• For summer, American Eagle lifts provides lift access when RMHPA has a special site agreement for flying activities. There is a hike from the mid-mountain Solitude Station to the top where launch is located. The hike generally takes between 30-45 minutes for pilots acclimated to high altitude conditions.

• Site coordinators can obtain a special permit and provide vehicle access from parking lot to Ski Patrol Headquarters (PHQ). There is a short hike to from Patrol Headquarters to launch.

Winter LZs

• Hole #9 in winter, pilots should descend using open area between Center and East Village over the golf course. When a pilot descends low enough, the final approach should follow the Skid Row ski run and turn back into west wind before reaching Super Bee lift or East Village. Do NOT fly low over buildings, ski lifts or tubing area.

• Hole #8 in winter, pilots should descend using open area between Center and East Village over the golf course. The Woodward Barn and Fire Station are located to the north. Do not fly low over these buildings. When a pilot descends low enough, the final approach should fly from north to southwest. Do not land on Hole #2 west side or #3 on north side of West Tenmile Creek.These areas have people. Ski School uses Hole #2 for instruction and there is sledding activities. All pilots need to stay clear. This fairway has many aspen trees, so there are obstacles. Do not land from south to north. The terrain elevation drops from south to north making landing difficult since there is a creek and water pump station on north side of creek.

• Hole #11 in winter, pilots can land from either north or south direction. This landing zone is in the Vortex of mixing air flow of Vail Pass, Freemont Pass and Ten Mile Canyon. Wind direction can switch quickly in this landing zone. The prevailing wind is generally west, but wind can change from the north, east and south within minutes.The landing zone is near townhomes, Alpine lot main transit station and the Copper Mountain Transportation office. There is a lot of pedestrian and vehicle activity near the landing zone. This is a very long golf course fairway, so pilots have plenty of time to prepare for the final approach.

  
  

Summer LZs

• When it's not ski season, and Copper's Far East lot is empty, you can land there IF YOU FILL OUT A WAIVER. Ask about it on the Telegram chat.

• Otherwise, land along the bike path in an open section just north of the parking lot. There are a couple small trees and a good number of rocks to avoid. Be careful of your ankles!

  
  

Clearances

• There are natural obstacles at launch and landing zones. Pilots need to maintain a 500 feet clearance over terrain especially lifts, structures, buildings, vehicles, equipment and people.

• Winter Landing Zones are on the golf course, which provides long runway via golf course fairway. Summer landings have trees and imperfections on the ground exist.

• The Far East LZ has power lines on the east side along with trees around 75% of the open space.

• Spectators are often present during flying activities. All spectators need to stay out of launch and closed areas.

• Winter landing zone includes cross-country skiing & snowcat paths, which may have people.

• Pilots need to prepare the flight plan before making a final approach in order to stay clear of all obstacles. Pilots should not land directly next to people.