Ross' Ridge

Ross' Ridge is a low coastal site on Prince Edward Island, launching from just 18 m with a short, excellent grass slope that's best flown from noon to sunset on west-facing days. It's not a beginner's site: launching in the wind speeds this ridge favours — above 25 km/h — takes real skill, even a slight crosswind at launch can swing lift dramatically, and conditions here are known to shift quickly, especially late in the day as the sea breeze fades. The launch area only fits one wing set up at a time, and pilots need to walk around the perimeter of the working farm field rather than through the crop to reach it. Trees along the cliff edge can throw off mechanical turbulence and rotor, and the sandstone cliffs themselves aren't always stable, so staying well back from the edge matters. Because top-landing may only offer one real attempt as the wind eases, a beach landing is often the backup plan — worth checking the tide before you fly, since it decides whether that option is even open. HPAC membership is required to fly here; the landowner does not accept USHPA membership as a substitute.

Launch & conditions

The launch fits only one wing set up at a time, on a short, excellent grass slope. Walk around the farm field's perimeter to reach it — never through the crop.

Local rules & hazards

HPAC membership is mandatory to fly here — USHPA membership does not satisfy the landowner's requirement. Expect strong, gusty conditions: launching in winds above 25 km/h demands solid launching and top-landing skills, and conditions can change rapidly, especially as the sea breeze fades late in the day. Trees at the cliff edge can throw mechanical turbulence and rotor, and the sandstone cliffs themselves may be unstable — stay well back from the edge. A beach landing may be your only option if top-landing doesn't work out, so plan around the tide.

Check conditions before you fly

A forecast for the valley is not a forecast for the launch. Before heading to Ross' Ridge, read the wind and thermals for the site itself, confirm the day's rules with the local club, and remember the standing rule — when in doubt, don't launch. In the free OutDare app you can open Ross' Ridge with a 7-day forecast built from high-resolution weather models, see who else has been flying, and get there with offline maps.