Ymir – Mt Dundee

Ymir (Mount Dundee), in British Columbia's Kootenays between Salmo and Nelson, is one of the region's most consistent XC launches. Predictably soarable, with 7,000-ft altitude gains off launch a common occurrence and best-thermal-in-one climbs pushing to 9,000 ft. The area is ringed by old gold mines you can spot from the air, and each season sees a handful of cross-countries south-east to Salmo and beyond or north to Nelson — the Nelson route is committing, though, with outlandings only in logging cuts and walk-outs of many hours on locked logging roads. Contact the local paragliding community the evening before you plan to fly.

Launch & conditions

South ramp is excellent for hang gliders but aging and a little rickety; the NW rock face is difficult. Setup area fits about 10 gliders. The paraglider launch is on a bluff above the HG launch and is usually very easy to launch from.

Getting there & local rules

Ymir is on the road from Salmo to Nelson. East of the Ymir Pub, turn left (north) just past the village campground; immediately across the bridge turn right on Oscar Bear Rd; at 2.7 km turn left; the road in is another 2 km, and half-way in take the right fork. From there it is serious, dangerous 4WD — go up with a local the first time to learn the danger spots. Landings: the main HG/PG field is difficult to approach and often rough; land at the Ymir Whirl disc-golf course just above it (north). The old LZ is closed (Forest Service replanted). PGs may land downtown at the campground or beside the river in ZERO wind only — downtown is turbulent/rotory in any wind, and the Fire Department flag on the roof shows false direction above 3 kph.

Local rules & hazards

Class E airspace above 700 ft AGL following land contour. Downtown landings only in nil wind — the valley wind creates severe rotor amongst the buildings. The Nelson XC line is extremely committed with outlandings only in logging cuts and multi-hour walk-outs on locked logging roads.

Check conditions before you fly

A forecast for the valley is not a forecast for the launch. Before heading to Ymir – Mt Dundee, 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 Ymir – Mt Dundee with a 7-day forecast built from high-resolution weather models, see who else has been flying, and get there with offline maps.