Black Park

Black Park is a soaring and thermal site in the Andean foothills east of Santiago, Chile, with a launch sitting roughly 340 meters above the landing zone. The site works on southwest winds and rewards pilots who time their session for stable ridge lift or building thermals through the afternoon. Access is by car, and because Black Park sits on private land, you need permission from the owner before flying — this isn't a walk-up site, so plan ahead rather than showing up and hoping. Once you're set up, the ridge gives a reliable SW soaring line, and top-landing back at launch is an option if the main landing zone isn't lining up. Summer brings strong wind here, and pilots should treat the local venturi effects with respect — funneled terrain can turn a manageable breeze into rotor turbulence close to the ground. Check current conditions and get local access confirmation before your first visit.

Launch & conditions

Launch sits about 340 m above the landing zone and faces southwest; cars can drive most of the way up.

Getting there & local rules

Black Park is private land — you need the owner's permission before flying, so arrange access ahead of time rather than turning up unannounced. Reached by car.

Local rules & hazards

Summer winds pick up here, so stay well clear of the venturi zones near the terrain — funneled airflow can create rotor turbulence close to the ground.

Check conditions before you fly

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