Crested Butte Mountain

Crested Butte Mountain, in the Colorado Rockies 30 minutes north of Gunnison, is a high-altitude P4/H4 launch inside a US Forest Service Special Use permit area held by Crested Butte Mountain Resort. It is insured and regulated by the Gunnison Valley Paragliding Association and the Crested Butte Soaring Society — you cannot just show up. Every visiting pilot needs a site introduction from a local pilot, has to be current on high-altitude launch skills (with HA and TUR special-skills ratings), and must sign the CBMR waiver and site regulations before flying. Intermediate (P3/H3) pilots with at least 50 hours may fly with a P4/H4 sponsor. Non-commercial tandems (T2/T3) require prior CBMR + GVPA approval — allow 7–14 days.

Launch & conditions

P4/H4 site inside a US Forest Service Special Use permit area. High-altitude launch — pilots must be current in high-altitude launch skills with HA and TUR special-skills ratings.

Getting there & local rules

30 minutes north of Gunnison via Highway 135. Contact a local pilot BEFORE flying — a site introduction from a local is mandatory. CBMR may have temporary road closures for ski-area construction or other users.

Check conditions before you fly

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