Mt Baldy (Sun Valley)

Mt Baldy above Sun Valley, Idaho, is a high-altitude mountain flying site with the summit at 9,150 ft MSL and the landing zone approximately 3,400 ft below at 5,700 ft MSL — excellent XC potential in the right conditions. Launch spots exist for essentially every wind direction. Competent P3 pilots with some mountain flying experience will feel comfortable in smooth conditions, but this is a site that requires advanced skills — conditions can change reasonably quickly. All pilots are expected to fly within their limitations and stay observant of the mountain airmass.

Launch & conditions

Many launches on the mountain, covering essentially every wind direction. Summit at 9,150 ft MSL.

Getting there & local rules

Up by gondola, or contact the local paragliding operation for a possible ride up. Landing: near the gondola station, with several windsocks and streamers in place.

Local rules & hazards

Advanced-skills site — competent P3 with mountain experience is the practical minimum. In northerly winds, do not land too close to the houses (rotor risk). Watch for a low power line crossing the parking area on the far southern side of the LZ.

Check conditions before you fly

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