Paragliding

Soar to new heights

Mount Sima is open for paragliding during the ski season and the summer bike season. The chairlift provides easy access to the south and north launch sites – conveniently located within a few minutes from each other. The wind station, located at the top of the chair lift, monitors wind-speed and direction and is posted on our website to let you know when it’s flyable. If the wind is not favourable, pilots can enjoy a day of skiing or snowboarding or take the chairlift back down and relax in the lounge.

Pilots must fill out the Ticket & Paragliding waiver at Guest Services before their first flight.

Pilots have several options to access the chairlift:

  • Purchase a winter season pass for unlimited access to skiing and flying.
  • Purchase a winter day pass for skiing and flying. If it’s not flyable, pilots can download and come back to fly another day.
  • Purchase a Scenic/Fly pass for $22 – Pilots can access the hill during regular winter hours for the full 6 hours of lifts, for flying only (no skis/boards permitted) at a reduced rate.

Paragliders need to pick-up their ticket no later than 1 hour before closing; last upload is 30 minutes before closing; download no later than 15 minutes before closing.

Panoramic chairlift passengers must upload no later than 30 minutes before closing; start hiking down no later than 1 hour before closing; download no later than 15 minutes before closing.

The North Launch

Turn left at the top of the chair lift and you are there. The top of Dan’s Descent provides a nice smooth launch on a gradual slope. Be sure to leave enough room when setting up your wing to allow skiers to pass by. This launch is also closer to the landing zone, but there will be a headwind, so be prepared to use your speed bar to ensure you reach the landing zone. You can sometimes catch lift on one of the lower two benches or possibly along the west side of the launch. Ensure that at least 100’ is maintained above chair lift. There is no speed-flying permitted at Sima… only paragliding.

The Upper South Launch

This launch is currently under construction and is off limits till completion.

The Lower South Launch

Once you reach the lookout tower, continue along the Left-Loosey bike about 3-4 minutes until you reach the lower launch. This south-facing launch has a nice slope and lots of room for laying our your wing. However, since it is far from the landing zone, and the landing zone is not visible from the launch, it is recommended for advanced pilots only. This launch is not suitable for older wings with a lower glide ratio. Pilots need to be prepared for a possible side-slope landing in the event of being ‘dropped’. There is hope for future development of a landing zone below the south launches.

This is an advanced landing zone. The distance from the south launch is significant and is not in direct view. Older wings may have difficulty reaching the landing zone which is about a 6:1 ratio from launch. For landing, use the parking lot and Coal Lake Rd. If you are going XC, there are some fields and alternative landing sites. During summer, the landing can be very thermic and is not recommended for beginner pilots during active conditions. Get an orientation for the landing zone as it is very technical. An aircraft-approach, rather than a figure-eight approach is safer due to power lines, buildings, and traffic if landing into south wind. Don’t forget to visit the lounge after flying to celebrate.

  • Must check in at Guest Services prior to flying (no matter what season). They will inform lift operators and ski patrol you are flying.
  • Paragliders need to pick-up ticket no later then 1 hour before closing; last upload is 30 minutes before closing; download no later than 15 minutes before closing
  • All pilots must have read and signed the Paragliding Policy form with Guest Services before or at the time of the first flight for the season
  • Proof of HPAC Membership/Insurance
  • Only HPAC insurance is accepted due to insurance requirements.
  • Agree to “no fly zone” near the lifts or lines.
  • Under no circumstances are landings to be near the lifts or in the parking lot
  • Safe altitude of at least 100′ maintained above lifts and power lines when flying.
  • No speed-flying (for reasons above).
  • We suggest having a local pilot give you a site orientation and landing zone orientation as it is very technical. It’s recommended that an aircraft, rather than a figure-eight approach is best suited for LZ due to power lines, buildings, and traffic. This is not a beginner landing zone. Also the distance from the Lower south launch is significant. Older wings may have difficulty reaching the landing zone. It is about a 6:1 ratio.
  • Ensure your wing is secure before going on chairlift. Be careful of straps. Be ready to exit chairlift quickly. Lift operators will slow it down for you to disembark.
  • Float Planes do approach over Sima en route to Schwatka Lake. Contact Air Traffic Control prior to take-off at (867) 667-8426 or on Airband at 118.3 Mhz.
Visit the Fly Yukon Paragliding website for more information.