Crested Butte Mountain
COChecking for active TFRs… Verify on the FAA ↗
Location
What we look for at Crested Butte Mountain
Wind direction
W (270°) → NW (310°)
The wind must blow from within this arc. Direction is the same for both wings.
Ideal speed
5–12 mph
Ceiling · Paragliding
≤ 19 mph base · gusts ≤ 23
Top of the range for paragliding (any rating). Switch wings up top to compare. Hang gliders hold roughly 10 mph more than paragliders.
West-facing "Brown's Launch" ramp at ~11,200 ft MSL on Crested Butte Mtn, run by the Crested Butte Soaring Society (CBSS). Ideal WNW flow 270-310; usable but cross/edge 250-325. AVOID southerly components: rotor off surrounding rocks, trees and ridges builds fast and the gust factor historically increases rapidly with any south in the wind. High-altitude thin, dry air can be very active; valley winds are a serious concern and flying is discouraged once valley wind ramps up (typically afternoon) - morning/early-day is generally calmer. PG ideal ~10 mph, usable 0-20; HG usable ~3-22. Typical gust factor ~5 mph. Advanced site: H4/P4 (H3/P3 with 20+ hrs/flights this season + check-off may be allowed); PG min 5:1 glide. CBSS guide-pilot accompaniment is mandatory; chairlift (Silver Queen) or 4x4 road w/ resort permit for access.
Window data compiled from rmhpa.org, public site guides and club resources.
Next 7 days How calls are made
Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first.
Send feedback about this flying site
Sign in to contributeConditions are an automated estimate from public forecast models, not a go/no-go call. Always check the sky, talk to locals, and fly within your rating. You are responsible for your own safety.