Phillips Ridge

• Wind directionE (90°) → S (180°)
• Ideal speed5–15 mph
• Upper limits≤ 18 mph base · gusts ≤ 20

Phillips Ridge is a high-alpine drive-up launch in the Teton Range above Jackson Hole, WY (~8,366 ft MSL), and is HG/PG friendly. It holds the Wyoming state XC distance record and was the launch for a 204.6-mile North American distance flight (Nick Greece/Jon Hunt). Faces E/SE/S, so it works best with an easterly-through-southerly upslope flow; ideal arc centered on SE (~90-180 deg, core ~112-158), with marginal/cross edges into ENE (~68) and SSW (~202). Classic regional launch guidance is steady 5-15 mph straight up the slope; this is an advanced thermic XC site, not a beginner hill. Key hazard: Jackson Hole's prevailing flow is from the WEST (smooth across Teton Valley/Idaho flats, then it hits the Tetons), making this an east-facing LEESIDE launch on typical west-wind days. That means it is primarily a MIDDAY thermal site where you launch on a thermal cycle rather than steady ridge lift, and you must avoid launching when the synoptic west wind is strong (lee rotor/curl-over and convergence/over-the-back risk). Best window is midday on lighter-gradient days; mornings and the evening glass-off favor other valley sites. Treat any speed near or above ~18 mph base / ~20 mph gust as a no-go for a leeside high-altitude launch. Access is drive-up; coordinate with Jackson Hole Paragliding / the local USHPA community for current site protocol and conditions. No site-specific published numeric wind limits were found, so speed values are inferred from regional norms and the leeside character.