Hatcher's Pass
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Location
What we look for at Hatcher's Pass
Wind direction
S (170°) → W (280°)
The wind must blow from within this arc. Direction is the same for both wings.
Ideal speed
5–10 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.
A summer-only alpine flying area above Palmer with launches for almost any wind direction. Marmot, the main launch, is SW-facing and flies best straight-in from the S/SW at 5-10 mph; too much east or west puts rotor on the face. Lake Hill/Summit Lake adds a west option (around 270), and Eldorado and Nixon's Nose cover other directions. Primarily thermal, often boosted by strong valley flow — over-development is common, so watch for building cumulus. Treeless terrain with clear launches and LZs. The Hatcher Pass road is only open roughly July to late September.
Window data compiled from arcticairwalkers.com, paraglidealaska.wordpress.com, public site guides and club resources.
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