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2000 Feet But Who's Counting?: Gliding in Teton Valley

You're already so high in the sky at Teton Valley, Idaho, you might think there's no need to get any higher. But as anyone who has tried hang gliding in Teton Valley or Jackson Hole will tell you, you can always use a little more altitude - or a lot more!

There's just no other way to get top-down spectacular views of the mountains, the valleys, and the rest of the Big Sky scenery. Actually, there may be one other way. Paragliding in Teton Valley is another option if you're looking for that once in a lifetime bird's eye view.

Gliding in Teton Valley, Idaho

Now that you're sold on the idea of gliding in Teton Valley at 2000 feet above the wild flowers, consider all of the "flight" options you have to choose from. Wherever you choose to go gliding in Teton Valley, you're guaranteed sights and experiences that you can't get by hiking or biking alone. Sure, it's nice to be immersed in nature down at ground level. But it's practically an out of body experience to go paragliding or hang gliding in Teton Valley, Idaho.

High School Butte is perfect to first-time flyers. It gets its name from the fact that its' starting point is just a short hike up from the middle school. (Shouldn't it be called Middle School Butte then?) Once at the top, it's a short glide back down, perfect for student flyers.

Phillips Ridge is one of the most popular launch sites in the Jackson Hole and Teton Valley area. It's perfect for windy days when other sites may be too dangerous. That's because this path takes you out into the front of the Teton mountains where the winds can't lash you. Phillips Ridge can also give you one of the longest flights in Idaho.

Grand Targhee Ski Area is one of the largest, and most challenging locations to glide around Teton Valley Idaho. Strong uplifting winds and a difficult landing spot make this only suitable for experienced flyers (a P3 rating is needed). But if you can handle it, the rewards are as immense as the challenge. One champion glider caught a gust that carried him over the Tetons nearly 70 miles!

Beaver Mountain takes you up nearly 10,000 feet into heaven, where the views of sunsets and sunrises are stunning. With the help of the right gust, you could glide back down from the scenic spot at 3,000 feet above the ground. As with many of the launches in the area, the terrain is rugged, so take care and don't attempt it without professional assistance.

Curtis Canyon could top the list of picturesque launching spots for gliding in the Teton Valley area. That's saying a lot! The canyon stands in front of the Teton Range, providing the perfect winds and sights for paragliding and hang gliding.

Hang Gliding in Teton Valley, Idaho

Of course, you may say that a bird's eye view is strictly for the birds. Hang gliding or paragliding in Teton Valley must be dangerous, right? Not so. Advances in the sport's technology have made it downright safe. And as with other aerial sports - like sky diving and other skyward activities that have been around for a while, hang gliding and paragliding have set instructions and training courses that everyone takes before heading out.

For more information about gliding in Teton Valley Idaho please contact us.