Paragliding Stawamus Chief First Peak Squamish, BC

Located in British Columbia, Canada, this paragliding site offers a medium-difficult experience with an approximate height of 556 meters. The site is known for its hike & fly opportunities and is regularly used, although it is rarely logged. It features some soaring and a spectacular view with an impressive cliff launch. Toplanding and speedflying are possible here, but only in light wind conditions, as this is generally a windy spot. The takeoff is from a sloped, bare granite surface facing southwest to west. Mornings typically bring predominantly northern winds, which shift to southern and southwestern winds in the afternoon. During the day, winds can be strong, ranging from 10-15 knots, but they often calm down to around 5 knots or diminish a couple of hours before dusk. There is no motorized access to the takeoff point. Instead, you will need to hike for 45-60 minutes up an established trail to the top of First Peak from the campground parking lot. The hike is steep and takes approximately one hour from the parking area. The smooth granite slab just below the summit is only suitable for light winds, as the wind can pick up quickly. During mid-summer, it is advisable to fly only in the morning or evening. There is usually an outflow in the morning, but if conditions are calm, aim to take off before 10 am. The flight is scenic, typically leading straight to the landing zone (LZ), as strong mid-valley winds can make it difficult to find alternative landing spots. For more information, you can contact local pilots or visit the West Coast Soaring Club forum: https://www.westcoastsoaringclub.com/forumnew/search.php?keywords=squamish For a visual overview, check out this video: More details about the region can be found here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stawamus_Chief