Parapente Thompson Mt. Mount Thompson Lookout, BC

Thompson Lookout in Creston, BC, Canada, is an excellent and uncomplicated hang gliding (HG) and paragliding (PG) site. The launch is situated at an elevation of 2135 meters (7100 feet) above sea level, with a height difference of 1410 meters (4600 feet) to the landing zone (LZ) at 1700 feet above sea level. The site is occasionally used and offers some cross-country (XC) flying potential, particularly along the ridge heading south, although this is limited by the US border. The ridge is a continuous 5400-foot high, 45.5 km long, west-facing ridge, extending into the USA. After 9/11, cross-border flights have been restricted, but the ridge still offers good XC potential within Canada. The site is suitable for both ridge and thermal flying. To reach the launch, drive out of Creston towards Cranbrook on Highway 3. Turn right 1.6 km past the last gas station (Race Trac Gas) at Mountain Park Campground onto Canyon Lister Road. Follow this road for about 1.1 km and turn left onto Whimster Road. Continue straight onto the gravel road when Whimster Road takes a sharp right. At 1.6 km from turning onto Whimster Road, go straight at the fork and follow the main road to the top. The drive is approximately 10 km and takes about 40 minutes. A 2-WD or 4-WD vehicle is required. The launch is a large grassy slope directly below the lookout tower. The LZ is a large field near the village of Lister, visible from the launch. Avoid landing near Bountyful, as the residents are sensitive about their land. The best times to fly are from noon onwards. Be cautious of rotor in south conditions and sink in the ravine. The site is in Class 'E' airspace above 2200 feet AGL due to IFR V112. For more information, contact the British Columbia PG + HG Association: [BC Paragliding and Hang Gliding Association](http://www.bchpa.ca/contact-us.html). Local contacts for more details: - Doug Blake (HG): Tel. 250-357-2077 - Simon Mitchell (HG): Tel. 250-352-3036 - Vincent Wolf (PG): Tel. 250-428-5500 (Creston) - Jason Leus (PG): Tel. 250-357-2490 For a visual overview, check out this video: [Thompson Lookout Paragliding]( &t=1s).