Parapente Mount Cheeseman Mt Cheeseman ski arena

Cheeseman Ski Field, located in Canterbury, New Zealand, offers a frequently used paragliding site with a take-off altitude of 1525 meters. This site is known for its good thermalling conditions and potential for cross-country (XC) flights. The site record stands at 88.3 km. Before heading to Cheeseman, it's essential to contact the Canterbury Hanggliding and Paragliding Club (CHGPC) for access permissions. You must be a CHGPC member and trusted by a key holder to obtain the lockbox key for the gate. Vehicles must not obstruct the path to the ski field or top lodge, and no cars are allowed above the main carpark. Cheeseman ski field staff and users have the right of way on their road, and the ski field reserves the right to withdraw gate access if rules are not followed. Always leave the gate as you find it. GPS Coordinates: -43.156, 171.671 Wind Direction: Light winds, with take-off facing east. Minimum Pilot Rating: PG2 / HG Advanced Airspace: The airspace above Craigieburn Range is up to 9500 feet, lowering to 7500 feet at Torlesse Range when flying towards Springfield. Always check the Visual Navigation Chart (VNC). Access: From SH73, turn off to the Cheeseman Ski Field and follow the access road to the locked gate. The club has a key that allows you to drive to the ski field carpark. If you don't have the key, park at the locked gate and walk the last kilometer to the take-off. Parking: Park at the locked gate well off the access track and walk the last kilometer to take-off, or if you have the key, park in the main ski field carpark. Do not drive your vehicle higher than the main ski field carpark. Take-off: You can take off from the main carpark or from the spur approximately 100 meters south of the carpark. The initial slope from the carpark is shallow and can be turbulent. In summer, dust devils and thermals may trigger from the carpark, so avoid spending unnecessary time clipped in. The spur offers a cleaner and steeper slope for easier take-off. Landing: There are two bottom landing options. The closest is Texas Flat (LZ1), where you will likely have left a vehicle. Paragliders generally land between the track and the start of the hogs back ridge. Texas Flat has a shallow slope, making landings technical for hang gliders. LZ2 is preferred by hang gliders due to its better approach and alignment with the thermic wind or NE wind. Flying: Cheeseman provides easy access to the Craigieburn ranges, making it a good starting point for XC flying or straight-line distance flights. Pilots have flown to Otira or Springfield. Cloudbase can exceed the start of controlled airspace at 9500 feet. Initial climbs can be challenging; it's best to turn right after take-off and follow the scree slope along the access track to work initial thermals. If uncomfortable with close terrain, try finding a thermal further out from the mountain. Cheeseman is an alpine site with strong thermals and turbulence in summer. Ensure you are current and have all necessary safety equipment, including personal locator beacons. Flying with others is advisable due to the remote area. Cell phone coverage is available from the transmitter in Castle Hill village. Avoid flying in strong SW, W, or NW winds as take-off is leeside and conditions can be very turbulent. For more information, visit: [Cheeseman Ski Field - CHGPC](https://www.chgpc.org.nz/cheeseman-ski-field) [Mt Cheeseman - Parawait](https://parawait.org/sites/mt-cheeseman/) Club: Canterbury Hanggliding and Paragliding Club Regulations: Maximum altitude of 9500 feet, under the flight path for incoming flights to Christchurch International Airport. Getting there: Drive towards Arthur's Pass, then to Castle Hill Village/Mt Cheeseman ski field road. Walk a few hundred meters from the gate to the ski field base, or get a ride from an authorized person for a small fee.